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 20
- Key Word Transformations 19
- Key Word Transformations 18
- Key Word Transformations 17
- Key Word Transformations 16
- Key Word Transformations 15
- Key Word Transformations 14
- Key Word Transformations 13
- Key Word Transformations 12
- Key Word Transformations 11
- Key Word Transformations 10
- Key Word Transformations 9
- Key Word Transformations 8
- Key Word Transformations 7
- Key Word Transformations 6
- Key Word Transformations 5
- Key Word Transformations 4
- Key Word Transformations 3
- Key Word Transformations 2
by Adam Skimins 7th March 2022
- Article navigation:
- 40 Key Word Transformation: Exercises
- C1 Advanced (CAE) Use of English Part 4: Tips & Strategy
The important thing in key word transformations is that you keep the meaning the same – EXACTLY the same. So it’s important that you read through the first sentence and your second sentence to ensure you have kept the meaning the same.
Look at the key word. What type of word is it? What usually follows it, e.g. an infinitive, a preposition, or could it be part of a phrasal verb?- Think about the other words that need to change in the new word order, e.g. an adjective may become a noun or vice versa.
- Your answer may include words or expressions not used in the first sentence, but these must express exactly the same idea.
- Remember that contracted words count as two words, e.g. won’t = will not.
Look at the key word. What type of word is it? What usually follows it, e.g. an infinitive, a preposition, or could it be part of a phrasal verb?Because of the scoring system, it’s possible to get 50% in this section without getting any of the questions 100% correct. So it’s worth answering every question! Even incomplete answers can get points
post sponsored by: Zintego
40 Key Word Transformation: Exercises
Complete the sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and six words, including the word given.
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days.
Brian had an interest in (INTEREST) North American history in his school days.
Darius soon recovered after the operation on his knee and was able to rejoin the team.
After the operation on his knee, Darius (MADE) and was able to rejoin the team.
made a fast recovery
You must include the word given (MADE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I always hated pasta when I was a child but now I cook it regularly.
I (USE) pasta when I was a child but now I cook it regularly.
didn’t use to likedid not use to like
You must include the word given (USE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
It was a mistake not to write the telephone number down.
I should (POINT) writing down the telephone number.
have made a point of
You must include the word given (POINT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
If Marc hadn´t taken up politics, he might have become a famous art historian.
If Marc hadn’t taken up politics, he might have (NAME) himself as an art historian.
made a name for
You must include the word given (NAME)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
This holiday is withing our price range, provided we don’t go to the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre.
We (AFFORD) as we avoid the expensive restaurants in the tourist centre.
can afford this holiday as long
You must include the word given (AFFORD)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Yesterday I informed my boss in writing that I would be leaving the company.
I (NOTICE) to my boss yesterday.
handed in my notice
You must include the word given (NOTICE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Complete the sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and six words, including the word given.
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days.
Brian had an interest in (INTEREST) North American history in his school days.
It’s very unlikely that martin will win the 100 metres, as he’s out of training.
Martin has almost (CHANCE) the 100 metres, as he’s out of training.
no chance of winning
You must include the word given (CHANCE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Most of the children ignored what the teacher had told them.
Few of the children (NOTICE) what the teacher had told them.
took notice of
You must include the word given (NOTICE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
The company is unable to guarantee an allocated car-parking space to all employees.
The company’s employees shouldn´t (COUNT) allocated a car-parking space.
count on being
You must include the word given (COUNT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
He no longer thinks he can find a job before the end of the year.
He has given (HOPE) a job before the end of the year.
up hope of finding
You must include the word given (HOPE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I’m sure Jemma is going to become a famous model one day.
I think it’s only (MATTER) Jemma becomes a famous model.
a matter of time before
You must include the word given (MATTER)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I think learning to use a typewriter is a waste of time.
I can´t (POINT) how to use a typewriter.
see the point in learningsee the point of learning
You must include the word given (POINT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Complete the sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and six words, including the word given.
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days.
Brian had an interest in (INTEREST) North American history in his school days.
The company has a good reputation in the local area.
The company (HIGHLY) of in the local area.
is highly spoken
You must include the word given (HIGHLY)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Nadia’s friend arrived just as she was about to leave the restaurant.
Nadia was (POINT) the restaurant when her friend arrived.
on the point of leaving
You must include the word given (POINT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I don’t expect the company to make a profit this year, given the economic climate.
