Use of English - Word Formation
C1
Cambridge English C1 Exam
For questions 1-8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals to form a word that fits in the gap. Use only one word in each gap. Click the gaps to type your answer.
Ethical Leadership
In modern organisations, ethical leadership is often praised in theory but proves far more difficult in (0) PRACTICE. Leaders are expected to make decisions that are both effective and morally sound, yet the (1) .......... (REAL) of business life often creates conflicts between principle and profit. In times of crisis, employees look for honesty and clear direction, but even well-meaning managers may struggle with the (2) .......... (PRESS) to deliver quick results. One poor decision can seriously damage a company’s public (3) .......... (REPUTE), especially in an age when information spreads instantly online. Ethical leaders must also show (4) .......... (CONSIST) between what they say and what they do, since any gap between the two can lead to distrust. Another difficulty is that rules are not always enough; many situations require careful (5) .......... (JUDGE) rather than simple obedience. In addition, leaders may face (6) .......... (RESIST) from colleagues who see ethical behaviour as an obstacle to success. For this reason, genuine leadership depends not only on authority but also on emotional (7) .......... (MATURE) and self-awareness. Without these qualities, even talented executives may act (8) .......... (RESPONSIBLE) when under pressure.
About Use of English Word Formation — Cambridge English C1
This Cambridge English C1 Use of English Word Formation exercise gives you a text with 8 gaps. Use the word in capitals at the end of each line to form a new word that fits the gap.
You may need to add prefixes or suffixes, change a word into a noun, adjective, adverb or verb, make a negative, or adjust the spelling. It tests both your knowledge of word families and the grammar of the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are in this C1 Word Formation exercise?
There are 8 gaps, each with a base word in capitals that you must change to fit.
What does Word Formation test?
Prefixes, suffixes and word families — turning a root word into the correct noun, adjective, adverb, verb or negative form.
How can I improve at Word Formation?
First decide which part of speech the gap needs, then form it — and always check for negatives (un-, in-, dis-) and plurals, which are easy to miss.
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What to do
For each gap you get one word in capitals which you have to change so the grammar and meaning fit in the sentence. Here you have to show how well you know word families and if you can change words by using prefixes and suffixes.
You need to read the whole text to get the writer’s opinion on the topic. That’s because sometimes a negative prefix will be required. There is usually at least one word requiring a negative prefix, so look out for these.
In the exam always write something. You never know, you might be lucky even if you are not sure of the answer!
Strategy
- Read the title and the whole text so that you understand what it is about.
- Look at each sentence in detail.
- Think about what kind of word you need and whether you need a negative prefix or a suffix.
- Read the sentence again to check whether you need a plural form.
- Check your spelling, as it must be correct.