Key word transformation most common transformations

• Task Type:                    Key Word Transformations

• Focus:                           Lexical and grammatical

• • Format:                             Six separate items, each with a lead-in sentence and a gapped second
                                                sentence to be completed in two to five words, one of which is a given
                                               ‘key word’

• Number of questions: 6

• How many marks are there: Up to two marks for each correct answer

What is testing:

• modal verbs and semi-modal verbы
• phrasal verbs
• verb patterns
• direct speach to reported speach
• active voice to passive voice
• linking words/do and make/idioms/conditionals/unreal past

General Advice

1. Write between two and five words as your answer
2. Contractions like can’t or mustn’t are counted as two words
3. Take a guess if necessary! You will not loose marks
4. Remember that you cannot change the key word

cambridge english first certificate (fce) test 
Key Word Transformations
 

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

• There i

  s no p

  oint in

  doing

  It is n

  ot wort

  h doin

  g

  Its no

  use d

  oing

  Its no

  good

  doing

  Do no

  t bothe

  r to do

  /doing

  It happ

  ened fo

  r the se

  cond y

  ear ru

  nning.

  It happ

  ened fo

  r the se

  cond y

  ear in

  succes

  sion.

  It happ

  ened fo

  r the se

  cond y

  ear in

  a row.

  He is a

  bout to

  do it.

  He is o

  n the ve

  rge of

  doing

  it.

  He is o

  n the p

  oint of

  doing

  it.

  FCE — CAE

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  HOW TO USE THIS EBOOK. PRESS Ctrl + F to open up the search box
  in your PDF reader or editor. Type in the word or expression you
  want to find. Note: You will find that the subjects and objects in
  the examples have been substituted for: X = 1st Subject or 1st
  Object (someone/something)Y = 2nd Subject or Object
  (someone/something)Z = 3rd Subject or object.
  (someone/something)

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  1- Someone will always remember X / doing X.

  Someone will never forget X / doing X.

  2- I think doing X is a waste of time. There is no point in
  doing X. There isnt any point in doing X.

  It is not worth doing X. Its no use doing X.

  Its no good doing X. Do not bother to do /doing X

  3- Its possible that X did Y.

  X might have done Y.

  4- X continued to do Y. X carried on doing Y.

  5- There isnt much chance of X doing Y. X isnt likely to do Y.
  There is little prospect of x doing Y.

  6- X is not going to do Y anymore/ X is going to stop doing Y. X
  is going to give up doing Y.

  7- Im sure X was very Y. X must have been very Y. 8- X really
  ought to do Y.

  It is high time for X to do Y / It is high time (that) X did Y.
  It is about time for X to do Y / It is about time (that) X did
  Y.

  9- X wishes he had done Y / X wishes he had not done Y X regrets
  not having done Y / X regrets having done Y

  10- Although / even though it was X. Despite / In spite of it
  being X.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  11- He doesnt like either of them. He likes neither of them. 12-
  X should think about Y. X should take Y into consideration. 13- X
  does not stop Y from doing A. X is ineffective at stopping Y from
  doing A. 14- X wants to learn / start learning Y.

  X want to start doing Y. X wants to take up Y / doing Y 15- X
  became quite Y. X was overcome with/by Y. 16- X went somewhere on
  his/her own. X went somewhere by himself/herself. X went somewhere
  alone. 17- X saw something and did Y immediately. X saw something
  and did Y without hesitation. 18- Its the most X Ive ever seen. I
  have never seen such an X / I have never seen a more X. 19- Do you
  think you could give me a hand to do Y? Would you mind giving me a
  hand to do Y? I would appreciate it if you could give me a hand to
  do Y. I would appreciate it if you gave me a hand to do Y. I would
  appreciate your giving me a hand to do Y. I would appreciate you
  giving me a hand to do Y. 20- X is not as good at A as Y. Y is
  better at A than X. 21- X wants to do Y. X is interested in doing
  Y. X has an interest in doing Y

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  22- X will only do A if Y does B. X will not do A unless Y does
  B. X will do A as long as / so long as Y does B. X will do A
  provided (that) Y does B 23- X can do A provided (that) he doesnt
  do B. X can do A providing (that) he doesnt do B.