Given the economic climate, (SURPRISED) the company made a profit this year.
i would be surprised if
You must include the word given (SURPRISED)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Barbara´s parents were certain that she would be a great tennis player.
Barbara’s parents were (DOUBT) that she would be a great tennis player.
in no doubt
You must include the word given (DOUBT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
My grandfather had completely forgotten that he phoned me last night.
My grandfather didn’t (RECOLLECTION) phoning me last night.
have any recollection of
You must include the word given (RECOLLECTION)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Pay claims must be submitted before the end of the month.
You have (PUT) your pay claims before the end of the month.
to put in
You must include the word given (PUT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Complete the sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and six words, including the word given.
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days.
Brian had an interest in (INTEREST) North American history in his school days.
Given that he has no experience, will Glyn be able to do this job?
Will Glyn’s (AFFECT) ability to do this job?
lack of experience affect his
You must include the word given (AFFECT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
At no time did we think that Pedro might be planning to leave the country.
It (OCCURED) that Pedro might be planning to leave the country.
never occured to ushad never occured to us
You must include the word given (OCCURED)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I’m sure we went the wrong way at the last junction.
We must (TAKEN) at the junction.
have taken the wrong turninghave taken the wrong turn
You must include the word given (TAKEN)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
We wanted to continue our mountain trek but the weather was too bad.
We (LIKE) on with our mountain trek but the weather was too bad.
would like to have carriedwould have liked to carry
You must include the word given (LIKE)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
No changes will be made to this project.
This project will (AHEAD) to plan.
go ahead according
You must include the word given (AHEAD)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Simon really ought to make a decision about his future.
It’s high time Simon (MIND) about his future.
made up his mind
You must include the word given (MIND)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Complete the sentence so that it has a similar meaning. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and six words, including the word given.
Brian was really interested in North American history in his school days.
Brian had an interest in (INTEREST) North American history in his school days.
Phoebe was surprised to be offered a place on the course.
The offer of a place on the course (CAME) Phoebe.
came as a surprise to
You must include the word given (CAME)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I can´t deny that I was embarrassed to be given the award.
There’s (NO) embarrassment at being given the award.
no denying my
You must include the word given (NO)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
I think Anita must have gone on a diet recently because she’s quite slim now.
It looks as (HAS) dieting because she’s quite slim now.
if anita has been
You must include the word given (HAS)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Delia said that she would no longer tolerate her colleagues being rude.
‘I am not willing (PUT) from my colleagues any longer, ‘ said Delia.
to put up with any rudeness
You must include the word given (PUT)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
It’s difficult to know what my reaction would have been in that situation.
I’m not (HOW) in that situation.
sure how i would have reacted
You must include the word given (HOW)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
Do you mind if I come over to see you later?
Do you (OBJECTION) coming over to see you later?
have any objection to me
You must include the word given (OBJECTION)You must use beetwen 3 and 6 words.
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C1 Advanced (CAE) Use of English Part 4: Tips & Strategy
C1 Advanced (CAE) Use of English: Part 4 question type here is called key word transformation.
You have to complete the second sentence, using the key word.
Strategy
- Read the sentence carefully and think about its exact meaning.
- Check your tenses – if the first sentence is in the past tense, the second should be, too!
- Contractions (e.g. haven’t) count as two words.
- Try to keep the same meaning – If the first sentence says ‘Tom said…’ then don’t write ‘He said…’ in the second sentence. (Write ‘Tom said’.)
- Write between two and six words, including the word given.
Tips
Find things that are the same in both sentences and delete them. That helps you to focus on what you actually need to be transforming.
Make absolutely sure that the two sentences mean the same thing. For example, if the sentence to transform has names in it, the answer will have to have them too.
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CAE C1 Advanced 50 Key Word Transformations.Vol 2
Date:
09 ноября 2020
Downloads:
13 x
This ebook contain 50 Key Word Transformation exercises . Using the «key word», students are expected to complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the original sentence. The Key Word Transformation is part 4 of the use of English paper. In order to pass this task , students must be able to recognize what they are being tested on. For example, they need to know when they have to use the passive voice, a causative verb, modals of speculation, a conditional tense,etc. The exercises in these ebooks test the most common grammatical structures that students need to know in order to pass part 4 of the Use of English paper of the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) examination.
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For questions 0-70, complete the second sentence so that it has
a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do
not change the word given. You must use between three and six
words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).
