Advanced key word transformations

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) / KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS

Task Type: Key Word Transformations.
Focus: Grammar and vocabulary.
Format: Each question consists of a sentence followed by a ‘key’ word and a second sentence with a gap in the middle. You have to use this key word to complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first sentence.
Number of questions: 6
How many marks are there: Up to two marks for each correct answer.
What is testing:

• idioms and fixed phrases
• phrasal verbs
• verb patterns 
• word combinations
• collocations
• linking words//inversion/conditionals/unreal past/

General Advice:

• Write between three and six words as your answer.
• Contractions like can’t or mustn’t are counted as two words.
• Take a guess if necessary! You will not lose marks.
• Remember that you cannot change the key word.

cambridge english: ADVANCED (cea) 
KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS

practice tests

•                                 Key Word Transformations 1
  •                                 Key Word Transformations 2
    •                                 Key Word Transformations 3
      •                                 Key Word Transformations 4
        •                                 Key Word Transformations 5
          •                                 Key Word Transformations 6
            •                                 Key Word Transformations 7
              •                                 Key Word Transformations 8
                •                                 Key Word Transformations 9
                  •                                 Key Word Transformations 10
                    •                                 Key Word Transformations 11
                      •                                 Key Word Transformations 12
                        •                                 Key Word Transformations 13
                          •                                 Key Word Transformations 14
                            •                                 Key Word Transformations 15
                              •                                 Key Word Transformations 16
                                •                                 Key Word Transformations 17
                                  •                                 Key Word Transformations 18
                                    •                                 Key Word Transformations 19
                                      •                                 Key Word Transformations 20
                                        •                                 

Key word transformations are probably the most identifiable task type in Cambridge exams. You’ll find them at B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency levels. With each level, the questions get longer and more challenging.

When it comes to CAE key word transformations, you’ll need to know your C1 grammar and vocabulary like the palm of your hand. To help, we’ve created a book of 230 C1 key word transformations. The book follows 25 units based on commonly tested grammar and vocabulary in the exam.

Find some free samples of the transformations from this book:

• Advanced (CAE) Transformations – Inversion
• Advanced (CAE) Transformations – Fixed Expressions

The book is available as a digital key word transformation exercises pdf here on Breakout English or grab a physical paperback copy on Amazon.

GET 230 C1 ADVANCED (CAE) KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS:

Why are CAE key word transformations important?

It’s only one activity in the entire exam, but it’s arguably the most important activity because it’s worth so many points. Transformations are marked as part of the Use of English paper. This paper consists of Parts 2, 3 and 4 of the Reading and Use of English section of the exam. Even though Part 1 looks like a Use of English task, it’s counted as part of your reading mark.

• Use of English Part 2 – Open cloze – 8 points (1 point per question)
• Use of English Part 3 – Word formation – 8 points (1 point per question)
• Use of English Part 4 – Key word transformations – 12 points (2 points per question)

With only 28 total points available in Cambridge Advanced Use of English, the key word transformations C1 task is worth 43% of your Use of English mark. Compared to other sections of the exam where there are more tasks with more questions and therefore more points available, key word transformations carry the highest per question weight of any task in the entire exam.

C1 key word transformations can be daunting, even for highly proficient users of English. The issue isn’t always the language as much as the task itself. You have to identify the language that is being transformed and then use the right grammar and vocabulary to complete the 2nd sentence. You also have to be extra careful about not making silly mistakes because one error with a preposition, plural or verb pattern can cost you a point or two.

Here’s our step-by-step process for how to do key word transformations. This post includes a downloadable copy of the process to use in class to help train students.

Grammar and Vocabulary for CAE key word transformations

If you’ve studied a C1 level course or seen a C1 level course book, there are always a similar set of grammatical structures and lexical sets that you are taught and expected to know. To pass the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, you’ll have to have complete control of basic grammar and good control of complex grammar.

For our 230 C1 key word transformations, we’ve highlighted 17 grammar areas and 6 vocabulary areas which are commonly tested at this level. In the real exam, you’ll never know exactly what you’ll be tested on, but if you have mastered all of these areas, there won’t be much that could take you by surprise.