  X can do A , but only if he doesnt do B X can do A on the
  condition (that) he doesnt do B. X can do A as long as he doesnt do
  B. 24- X demanded to do Y. X insisted on doing Y. 25- X should
  consider A before doing B. X should take into account A before
  doing B. 26- X was led to believe Y… X was under the impression
  (that) Y… X was given the impression (that) Y 27- Feel free to do
  Y. Do not hesitate to do Y. 28- When you decide to do Y. When you
  make up your mind to do Y. When you come to the decision to do Y
  When you make the decision to do Y 29- X would never have guessed
  that …

  X would never have though that Little did X know that… 30- Do
  you mind if I do Y? Do you have any objection to me/my doing Y? 31-
  Not as many people do X as when Y. There are a lot fewer people
  doing X than when Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  32- X was shocked/ surprised by Y.

  X was taken aback by Y. 33- X knows / knew nothing about Y X is
  / was in the dark about Y. 34- X happened for the second year
  running. X happened for the second year in succession. X happened
  for the second year in a row. 35- X must never do A without doing Y
  first. On no account must X do A without doing Y first. X shouldnt
  do A without doing Y first. 36- X is not very likely to be given Y.
  X has little chance of being given Y. 37- If you dont do X you
  shouldnt do Y. Dont do Y unless you do X. 38- He dismantled X to
  see what the problem was. He took X apart to see what the problem
  was. 39- X is rumored to be (doing) Y. Rumor has it that X is
  (doing) Y. Word spread that X is (doing) Y. Word got out/around
  that X is (doing) Y 40- X is about to do Y. X is on the verge of
  doing Y. X is on the point of doing Y. 41- X does not intend to do
  Y. X has no intention of doing Y. X would not dream of doing Y. X
  is not planning to do Y. X is not planning on doing Y

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  42- X has a good reputation for Y. X is highly regarded for Y. X
  is held in high repute for Y. 43- X was surprised to be given Y.
  Being given Y came as a surprise to X. Much to his surprise, X was
  given Y. 44- X is improving. X is changing for the better. X is
  making an improvement. X is getting better. X is looking up. 45- X
  is going to get worse. X is going to change for the worse. X is
  going to worsen / deteriorate. 46- X was very disappointed when Y
  decided to leave. Ys decision to leave, came as a disappointment to
  X. Much to Xs disappointment, Y decided to leave. To Xs great
  disappointment, Y decided to leave. 47- Much to Xs
  surprise/amazement/annoyance , Y happened.

  To Xs great surprise/amazement/annoyance , Y happened. Y came as
  a surprise/amazement/annoyance to X.

  48- X is almost certain to get Y. X has every chance of getting
  Y. There is no doubt that X will get Y. X is bound to get Y. 49- If
  X had had more time he would have done Y. If X had not been short
  on/of time he would have done Y. 50- X did not mention Y. X made no
  reference to Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  51- X didnt arrive on time. X failed to arrive on time. 52- X
  never thought of doing Y. It never occurred to Y to do Y. The
  thought of doing Y never crossed Xs mind. 53- Despite all his
  efforts X could not do Y. No matter how hard X tried , he could not
  do Y. However hard X tried, he could not do Y. 54- X is going to
  become Y one day. It is only a matter of time before X becomes Y.
  55- X will not tolerate Y. X will not put up with Y. 56- X can do Y
  provided (that) Z happens. As long as Z happens X can do Y. 57- X
  couldnt do / wasnt able to do Y because Z. Z made it impossible for
  X to do Y. 58- X said that he/she would not do Y. X refused to do
  Y. 59- There is no way X will do Y. X has no intention of doing Y.
  X has no thought of doing Y. X wouldnt dream of doing Y. 60- X
  needs to make a decision about Y . X needs to make up his/her mind
  about Y. 61- X claims must be submitted before Y. You needs to put
  in your x claims before Y. 62- There are various ways of avoiding
  Y.

  Y can be prevented in various ways.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  63- X thinks learning Y is a waste of time. X cant see the point
  in/of learning Y. X sees no point in learning Y 64- Y should be
  turned off at all times during Z. Under no circumstances should Y
  be kept turned on during Z. Whatever happens, Y should never be
  kept turned on during Z.