Exampleo It’s true that the company might go into liquidation if it’s
not careful.DANGER It’s true that the company might go into liquidation if
it’s not careful. 1 The moment I shouted he ran awaySOONER No ……………………………………. he ran
away. 2 I’m sure that it was the sound of the rain that disturbed
me. MUST It …………………………………… of the rain
that disturbed me. 3 I managed to finish all the homework before
the deadline’SUCCEEDED I … . …… the homework before the deadline’ 4 I
took the only course open to me and changed my job.DID What I… .. ………………………. , which was the
only course open to me. 5 They don’t allow people who arrive late
at the opera house in until the interval.ARE People who arrive late at the opera house …… until the
interval. 6 My application for the job was turned down because I
didn’t have the right qualifications.GROUNDS My application for the job was turned down
………………………………….. didn’t have the right
qualifications. 7 It’s impossible that you saw John last night —
he’s in the USA! HAVE John’s in the USA, so ….. him last night. 8
I am confident that he will be successful in his career. CHANCES I
am confident ………………………………………………
in his career. 9 If you feel stressed, breathing slowly should calm
you down. MAKE Breathing slowly ….. .. … …. if you feel
stressed.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
Cambridge EnglishAdvanced Certificate in Advanced English
(CAE)Use of English — Part 4 : Key word transformation 70 exercises
+ ANSWERSLEADERTypewritten textSOONER HAD I SHOUTED THAN
LEADERTypewritten textMUST HAVE BEEN THE SOUND
LEADERTypewritten textSUCCEEDED IN FINISHING ALL
LEADERTypewritten textDID WAS CHANGE MY JOB
LEADERTypewritten textARE NOT ALLOWED IN
LEADERTypewritten textON THE GROUNDS THAT
LEADERTypewritten textYOU CAN’T HAVE SEEN
LEADERTypewritten textSHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL CALMER
LEADERTypewritten textOF / ABOUT HIS CHANCES OF SUCCESS
LEADERTypewritten textI
-
10 I am rea lly bad at remembering people’s names when I meet
them. MEMORY ………………………….
………………….. people’s names when I meet them. 11 He lost
his job because he was inefficient. GROUNDS He lost his job …
……………………………….. his inefficiency. 12 I’m
sorry that I didn’t help him. REGRET I
…………………………………………….. him.13 I couldn’t go away for the weekend because I didn’t have
enough money. PREVENTED I was .. ………… for the weekend by
lack of money.14 Jane was advised to work harder by her Maths teacher
RECOMMENDED The Maths teacher …harder. 15 This was Peter’s
biggest challenge to date. FACED Peter ……………………….
challenge before. 16 I wish I had tried harder when I was at
school. REGRET I really …………………………… when I
was at school! 17 I wish people wouldn’t talk during the
performance it makes me really uptight’ NERVES It really
…………………… people talk during a performance. 18 He is
so ambitious — he’s determined that he’ll be successful in the
company. MARK He is determined …………………. in the
company. 19 Can you suggest a way of turning dreams into reality
for ambitious people) TRUE Can you suggest how .for ambitious
people. 20 I don’t want to take part in the project. RATHER .
……………………….. part in the project.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten text HAVE A REALLY BAD MEMORY FOR
LEADERTypewritten textON THE GROUNDS OF
LEADERTypewritten textREGRET NOT HELPING
LEADERTypewritten textPREVENTED FROM GOING AWAY
LEADERTypewritten textRECOMMENDED THAT JANE SHOULD STUDY
LEADERTypewritten textHAD NOT / HAD NEVER FACED SUCH A BIG / A
BIGGERLEADERTypewritten textREGRET NO TRYING HARDER
LEADERTypewritten textGETS ON MY NERVES WHEN
LEADERTypewritten textTO MAKE HIS MARK
LEADERTypewritten textTO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
LEADERTypewritten text’D/ WOULD RATHER NOT TAKE
LEADERTypewritten textI
LEADERTypewritten textI
-
21 I don’t have any free time, so I can’t come to the theatre
with you. WOULD If I come to the theatre with you. 22 This milk is
bad — it smells terrible! OFFThis milk. it smells terrible!
23 What the archaeologists discovered when they opened the tomb
was amazing. MADE The
………………………………………………….. when
they opened the tomb was amazing . 24 People are more interested in
history than you might expect. LESS You
…………………………………. interested in history. 25
For me, imagining what life must have been like then is just not
possible . QUITE I find it what life must have been like then. 26
It’s difficult for a poorly performing company to make a profit.
