Reading & Use of English
1 h 15 min · 7 parts · 52 items · 40% of the overall mark. Combines language knowledge (Parts 1–4) and reading comprehension (Parts 5–7).
| Part | Name | Format | Items | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple Choice Cloze | Text with 8 gaps · 4 options each | 8 | 1 per item |
| 2 | Open Cloze | Text with 8 gaps · no options | 8 | 1 per item |
| 3 | Word Formation | Text with 8 gaps · root word given | 8 | 1 per item |
| 4 | Key Word Transformations | 6 separate sentence pairs | 6 | Up to 2 per item |
| 5 | Multiple Choice (Reading) | Long text · 6 four-option MCQs | 6 | 2 per item |
| 6 | Gapped Text | Text with 6 sentences removed | 6 | 2 per item |
| 7 | Multiple Matching | 1 long text or several short texts · 10 prompts | 10 | 1 per item |
Part 1 · Multiple Choice Cloze
Choose the word that best fits each gap.
Tests: Vocabulary, collocation, idiom, dependent prepositions.
Part 2 · Open Cloze
Think of the word that best fits each gap.
Tests: Grammar, fixed phrases, linkers, articles, prepositions.
Part 3 · Word Formation
Form the word that fits each gap from the root.
Tests: Prefixes, suffixes, word families, spelling.
Part 4 · Key Word Transformations
Complete the second sentence so it means the same, using the key word — 2 to 5 words.
Tests: Grammar control + lexical flexibility.
Part 5 · Multiple Choice (Reading)
Answer detailed comprehension questions.
Tests: Detail, opinion, attitude, tone, gist, inference, purpose.
Part 6 · Gapped Text
Choose from 7 sentences (one extra) to fill each gap.
Tests: Cohesion, coherence, text structure, reference.
Part 7 · Multiple Matching
Match prompts to the section that mentions / refers to them.
Tests: Specific information, detail, opinion, attitude — scanning.
Cambridge Assessment English
Official Cambridge samples
Go and see the real paper — question layouts, timings and instructions straight from Cambridge. Opens on cambridgeenglish.org.