  65- If X doesnt do Y on time , his Z will be rejected. Failure
  to do Y on time will result in Z being rejected. 66- X soon
  recovered after Y. X made a quick/fast/speedy/rapid recovery after
  Y. 67- X has a good reputation in the city. X is highly regarded in
  the city. X is highly thought of in the city. X is highly spoken of
  in the city. 68- There are no fewer than X. There are as many as X.
  69- X ignored what Y said.

  X took no notice of what Y said. X didnt take any notice of what
  Y said. X didnt heed what Y said. X paid no heed to what Y said. X
  didnt pay any heed to what Y said.

  70- X was certain that Y would be OK. X was in no doubt that Y
  would be OK. 71- X had completely forgotten Y / that he did Y. X
  didnt have any recollection of Y/ of doing Y. X had no recollection
  of Y/ of doing Y. 72- If X hadnt done Y, he might have become a
  famous Z. If X hadnt done Y , he might have made a name for himself
  as a Z

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  73- X said Y was his fault. X took the blame / took
  responsibility for Y. 74- Nobody ever told X that Y. At no point
  was X told that Y. 75- X didnt know he had to do Y. X didnt know he
  was meant to do Y. X didnt know he was supposed to do Y. 76- X
  tried really hard , but never got Y. No matter how hard he tried ,
  he never got Y. However hard he tried, he never got Y. 77- X said Y
  , but Im sure he is wrong. X said Y, but Im sure hes made a
  mistake. X said Y, but he must have made a mistake. 78- You should
  do Y so that you are sure to succeed. Its worth doing Y just in
  case you dont succeed. 79- X likes to look/ looking after Y. X
  likes to take/taking care of Y. X enjoys taking care of Y. 80- It
  is possible that X didnt do Y. X might not have done Y. 81- X didnt
  manage to win Y. X didnt succeed in winning Y. 82- It is difficult
  to accept Y.

  It is difficult to get used to Y It is difficult to come to
  terms with Y. 83- X will be punctual today. X will be on time
  today.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  84- X was not used to Y. Y was something X was not accustomed
  to. 85- Some people really struggle with X. Some people find X /
  doing X very difficult/hard. 86- X found it difficult to think of
  the right answer. X found it hard to come up with the right answer.
  87- X shows that Y has risen sharply today. According to X there
  has been a dramatic rise in Y today. 88- The flight leaves New York
  at 2pm. The flight takes off from New York at 2pm. 89- There was a
  fault with X and the Y didnt work. The Y whose X was faulty/ had a
  fault. 90- Y was too expensive for X to buy. X didnt have enough
  money to buy Y. 91- Y is easier than Z. Y is not as hard as Z. 92-
  We have not arranged a date for X yet. A date for X has not been
  arranged yet. 93- Ill call you later tonight, X promised. X
  promised that he would call later that night. 94- X did Y so that
  he would be ready for the race. X did Y in order to be ready for
  the race. X did Y so as to be ready for the race. 95- X had to
  finish Y before he went out. X had to stay in until he had finished
  Y. 96- X had not expected Y to be so good. Y was better than X had
  expected.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  97- Do you know the way to the restaurant? X asked Y. X asked Y
  if she knew where the restaurant was. 98- X decided to advertise Y
  on the internet. X decided to put an ad / advert/ advertisement for
  Y on the internet. 99- X did Y a month ago. It has been a month
  since X did Y. It is a month since X did Y.

  100- The meeting was cancel because Y. The meeting was called
  off because Y.

  101- X is interested in learning Y. X would like to learn Y.

  102- Did you go to the tournament on Saturday? David asked me.
  David wanted to know if I had been to the tournament on
  Saturday.

  103- X never takes any notice of Y. X never pays any attention
  to Y. 104- X is really excited about Y / doing Y. X is looking
  forward to Y/ doing Y. X cant wait to do Y 105- They are said to be
  worried about Y. There is said to be concern among them about Y.
  106- I dont think they should abolish Y. They shouldnt do away with
  Y.

  107- X has to reduce the number of Ys he eats. X has to cut down
  on the number of Ys he eats. 108- X will let you stay with them. X
  will put you up. X will take you in.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  109- X says he prefers to do something on his own.

  X says hed rather not do something with other people.