TURN If a company is performing poorly, it’s difficult
…………………………………. one . 27 The failure of
the company was incredibly disappointing. BITTERLY
……………………………… the failure of the company. 28
The number of people travelling through the airport was highest in
August. REACHED The number of people travelling through the airport
……………………………… in August. 29 There has been a
huge increase in tourism this year. GROWN Tourism
…………………………….. this year. 30 The number of
visitors to the island has fallen dramatically. STEEP There
……………………………. the number of visitors to the
island. 31 We have maintained the level of visitors to the museum
this year. STABLE The number of visitors to the museum
………………………. this year.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten textHAD SOME FREE TIME , I WOULD
LEADERTypewritten text HAS GONE OFF
LEADERTypewritten textDISCOVERY (THAT/WHICH) THE ARCHAEOLOGISTS
MADELEADERTypewritten textWOULD/MIGHT EXPECT PEOPLE TO BE LESS
LEADERTypewritten textQUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO IMAGINE
LEADERTypewritten textREACHED A PEAK
LEADERTypewritten textHAS GROWN SUBSTANCIALLY
LEADERTypewritten textHAS BEEN A STEEP FALL IN
LEADERTypewritten textHAS REMAINED STABLE
LEADERTypewritten textTO TURN IT INTO A PROFITABLE
LEADERTypewritten textWAS BITTERLY DISAPOINTED BY
LEADERTypewritten textI
-
32 The shares index fell slightly before recovering to its
previous level. BRIEF There ……………………………. the
shares index before it recovered to its previous level. 33 Although
many travel companies had financial difficulties last year, they
seem to have recovered now. TREND Al though many travel companies
had financial difficulties last year, it seems as though
……………………………… now. 34 Some people have been
saying what a good move emigrating would be, ARGUED It emigrating
would be a good move. 35 The size of the population is unlikely to
change much in the near future. STABLEThe size of the populationin the near future. 36 I think Joe
should serious ly reconsider his plans: said the careers advisor,
RECOMMENDED The careers advisor.his plans. 37 It doesn’t matter if
you think you know the subject well, you must rev ise for the exam.
HOWEVER You must revise for the exam,.you know the subject. 38 It
was only after telling everyone that it was his birthday that John
got lots of cards. HAVING John only got lots of cards it was his
birthday. 39 However hard she tries, she still manages to offend
people. MATTER It she tries, she still manages to offend people. 40
Whatever film you want to see will be good for us. MIND We. film
you want. 41 Before he put forward the proposal, I’m sure he took
the comments of local residents on board. WILL Before he put
forward the proposal, I’m sure he
…………………………………… of local residents on
board.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten textWAS A BRIEF DIP IN
LEADERTypewritten textHAS BEEN ARGUED THAT
LEADERTypewritten textIS LIKELY/ EXPECTED TO REMAIN STABLE
LEADERTypewritten textRECOMMENDED THAT JOE SHOULD SERIOUSLY
RECONSIDERLEADERTypewritten textHOWEVER WELL YOU THINK
LEADERTypewritten textAFTER HAVING TOLD EVERYONE THAT
LEADERTypewritten textDOESN’T MATTER HOW HARD
LEADERTypewritten textDONT MIND SEEING WHATEVER
LEADERTypewritten textWILL HAVE TAKEN THE COMMENTS
LEADERTypewritten textTHE/THIS TREND HAS BEEN REVERSED
-
42 I expect I’ll leave home before I’m twenty. TIME I expect I
will ……………………….. I’m twenty. 43 I know that I’ll
find the right job soon. MATTER I know … ………………..
before I find the right job. 44 They confidently expect the
broadcast to go ahead at 6 p.m. SURE
They……………………………………………. go ahead
at 6pm. 45 I’m sure he’ ll get a promotion very soon. LONG I’m sure
it … . … he gets a promotion. 46 I have decided to make a
definite plan for my future career. AM……………………………………………….. to
remember the answer. 51 I made the decision to go to university
after all. DECIDED What …………….. to university after all.
52 However hard I look, up to now I haven’t been able to find a
job. ALTHOUGH I haven’t been able to find a job ..looking really
hard.What … is make a definite plan for my future career. 47
Staying another night would have meant paying more. IF I would have
had to.another night. 48 People will always want entertainment,
providing that they have the time to enjoy it. LONG There will
always be a need for entertainment,.. the time to enjoy it. 49
Scientists have made an unexpected discovery in the treatment of
cancer. BREAKTHROUGH There ………………. in the treatment of
cancer. 50 I thought very hard but cou ldn’t remember the answer.