Grammar

• Past tenses
• Future forms
• Modal verbs
• Comparison
• Verb patterns
• Reported speech
• Passive
• Reporting passive
• Causative
• Real conditionals
• Unreal conditionals
• Wishes and regrets
• Relative clauses
• Participle clauses
• Cleft sentences
• Inversion – Available as a free download!
• Determiners

Vocabulary

• Linking words and expressions
• Fixed expressions – Available as a free download!
• Phrasal verbs
• Dependent prepositions
• Frequently confused words
• Idioms                                                                        

How to prepare for C1 key word transformations

This is undeniably one of the trickiest parts of the exam, so here are Breakout English’s top tips to prepare for C1 key word transformations.

1. Familiarise yourself with the exam format – Knowing the format of the exam will give you a sense of what to expect and help you approach the C1 key word transformations task with confidence.
2. Study grammar and vocabulary – Make sure you have a strong grasp of grammar and vocabulary commonly tested in the C1 level exam. This will help you identify the language being transformed and complete the 2nd sentence correctly.
3. Practice, practice, practice – Practise as many key word transformation exercises as you can, using official CAE materials or resources such as our book of 230 CAE key word transformations.
4. Pay attention to details – C1 key word transformations require a lot of attention to detail, so make sure to read the questions carefully, and double-check your answers for silly mistakes. You don’t want to lose a point because of a missing preposition, misspelling or incorrect plural noun!
5. Time management – Key word transformations are worth a large portion of your Use of English mark, so make sure to allocate enough time for this task during the exam. If you time the rest of the exam well, you can dedicate about 15 minutes to the 6 transformations questions.
6. Stay calm – Remember that the key word transformations task is just one part of the exam and try to stay calm and focused during the exam.
7. Don’t get stuck – It can be easy to obsess over one question, using up valuable time. If you find yourself in this situation, move on to the other questions, or even to another part of the exam. You can come back later and try again.

By following these tips, you’ll be well prepared to tackle the CAE key word transformations task and perform to the best of your ability.

Get 230 Advanced (CAE) Key Word Transformations

We’ve created these CAE transformations with the same format and style that you’ll find in the official exam. The book follows 25 units, including a wide variety of grammar and vocabulary topics for you to improve your English and your exam skills.

Ideal for self-study or photocopiable for teachers in the classroom.

Includes:

• Introduction.
• A step-by-step guide on how to do C1 key word transformations.
• 17 tasks based on C1 level grammar.
• 6 tasks based on C1 level vocabulary.
• Answer key.

With the digital download, you receive a key word transformation exercises pdf with all the same content of the paperback book in a pdf format.

These materials have been designed to represent the same quality and standards as authentic exam materials.

Proceeds from paid materials go towards helping Breakout English continue to offer the majority of our quality materials 100% free and accessible to teachers and learners of English. Thank you for your support!

How to do the rephrasing:

In this part of the exam the candidate must read a sentence and then complete a second sentence with 3-6 words so that it has the same meaning as the first sentence. It is a text of grammar and vocabulary. Sometimes the sentence can be completed with only 2 words or more that 6 but these answers are not valid as the task stated 3-6 words.

Fill in the gaps in the second sentence with 3-6 words. You must use the word given in exactly the same form. Each question is worth 2 points, one based on vocabulary and the other on grammar.

Lexical: phrasal verbs, word patterns, fixed expressions, contextual vocabulary etc.

Structural: passive, relative clauses, reported speech, quantifiers, connectors, tense changes, gerund versus infinitive, modal verbs, inversions (rarely), conditionals etc

E.g.     We must take as much advantage as possible of any opportunity to speak English.

MOST     We have …………………………………………………………………… any opportunity to speak English.

Answer: make the most of

Try the Deleting Technique: You take the sentence transformation, for example:

It´s clear that you´ll have a great time regardless of where you go out on Saturday night.

MATTER     I´m sure that you´ll have a great time ________ you go out on Saturday night.

YOU MUST CONSIDER WHAT IS THE SAME IN BOTH SENTENCES AND THEN DELETE WHAT IS THE SAME IN THE FIRST SENTENCE

It´s clear that you´ll have a great time regardless of where you go out on Saturday night.

MATTER     I´m sure that you´ll have a great time ________ you go out on Saturday night.