  110- X said he had not done X X denied having done X. X denied
  doing X 111- It took X five minutes to do Y.

  X took five minutes to do Y. X spent five minutes doing Y.

  112- X will take place after Y. Y will be followed by X. X will
  be held after Y 113- X did Y although he had never done Z. In spite
  of X never having done Z he did Y. 114- It is thought that X cannot
  do Y.

  X is thought to be unable to do Y.

  115- X needs doing. X needs to get done. 116- There is no point
  in doing X. Its no use doing X. Its no good doing X. Its not worth
  doing X 117- X cried his eyes out immediately when he was told Y. X
  burst into tears as soon as he was told Y. X broke in/into tears as
  soon as he was told Y. X broke out in/into tears as soon as he was
  told Y. 118- X managed to persuade Y to do Z. X managed to talk Y
  into Z / into doing Z.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  119- X managed to persuade Y no to do Z. X managed to talk Y out
  of Z / out of doing Z. 120- X does Y now and again. X does Y
  (every) now and then X does Y (every) once in a while X does Y from
  time to time 121- Nearly every X there is Y Hardly an X passes
  without there being a Y 122- Nobody can foresee how X will react.
  It remains to be seen how X will react. 123- X said he objected to
  Y. X raised /voiced objections to Y. X had objections to Y. 124- X
  owed Y 200. X was 200 in debt to Y. 125- X owed 200 to Y. X was in
  debt to Y for 200.

  126- X was easy for to do Y. X had no difficulty (in) doing Y X
  didnt have any difficulty (in) doing Y. X didnt find it hard to do
  Y. 127- X arrived at X just in time to do Z. X made (it to) X just
  in time to do Z. 128- X made Y go to bed early because she had to
  do Z X would have let Y stay up late if she hadnt had to do Z 129-
  X escaped in a white Mercedes X made his getaway in a white
  Mercedes

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  130- X said it was Ys fault that Z happened. X placed the blame
  on Y for Z having happened. X laid/pin/put/place the blame on Y for
  Z . Y got the blame for Z happening. Y came in for the blame of
  131- X finds it very satisfying doing Y.

  X gets a lot of satisfaction from doing Y.

  132- It doesnt seem to me as if Y is Z. As far as I can tell Y
  is not Z. 133- X maintains that he kept his word that he would not
  tell anyone Xs

  secret. X denies breaking his promise to keep Xs secret.

  134- X studied history because he/she wanted to become a Y. X
  studied history with a view to becoming a Y.

  X studied history with a eye to becoming a Y.

  135- It wasnt necessary for X to do Y but he did it. X neednt
  have done Y.

  136- Perhaps X did Y and Z happened. X may have done Y and Z
  happened

  137- X is certain Y did Z. Y must have done Z 136. X didnt feel
  like doing Y that night.

  X was not in the mood for doing Y that night. X was not in the
  mood to do Y that night.

  137. X was offended by what Y said. X took exception to what Y
  said. X took offence at what Y said.

  138. X thinks it would be better to get on as quickly as
  possible. X would prefer us TO MAKE AS MUCH progress as we can.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  139. X wishes to express his concern over Y.

  X feels he must say HOW WORRIED HE IS BY Y.

  140. X was astonished by Y as he hadn’t thought he would win a
  Z. Not HAVING EXPECTED a Z, X was completely astonished by Y.

  141. X found it difficult to get used to the fact that he’d lost
  his job. X found it hard TO COME TO TERMS WITH the fact that he’d
  lost his job.

  142. X was upset that Y didn’t support him in the argument. X
  was upset Y DIDN’T BACK HIM UP in the argument.

  143. X is sure that Y can solve the problems. X is sure that Y
  can COME UP WITH A SOLUTION to the problems.

  144. They say X is Y. X is reputed/said to be Y

  145. Doing Y is my number one priority. It is of the utmost
  importance that I do Y.

  146. X had to try for months before he got Y. Only after trying
  for months did X get Y. Only after having tried for months did X
  get Y.

  147. X rarely does Y. Rarely does X do Y.

  148. As soon as X did Y somebody’s phone rang. No sooner had X
  done Y than somebodys phone rang.

  149. X has never read such a boring book before. Never before
  has X read such a boring book.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  150. This door must not be left open at any time.

