A. What's in the Use of English paper?
- Part 1: text with 12 gaps and 4 multiple-choice options for each gap - 1 mark for each correct answer
- Part 2: open cloze - text with 12 gaps to be completed with one appropriate word.
- Part 3: Word Formation - text with 10 gaps and the stems of the missing words provided. You change the word to fit the gap.
- Part 4: Key Word Transformations - - 8 separate sentences, each with one sentence and a second sentence with a gap that must be completed using 2-5 words, one of which is the key word given. The key word cannot be transformed in any way.
Time: 45 minutes
B. Useful Tips
- In the exam, check that your spelling is correct. Spelling must be correct all through the paper to get your mark.
- Although you can't use a dictionary in the exam, use one when preparing. A good English to English dictionary will help you find new collocations and new ways of using familiar words.
- When you come across a new word, write down all the forms: verb / noun / adjective / adverb. Remember that one word can have more than one meaning and uses. Sometimes, a word of opposite meaning fits the gap - e.g. useless instead of useful / impolite instead of polite
- Create lists of Word Formation / Collocations / Phrasal Verbs in a special notebook or in a file on your computer
- Sometimes there may be more than one possible answers for a gap. Only write one on the answer sheet. If you write two and both are correct, you will get your mark. But if you write two and one is wrong, you won't get your mark.
- In Parts 1 / 2 / 3 read through the text first to get a pretty good idea of what it is about before providing an answer.
- In Part 2 (Open Cloze) do the easy gaps first.
- Don't forget to read Parts 1 / 2 / 3 through with the missing words added to make sure they make sense.
SOURCE: The Official Top Tips for FCE - University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
