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.
Empathy in Leadership
In recent years, many organisations have begun to recognise that effective leadership depends on more than technical skill and quick (0) DECISION-MAKING. Managers who show genuine concern for their teams often create a more positive working environment and inspire greater loyalty. In contrast, a lack of empathy can lead to poor communication, low morale and growing (1) .......... (FRUSTRATE) among employees. Empathetic leaders are usually better at resolving conflict because they listen (2) .......... (ATTENTIVE) to different points of view before taking action. This helps them make fairer judgments and avoid (3) .......... (NECESSITY) tension within a team. It also encourages staff to speak more (4) .......... (OPEN) about problems, which can prevent small issues from becoming serious. Another advantage is that empathy improves (5) .......... (COLLABORATE). When employees feel understood, they are more willing to share ideas and support one another. Over time, this can strengthen the whole organisation and increase its (6) .......... (RESIST) to pressure or change. For this reason, leadership training should not focus (7) .......... (EXCLUSIVE) on strategy and performance, but also on emotional awareness. In the long run, a leader's (8) .......... (ABLE) to understand others may be just as valuable as any formal qualification.
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.