  At no time must this door be left open.

  151. X only caught Y when his wife came. Only when his wife
  came, did X catch Y.

  152. X is not revealed until the very last page. Not until the
  very last page , is X revealed.

  153. X would never do Y again. Never again would X do Y.

  154. X had hardly done Y when the phone rang. Hardly had X done
  Y when the phone rang

  155. X had not enjoyed himself so much since Y. Not since Y, had
  X enjoyed himself so much..

  156. X had never been to such a fantastic Y. Never had John been
  to such a fantastic Y.

  157. X in no way wants to be associated with Y. In no way does X
  want to be associated with Y.

  158. X had scarcely finished Y when Z happened. Scarcely had X
  finished Y when Z happened.

  159. X seldom does Y so early . Seldom does X do Y so early.

  160. X rarely appreciates Y . Rarely does X appreciate Y. X
  hardly ever appreciates Y.

  161. X would understand Y only later . Only later would X
  understand Y..

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  162. X had seen such Y nowhere before .

  Nowhere before had X seen such Y.

  163. X understood little about the situation. Little did X
  understand about the situation…

  164. X always gives the impression that hes very confident. X
  always comes across as being very confident.

  165. X didnt know that x were so expensive X had no idea that x
  cost so much.

  166. Dont get depressed because of X. Dont let X get you
  down.

  167. X is recovering in hospital. X is making a recovery in
  hospital. 168. X must take as much advantage as possible of Y

  X must make the most of Y

  169. X doesnt mind where we go. It doesnt matter to X where we
  go. Its all the same to X where we go.

  170. There is no more X available in Y. Y has run out of X.

  171. X doesnt like Y very much. X is not very keen on Y. 172. X
  needed Y yesterday but he couldnt get it. X could have done with Y
  yesterday.

  173. Im sure she will do a good job. She is bound to do a good
  job. There is no doubt in my mind that she will do a good job.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  174. X had an argument with Y and are not talking to each other
  anymore. X fell out with Y. 175. X caught a cold.

  X came down with a cold. X went down with a cold. 176. X was
  affected by Y X felt the effects of Y 177. X has been too busy to
  do Y

  X has not got round to doing Y yet. 178. X didnt know how to do
  Y , so he made a mistake. Not knowing how to do Y , X made a
  mistake. 179. I think there are going to be X. In my opinion ,
  there are going to be X. In my estimation, there are going to be X.
  If you ask me, there are going to be X.

  180. Having finished X, John went home.

  After finishing X , John went home. After he had finished X ,
  John went home. 181. I dont believe that Y will do Z. It is my
  belief that Y won`t do Z. I have/get the impression that Y do wont
  Z. I have/get a feeling that Y wont do Z. I have/get the feeling
  that Y wont do Z. There is no reason to believe that Y will do Z.
  182. While X was walking down the street , he saw Y. While walking
  down the street , X saw Y. When X was walking down the street , he
  saw Y. It was while X was walking down the street that he saw
  Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  183. X disagreed with Y, so he resigned

  xxx Xs resignation resulted from his disagreement with Y Xs
  disagreement with Y resulted in his resignation. Xs disagreement
  with Y led to his resignation.

  184. X couldnt understand what had happened.

  X couldnt work out what had happened X couldnt put the finger on
  what had happened X couldnt piece together what had happened.

  185. X is becoming quite well known as a Y X is making a name
  for himself/herself as a Y

  186. X made his mark on Y X had an important effect on Y

  187. When it comes to X As far as X is concerned

  188. You need to have a lot of X to do Y Y calls for a lot of
  X

  189. He didnt do X until Y happened. It was only when Y happened
  that he did X

  190. It seems unbelievable that X is Y when it is so Z X is so Z
  that it is hard to believe that it is Y.

  191. X could do with Y X could use a Y X could benefit from Y Y
  would do X good

  192. Y is impossible for X. Y is out of the question for X.
  There is no question for X of Its out of the question for X to do Y
  There is no question of doing Y There is no question of X doing
  Y

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  193. X watched Y while Z did

  X guarded Y while z did X kept an eye on Y while Z did

  194. X assumed Y was coming X took for granted Y was coming X
  took it as read that Y was coming

  195. X let Y know what was going on. X put Y in the picture
  about what was going on. X brought Y up to speed about/with what
  was going on. X filled Y in on what was going on.

