Cambridge English: Proficiency

You will read an authentic text, which has 8 gaps. For each gap you have to use a given 'stem' word to make the correct form of the missing word. In the exam you transfer your answer to a special answer sheet. Part 3 tests your knowledge of the way words are formed in English, including the addition of any number of prefixes and suffixes, the formation of compound words, 'internal changes' and the spelling rules associated with all these changes.

1. Forming verbs and nouns
The following exercises include practice in nouns which need a plural form:
Online Exercise | Print Version

2. Forming adjectives and adverbs
These exercises look at adjectives and adverbs with a negative /opposite meaning:
Online Exercise | Print Version

3. Less common prefixes
These exercises include rarer prefixes such as 'extra-', 'co-' and 'ill-':
Online Exercise | Print Version

4. Forming compound words
These exercises test compound nouns and adjectives, some of which may be hyphenated. Some compound words are formed from verbs via phrasal verbs. E.g. bring/bring up/upbringing:
Online Exercise | Print Version

Don't leave the answer sheet blank for any question. At this level for the majority of answers you will have to make more than one change to the stem word. Write your answer in capital letters on the answer sheet. Double-check your spelling as it must be correct in this section. Don't forget to watch out for negatives, plurals, unusual prefixes and compounds, or whether an internal spelling change is required.

Keep a vocabulary record to record all the different forms of a word. When reading a text in English try to divide long words into their stem/root, prefix and suffix. When doing test exercises on your own you should always use a dictionary to check the spelling of your answer is correct. Go to our FREE CPE Word Bank for a different word formation exercise every day. This way you can build your knowledge slowly and systematically. If you want extra practice with similar exercises then consider signing up for CPE Exam Success Plus!

Try an online Use of English Part 3 (Word Formation) test in the 'Practice Tests' area.

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