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.
Keeping Traditions Alive
In many countries, the (0) PRESERVATION of traditional customs is no longer seen as something opposed to modern life. In fact, many communities now make a conscious (1) .......... (DECIDE) to protect local festivals, crafts and ceremonies from gradual decline. One reason for this is the growing (2) .......... (AWARE) that traditions help people maintain a sense of identity in a rapidly changing world. Schools, museums and local organisations often play an important role in this process. Their work is not only (3) .......... (EDUCATE) but also deeply social, as it encourages younger generations to value what earlier ones created. In some places, the (4) .......... (REVIVE) of old practices has even attracted tourism and investment. However, successful preservation depends on more than public events. It also requires the (5) .......... (INVOLVE) of families, who pass on stories, recipes and beliefs in everyday life. At the same time, traditions must remain (6) .......... (ADAPT) enough to survive in modern societies. If customs become too rigid, they may lose their (7) .......... (RELEVANT) to younger people. For this reason, a balance between respect for the past and (8) .......... (INNOVATE) is often essential.
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.