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.
Tradition Today
In an age of rapid technological change, some people assume that traditions are little more than (0) SURVIVALS from the past. Yet in many societies, traditional customs continue to play a surprisingly important role in shaping modern identity. Their value lies not only in their historical significance but also in their ability to create a sense of (1) .......... (BELONG) among people who might otherwise feel isolated. Public ceremonies, seasonal festivals and family rituals often provide a rare opportunity for (2) .......... (GENERATE) to come together. In this way, traditions can strengthen social ties and encourage mutual (3) .......... (RESPECT) between age groups. At the same time, however, not every custom deserves (4) .......... (CRITIC) acceptance. Some practices may appear harmless but can become deeply (5) .......... (DIVIDE) when they exclude certain groups or reinforce outdated attitudes. For this reason, many communities now try to strike a balance between preservation and change. They aim to remain (6) .......... (ROOT) in their cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary values. This process requires thoughtful discussion rather than blind (7) .......... (OBEY). Ultimately, the continued relevance of tradition depends on its (8) .......... (ABLE) to evolve without losing its essential meaning.
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.