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.
Trade Agreements
International trade agreements are often presented as a (0) BENEFICIAL development for all countries involved, but their real impact is far more complex. Supporters argue that such deals encourage economic growth, increase consumer choice and improve the (1) .......... (COMPETE) of domestic industries. They also claim that clearer rules reduce (2) .......... (CERTAIN) for investors, making long-term planning easier. However, critics point to the (3) .......... (EQUAL) distribution of benefits. While some sectors expand rapidly, others face factory closures and rising unemployment. In some cases, governments become too (4) .......... (DEPEND) on foreign markets, which can leave national economies exposed during periods of crisis. There are also concerns about the (5) .......... (WEAK) of environmental protections when countries try to attract international business. Another issue is public trust. Trade negotiations are often criticised for their (6) .......... (TRANSPARENT), which can create suspicion among voters. As a result, politicians are sometimes forced to defend agreements more (7) .......... (INTENSE) than expected. Whether these deals are ultimately helpful or harmful remains a matter of (8) .......... (JUDGE), depending largely on who gains and who loses.
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.
Keep practising Cambridge English C1
Use of English at every level
More Cambridge English C1 skills
Cambridge English Exam Resources
More Cambridge English exam preparation tools from our family of apps:
Made with by Shining Apps
The best Cambridge English apps ever
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.