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.
Digital Memory
Many people worry that the (0) DEPENDENCE on digital devices is changing the way we remember things. In the past, people often relied on their own minds to store facts, dates and directions. Today, however, the (1) .......... (AVAILABLE) of search engines and cloud storage means that information is never far away. This constant access can be extremely (2) .......... (CONVENIENCE), but some researchers argue that it may reduce our motivation to remember details for ourselves. Instead of memorising information, we may simply become more (3) .......... (RELY) on external tools. As a result, some experts fear a gradual (4) .......... (WEAK) of certain memory skills. On the other hand, technology may also bring clear (5) .......... (BENEFIT) to learning. Digital calendars, reminders and note-taking apps can improve (6) .......... (ORGANISE) and help people manage complex tasks more effectively. In that sense, technology does not always replace memory; it can support it in highly (7) .......... (PRACTICE) ways. The real challenge is to use these tools with (8) .......... (WISE), so that convenience does not turn into overdependence.
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.