YOU ARE LEFT WITH REGARDLESS OF WHERE AND ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS THINK OF THE SYNONYM FOR IT.

Answer: no matter where

Follow up activity: You should write down the answers and the common vocabulary. These are almost always synonyms. Write them in a list like…

give up = quit

put up with = tolerate

so that = in order

no matter = regardless of

as long as = provided that

wish = if only

it is high time = it is about time

instead of = rather than

Use our list of 110 EXPRESSIONS FOR KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS FOR ADVANCED (C1)

Patterns and predicting types of answers:

Sentence transformations are quite predictable and if you do enough practice you will see that patterns emerge and that the grammar structures repeat. It is very normal to find passives, impersonal passives, causative passives, relative clauses, reported speech, quantifiers, connectors, tense changes, gerund versus infinitive, modal verbs, inversions, conditionals and unreal tenses like wish or if only. For example (see below) if the rephrasing includes WISH, the answer they are looking for is likely to include IF ONLY.

AVAILABLE IN PDF HERE

Now, let´s put it into practice (answers in PDF):

1. “You should try to blend in as much as you can” Laura´s brother told her.

UNNOTICED       Laura´s brother advised her _______________ as much as possible.

1. The local sports authority wants us to never quit at any cost.

URGED                 The local sports authority has _______________ up.

1. The thieves of the painting escaped without punishment because of a technicality.

AWAY                   On account of a technicality the thieves _______________ the painting.

1. I feel that you have really let me down this time, I can´t help it.

AVOID                  I can´t _______________ you this time

1. We were considering moving abroad, but we decided not to bother at the last minute.

OPTED                  We were thinking about emigrating, but we _______________ the last minute.

1. Being different from others might be a good thing at times.

OUT                       It is sometimes _______________ from the crowd.

1. I failed the exam as I hadn’t gone over the vocabulary enough.

HAD                       If only _______________, I would have passed the exam.

1. “You could have told me that you went to the party in the end” John told his best mate.

UP                          John said to his best mate that he should have _______________ at the party.

1. Before starting your own business, a lot of market research should be done.

UP                          When you want _______________ business, you need to do extensive market research beforehand.

1. The business shutting down caused a lot of unemployment as a consequence.

WINDING            The _______________ business increased the amount of unemployment.

1. Your stress levels will decrease as you learn to disconnect.

UNWIND             There will be a decrease in stress levels _______________

1. Until they learn the ropes, the job can be overwhelming at first.

TOUGH                 Some people find _______________ until they learn the basics.

1. I usually need to talk nicely to someone, before they decide if they like me or not.

CHAT                     People don’t know if they like me until I have had the _______________.

1. If I could get away with it, I would consider having an affair

ON                         I would be _______________ wife, as long as she didn’t find out.

1. My parent don’t mind if I sign up to an extracurricular activity or not.

DIFFERENCE       It _______________ join an extracurricular activity or not to my parents.

1. If you shout at your kids, which is unnecessary, it won’t make the blind bit of difference.

OFF                        In the event of _______________, they won’t learn from it.

1. I think you owe your friends an apology, you should keep in touch better

CONTACT            I think you should say sorry to your friends for _______________.

1. It is an unlikely scenario that we will both end up studying at the same university, as I don’t want to.

RELUCTANT        I would _______________ same university as you, so it is very improbable.

1. “Why did you split up with Sarah, she was really good for you” Agnes asked Michael.

BREAK                   Agnes wanted to _______________ with Sarah.

1. I couldn’t believe it when I coincidently saw Samuel in the street

BUMP                   It came as a _______________ Samuel in the street.

1. The consistent humorous events in the film made me laugh a lot.

CRACKING          I couldn’t help _______________ funny moments in the film.

1. You have let me down and what is worse, you have let yourself down.

DISAPPOINTED I feel really _______________ is worse is you have let yourself down.

1. The bully wasn’t just teasing his classmate. He was being violent too.

ONLY                     Not _______________ fun of his classmate, He was violent too.

1. It isn’t worth talking to people if they are only going to be rude to you.

IMPOLITE            If I were you, I wouldn’t talk _______________ to you.

1. He clearly forgot to collect you last night, he left you waiting for so long.

PICK                       It is clear that he didn’t _______________ night as you were waiting for a long time.

