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.
Empathetic Leadership
In recent years, many organisations have begun to recognise that technical expertise alone is not enough to guarantee effective leadership. Managers who show genuine (0) UNDERSTANDING (UNDERSTAND) of their teams often create a more positive working environment and inspire greater commitment. In contrast, a lack of empathy can lead to poor communication, low morale and growing (1) .......... (FRUSTRATE) among employees. Leaders who listen carefully are more likely to gain the trust and (2) .......... (LOYAL) of their staff. This is especially important during periods of change, when uncertainty can cause people to feel (3) .......... (SECURE) about their future. An empathetic manager can reduce this anxiety by responding calmly and speaking with (4) .......... (SENSITIVE). Such behaviour is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it reflects emotional (5) .......... (MATURE) and helps leaders make more balanced decisions. Employees are generally more willing to cooperate when they feel their concerns are taken (6) .......... (SERIOUS). As a result, teams often become more (7) .......... (PRODUCT) and less resistant to new ideas. For this reason, empathy should not be seen as an optional extra, but as an essential (8) .......... (LEAD) quality in the modern workplace.
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.