  196. The company struggled to replace X The company struggle to
  fill the vacancy/post created/left by X

  197. X headed to/for the door X made his/her way to the
  door.

  198. X was faced with some difficulties. X came up against some
  difficulties. X met with some difficulties.

  199. X found Y by chance. X came across Y. X bumped into Y.

  200. The meeting has been postponed until next week. The meeting
  has been put off until next week.

  201. X found it difficult to understand Y. X struggled to
  understand Y. X found it hard to get/come to grips with Y. X found
  it difficult to get his head around Y.

  202- X did not realise how important Y was. X failed to realise
  the importance of Y

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  203- X was raised by his parents.

  X was brought up by his parents.

  204- X is investigating allegations of Y. X is looking into
  allegations of Y.

  205- X is considering ways of cutting costs. X is looking at
  ways of cutting costs.

  206- I will consider it and give you an answer next week. I will
  think it over and give you an answer next week.

  207- X cant ride a bike, so he certainly cant ride a motorcycle.
  X cant ride a bike, much less a motorcycle. X cant ride a bike,
  even less a motorcycle. X cant ride a bike, still less a
  motorcycle. X cant ride a bike, let alone a motorcycle.

  208- X tends to do Y X is in the habit of doing X X has the
  habit of doing X

  209- When X first met him, he thought he was very polite. When X
  first met him, He struck him as (being) very polite. When X first
  met him X got/had the impression that he was very

  vvv polite.

  210- X said he was sorry for doing Y. X said he regretted doing
  Y X apologized for doing Y.

  211- X doesnt care if Y does it or not. It makes no difference
  to X whether/if Y does it or not. Its all the same to X whether /if
  Y does it or not. It is of no consequence to X whether /if Y does
  it or not.

  212- X impressed Y. X made a good impression on Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  213- X can alter depending on the weather.

  X is subject to alteration depending on the weather. X is
  subject to change depending on the weather.

  214- Hopefully, this will help us to understand what happened.
  Hopefully, this will shed/ cast/ throw some light on what
  happened.

  215- X corrected Y on a number of points which Y had
  misunderstood. X set/put Y right on a number of points which Y had
  misunderstood. X set/put Y straight on a number of points which Y
  had misunderstood.

  216- X concluded that there was nothing else he could do. X came
  to the conclusion that there was nothing else he could do. X
  reached the conclusion that there was nothing else he could do. X
  drew the conclusion that there was nothing else he could do.

  217- X is so + adjective (e.g. powerful, beautiful, interesting,
  etc.) that Such is Xs + noun (e.g. power, beauty, interest, etc.)
  that

  218- In the end X got home on Tuesday. X ended up getting home
  on Tuesday. Eventually, X got home on Tuesday. X finally got home
  on Tuesday.

  219- X always does Y when Z happens. X has a tendency to do Y
  when Z happens.

  220- X says that Y was not as good as he expected. X says that Y
  didnt live up to his expectations. X says that Y fell short of his
  expectations.

  221- X is a much better mechanic than Y. Y is nowhere near as
  good as a mechanic as X.

  222- Only X prevented Y. Had it not been for X , Y would have
  happened.

  223- One day something will happen. Its only a matter of time
  before something happens.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  224- X treats Y as a brother rather than as a friend

  X treats Y not so much as a friend as a brother.

  225- X didnt do it because he didnt want Y to happen. X didnt do
  it for fear of Y happening.

  226- Since X is inevitable, we need to learn to do Y. As X is
  inevitable, we need to learn to do Y. Given that X is inevitable,
  we need to learn to do Y. Because X is inevitable, we need to learn
  to do Y.

  227- X will need to do Y every day if he wants to succeed. Only
  by doing Y every day will X succeed.

  228- X is thought to have caused Y. Y is thought to have been
  brought about by X. X is thought to have given rise to Y.

  229- X has been thinking about Y all day. Y has been on Xs mind
  all day.

  230- X wishes Y would stop criticizing his work. X wishes Y
  would stop finding fault with his work.

  231- Its impossible to say who will win. There is no (way of)
  telling who will win.