1. It is worth gathering every once in a while to catch up.

TOGETHER          I am keen to _______________ now and then to catch up.

1. Do you ever have to spend time with people you don’t get on with?

OUT                       Must _______________ anyone you don´t like very much?

1. It might be a good idea to keep on studying another year before doing the exam.

US                          It could _______________ studying for another year before going in for the exam.

1. I´ll carry on studying providing that you give me a hand.

LONG                    _______________ help me out, I´ll carry on with my studies.

1. Please inform your tutor is you have gone off your course.

LIKING                  Let your tutor _______________ your course.

1. I could really do with cutting down on the amount of time I spend looking at screens.

REALLY                  I should _______________ time I have.

1. He was in such a fluster that he ended up fainting and fell on the floor.

OUT                       As he was so flustered _______________ on the floor.

1. Has anyone really important to you ever passed away?

MATTERS             Has a _______________ you ever died.

1. It might be a sound plan to sell the electrical appliances to raise some cash.

GET                        It could be a good idea _______________ electrical appliances to get some extra money in.

1. Do you mind working out in the mornings?

TO                          Do you have _______________ exercise?

1. As soon as I agreed to go to the party, my wife asked me to look after the baby, so I couldn´t go.

CARE                     The moment I said that I would go to the party my wife asked _______________ the baby.

1. My boss suggested that I shouldn´t stand for disrespectful clients.

UP          My boss told _______________ disrespectful clients.

1. As long as you stand up for me in the meeting, I don´t really care.

NO         As long as you protect me in the meeting, it _______________ me.

1. It remains to be seen if they will face up to what they have done.

TELL       Only time _______________ fault for what they have done.

1. This problem doesn´t call for immediate action until further notice.

REQUIRED           Immediate action _______________ further notice.

1. I put his failure down to a lack of study time.

ONLY     He _______________ he didn´t study enough.

1. Doing this job is just a means to an end, as I am off to university soon and I need to save up some cash.

GAP       As I am going to university soon this job is just a stop _______________ money.

1. As the restaurant had run out of meat, I had to choose the fish.

BUT                        As the restaurant had no meat left, I had _______________ for the fish.

1. Would you rather I told you or find out from a stranger?

BETTER                 Would _______________ you or find out from a stranger?

1. If I could brush up on my English pronunciation, I´d be glad.

IMPROVE            I´d be over the moon _______________ English pronunciation.

1. You should never drop out of university midway through a course.

ACCOUNTS         On _______________ out of university midway through a course.

1. I can hardly ever figure out how to solve maths equations.

SELDOM               I can _______________ way to solve maths equations.

1. If it is the same to you, I´d rather get on with the project as to not fall behind.

CATCH                  I´d rather _______________ so I want to get started as soon as possible if you don´t mind.

PDF HERE WITH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

is affected by environment is unclear

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Created by

ana_padilla6Teacher

C1 Advanced Key Word Transformations

Terms in this set (118)

is affected by environment is unclear

Scientists don’t know to what extent environment affects our intelligence.
UNCLEAR
How far our intelligence _________ to scientists.

struck me that Jessica

Jessica is looking well these days, I suddenly thought.
STRUCK
It _________ is looking well these days.

to take care of makes

Some people are happy when they have a pet to look after.
TAKE
Having a pet __________ some people very happy.

strong likelihood that the concert

It’s highly likely that they will cancel the concert.
STRONG
There’s a _________ will be cancelled.

came as a complete surprise

We were incredibly surprised when we found the letter.
SURPRISE
The discovery of the letter _________ to us.

he was prevented from playing

He didn’t play in the game because he’d hurt his back.
PREVENTED
As a result of his back injury ___________________ in the game.

you attend the meeting doesn’t

You can come to the meeting or not — I don’t really mind.
ATTEND
Whether or not __________ really matter to me.

take back what I said

I didn’t mean all those things about your sister — I’m sorry.
TAKE
I’m sorry, I ___________________ about your sister.

cut down on the amount

Nick said we should reduce the amount of salt in our food.
CUT
We ___________________ of salt in our food, according to Nick.

never imagine him refusing

He’ll never refuse free tickets, I’m sure.
IMAGINE
I could ______ free tickets.

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