RACKEDwww.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten textLEAVE HOME BY THE TIME
LEADERTypewritten textIT IS A MATTER OF TIME
LEADERTypewritten textARE SURE THE BROADCAST WILL
LEADERTypewritten textWON’T BE LONG BEFORE
LEADERTypewritten textI AM GOING TO DO
LEADERTypewritten textPAY MORE IF I HAD STAYED
LEADERTypewritten textAS LONG AS PEOPLE HAVE
LEADERTypewritten textHAS BEEN AN UNEXPECTED BREAKTHROUGH
LEADERTypewritten textRACKED MY BRAINS
LEADERTypewritten text DECIDED TO DO WAS GO
LEADERTypewritten textALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN
LEADERTypewritten text I
LEADERTypewritten textI
-
53 I don’t think my future job prospects are very good, which is
very worrying. ABOUT ………………………….. my future job
prospects. 54 Originally, the course was to include music, but that
changed. HAVE Originally, the course .. but that changed. 55 The
only thing I didn’t love about the concert was the price. FROM I
loved everything …………………………………… the
price. 56 Even if you think you know the person well, you must work
at the relationship. HOWEVER You must work at the relationship.
know the person. 57 It was only when he started to work hard that
Peter got good results. AFTER Peter got good
results……………………………………………. work
hard. 58 I planned to visit her on Friday but I heard she’d gone on
holiday. WOULD
………………………………………………. on Friday
but I heard she’d gone on holiday. 59 They were supposed to publish
my book next month but it’s been delayed. DUE Although my book.
………….. next month, it’s been delayed. 60 I’d planned a
meeting with her at the weekend but she called it off. GOING I
…………………………………… at the weekend but sehe
called it off. 61 The irate customer refused to speak to anyone
other than the store manager.ON The irate customer .. to the store manager and no one else.
62 I was just about to call you to tell you about the rearranged
meeting.POINT I was ………………………………. you to tell
you about the rearranged meeting. 63 My sister was totally shocked
when she won the lottery.CAME Winning the lottery
………………………………….. my sister.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten textAM (VERY) WORRIED ABOUT
LEADERTypewritten textWAS TO HAVE INCLUDED MUSIC
LEADERTypewritten textABOUT THE CONCERT APART FROM
LEADERTypewritten textHOWEVER WELL YOU THINK YOU
LEADERTypewritten textWOULD HAVE VISITED HER
LEADERTypewritten textWAS DUE TO BE PUBLISHED
LEADERTypewritten textWAS GOING TO MEET HER
LEADERTypewritten textINSISTED ON SPEAKING
LEADERTypewritten textON THE POINT OF CALLING
LEADERTypewritten textCAME AS A TOTAL SHOCK TO
LEADERTypewritten textONLY AFTER STARTING TO/ HAVING STARTED
TO/HE HAD STARTED TOLEADERTypewritten textI
LEADERTypewritten textI
-
64 Joe originally intended to drive but the bad weather caused
him to change his mind.WAS Joe’s ………………………………….. drive but
the bad weather caused him to change his mind. 65 It was heavy snow
on the line that delayed the train.HELD The train would have arrived on time if it
………………………………. heavy snow on the line. 66
She realised she’d lost her keys the moment she arrived home.SOONER No .. . ………………. she realised she’d lost her
keys. 67 He clearly felt very strongly about the situation, which
took me by surprise.STRENGTH It ………………………………….. about the
situation that took me by surprise. 68 Brian was interested in
North American history in his school days.INTEREST Brian . North American history in his school days.
69 When it comes to population, Beijings is much bigger than
Aucklands. POPULATED Beijing is than Auckland.70 The manager should think about experience when hiring new
staff. CONSIDERATION The manager should when hiring new staff.www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com
LEADERTypewritten textORIGINAL INTENTION WAS TO
LEADERTypewritten textHAD NOT BEEN HELD UP BY
LEADERTypewritten textSOONER HAD SHE ARRIVED HOME THAN
LEADERTypewritten textWAS THE STRENGTH OF HIS FEELING/
FEELINGSLEADERTypewritten textHAD AN INTEREST IN
LEADERTypewritten textMUCH MORE POPULATED
LEADERTypewritten textTAKE EXPERIENCE INTO CONSIDERATION
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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