Use of English - Word Formation
C2
Cambridge English C2 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.
The Craft of Word Formation
In the Cambridge Reading & Use of English paper, word formation is an (0) ESSENTIAL (ESSENCE) skill, because it tests whether candidates can manipulate language with precision. At C2 level, success depends on more than knowing long words: it requires an (1) .......... (AWARE) of register, collocation and nuance, as well as the ability to spot what part of speech a gap demands. A common mistake is to focus on meaning alone and ignore grammar. For instance, a sentence may require an adverb to modify a verb, yet many learners supply an adjective, which is immediately (2) .......... (ACCEPT) in exam terms. Another frequent issue is spelling: adding a suffix can trigger subtle changes, and even a minor (3) .......... (ACCURATE) may cost the mark. The best preparation is systematic. Build word families, note negative prefixes, and pay attention to how abstract nouns are typically (4) .......... (FORM) from verbs and adjectives. It also helps to read widely, since exposure to high-level texts increases your (5) .......... (FAMILIAR) with less common derivatives. Finally, remember that exam setters value (6) .......... (PRECISE): the “almost right” option is usually wrong. With regular practice, you can approach each gap with greater (7) .......... (CONFIDENT) and, crucially, develop the (8) .......... (FLEXIBLE) to switch quickly between possible forms before choosing the only one that fits perfectly.
About Use of English Word Formation — Cambridge English C2
This Cambridge English C2 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 C2 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 C2
Use of English at every level
More Cambridge English C2 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.