Preparing for the CAE Exam Overview in part one style

Part 1 Practice and test overview

The C1 Advanced exam is designed to test a wide range of English skills, and understanding its structure is (1) ______ to performing well. The exam begins with the Reading and Use of English paper, which combines vocabulary and grammar tasks with reading comprehension. This section is (2) ______ into eight parts and lasts 90 minutes.

Following that is the Writing paper, which also takes 90 minutes and requires candidates to produce two texts. One is a compulsory essay, while the other offers a (3) ______ of formats, such as proposals or reviews. The Listening paper comes next, featuring four parts and lasting around 40 minutes. Each recording is played twice, giving candidates a fair (4) ______ to grasp the content.

The Speaking test is usually held separately and involves two candidates working in (5) ______. It lasts about 15 minutes and includes four distinct tasks. Between the written papers, candidates are typically given a short (6) ______ to rest and reset.

To succeed, it’s important to (7) ______ your time wisely and become familiar with the exam’s rhythm. With careful preparation and a clear understanding of the format, candidates can approach the test with (8) ______.

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Word Options

1. A) essential B) optional C) minor D) excessive
2. A) divided B) removed C) replaced D) extended
3. A) variety B) number C) group D) section
4. A) moment B) chance C) attempt D) effort
5. A) pairs B) teams C) groups D) sets
6. A) delay B) pause C) break D) gap
7. A) care for B) count C) waste D) manage
8. A) confidence B) confusion C) hesitation D) pressure

ANSWERS:

ANSWERS & EXPLANATION

CAE Reading Part 2 – Open Cloze (Environmental Theme)

(This is a simplified version of the test and focuses on phrasal verbs and multi-verb practice. In the actual test there is likely to be more of a variety of expressions to finish ).

Instructions: For questions 9-17, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, people rarely stop to think about the environmental impact of the small, everyday choices they make. From plastic packaging to excessive energy use, we often don’t realize how much we take our planet 9. _____ for granted.

One of the most pressing issues is how much we consume and 10. ______ away. Items that are barely used end up in landfills, where they can take centuries to decompose. It’s easier to dispose of things than to repair them, and most people don’t want to 11. ______ with the inconvenience of fixing old electronics or mending clothes.

Another growing problem is the amount of time we spend plugged in. Whether it’s the TV, computer, or phone, we’re constantly surrounded by screens. Learning to 12. _______ off from technology not only reduces electricity use but also helps us reconnect with nature.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to even acknowledge the damage being done. We are so 13. _________ about our own economic problems and 14. ___________ up in our own goals and problems that we kind of end up ignoring the problem even as it gets worse.

However, encouragingly, some people are trying to make a difference. Cities are introducing measures to 15. ___________ down on emissions and invest in green spaces. Community clean-ups have become more popular too, where volunteers gather to pick up litter from parks, beaches, and city streets.

We must all find ways to 16. _________ our personal consumption low as possible by using a multitude of method if we are to reach Net Zero by 2040 and avoid climate disaster.

Part 3

CAE Part 3: Word Formation Practice

Instructions:
For questions 17-24, read the text below. Use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in the gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

A Future for Sustainable Cities

By the year 2050, over two-thirds of the global population will be living in urban areas. Cities that fail to plan for this shift will be under serious pressure. In many cases, local governments are to take urgent action to ensure that development is both practical and 0. (ENVIRONMENT) __environmentally_sustainable.

In well-prepared cities, by the end of the next decade, major projects will have been completed to improve transport, housing, and waste systems. This kind of long-term 17.(PLAN) __________________ is crucial for success.

One of the most impressive developments will be in public transportation. Not only will it be more efficient, but it will also be far more  18 (RELY) __________________, reducing people’s dependence on private vehicles.

Technological innovation will also play a central role. The future city will be 19 ( FULL) __________________ integrated with “smart” infrastructure, allowing for real-time data monitoring and better decision-making.

However, none of this will matter without citizen engagement. Community involvement in policy-making is essential for increasing public trust and 20. (RESPONSIBLE) __________________.

In future cities, residents will be participating in local projects more actively than ever before, whether through online platforms or direct 21 (CONTRIBUTE) __________________ to neighbourhood initiatives.

Of course, there will be challenges. The process won’t be without mistakes or resistance. There may be  22 (AGREE) __________________ over how resources are allocated or which neighbourhoods receive priority.

Still, if current trends continue, many urban centres will have undergone a remarkable 23 (TRANSFORM) __________________ by 2040.

In short, the cities of the future will not be shaped solely by politicians or engineers—they will be the result of a 24 (. COLLECT) __________________ effort involving everyone.

 CAE Part 4: Key Word Transformation

Instructions:
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first. Use the key word exactly as given. You must use between 3 and 6 words, including the key word. Do not change the key word.

25

They’ll complete the project before the end of the year.
→ WILL
The project __________________ the end of the year.

26

The mayor is scheduled to open the new park tomorrow.
→ TO
The mayor __________________ the new park tomorrow.

27.

She regrets not studying environmental science at university.
→ WISH
She __________________ environmental science at university.

28

Someone cleaned the beach before we arrived.
→ HAD
We found that the beach __________________ we arrived.

29.

He’ll be giving a presentation when the visitors arrive.
→ WILL
He __________________ a presentation when the visitors arrive.

30

Only after finishing the cleanup did we realise how much waste there was.
→ DID
Not until we __________________ how much waste there was.

Answers & Explanation