  232- More than 100 people came to the meeting. More than 100
  people show up at/for the meeting. More than 100 people turn up
  at/for the meeting. More than 100 people attended the meeting. Over
  a 100 people came to the meeting.

  233- X wants to do Y as far as I know. To (the best of) my
  knowledge, x wants to do Y. From what I understand, X wants to do
  Y. My understanding is that X wants to do Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  234- X has very little Y.

  X hardly has any Y.

  235- Women outnumbered men by two to one at the concert. There
  were twice as many women as men at the concert.

  236- X says that he cant promise that you will succeed. X says
  that he cant guarantee that you will succeed.

  237- X wants to do Y but has not found the time to do it yet. X
  wants to do Y but has not got (a)round to doing it yet.

  238- The traffic jam delayed X for several hours. The traffic
  jam held X up for several hours.

  239- X told Y not to go there because it was snowing. X warned Y
  against/ off going there because it was snowing. X warned Y not to
  go there because it was snowing.

  240- The cost of X has come down.

  The has been a drop in the cost of X. The has been a fall in the
  cost of X.

  241- X was bitterly disappointed he was not given Y.

  To Xs bitter disappointment, he was not given Y.

  242- Even if it is hard, we want to do it. Hard though it may
  be, we want to do it.

  243- X started doing Y seriously. X got down to doing Y. 243. X
  was forced to do Y. X had no choice but to do Y. 244. X replaced Y
  after the meeting.

  X took the place of Y after the meeting. X substituted for Y
  after the meeting.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  245. X has a feeling of great respect for Ys dedication.

  X admires Y for his dedication. X looks up to Y for his
  dedication.

  246. X finds Y really annoying. Y gets on Xs nerves.

  247. The building is going to be destroyed. The building is
  going to be knocked down. The building is going to be
  demolished.

  248. It is Xs responsibility to do Y. It is Xs decision to do Y.
  It is down to X to do Y. It is up to X to do Y.

  249. X is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. X is to start at 5
  p.m.

  250. I cant remember her name. I cant recall her name. I cant
  bring her name to mind. I cant call her name to mind. I cant think
  of her name. Her name doesnt come to me.

  251. X didnt realized what it meant at the beginning. The
  meaning didnt sink in with X at the beginning. X didnt understand
  what it meant at the beginning.

  252. Doing Y is not allowed here. Doing Y is not permitted here.
  Doing Y is forbidden here.

  253. X was dismissed for being late. X was fired for being late.
  X was got the sack for being late. X was given the sack/ given the
  boot for being late. X was removed from his job for being late.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  254. X doesnt have enough money to buy expensive clothes.

  X cant afford to buy expensive clothes. Xs salary doesnt run to
  (buying) expensive clothes.

  255. If X doesnt do Y his reputation will be damaged. X wants to
  do Y to live up to his reputation.

  256. What happened confirmed what X predicted. Xs predictions
  were borne out by what happened.

  257. The only person who didnt come was X. Everybody came apart
  from X. Everybody came except for X.

  258. X didnt accept the job he was offered. X rejected the job
  he was offered. X turned down the job he was offered.

  259. X has a natural ability for computers. X has a natural
  talent for computers. X has a flair for computers. X is very
  skilful with computers. X has always been very good with
  computers.

  260. X is having his house decorated. X is having improvements
  made to his house. X is having his house done up.

  261. It is not probable that he will be returning to England. It
  is improbable that he will be returning to England. It is not
  likely that he will be returning to England. It is unlikely that he
  will be returning to England. He is unlikely to be returning to
  England. He is not likely to be returning to England.

  262. I regret not telling the truth. I wish I had told the
  truth. If only I had told the truth.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  263. Do you mind if I phone you later? Can I get back to you
  later?

  264. X has done Y for as far as he can remember. X cant remember
  when he started doing Y.

  265. X was so thrilling that Y couldnt stop cheering. Y was so
  thrilled by X that he couldnt stop cheering.

  266. Mike, you broke my computer. Said Nigel. Nigel accused Mike
  of breaking his computer.

  267. X didnt want to go out. X didnt feel like going out. X was
  not up for going out. X was not in the mood for going out.

  268. X was determined to do Y. X insisted on doing Y.

  269. X cant drive because of his disability. Xs disability
  prevents him (from) driving.

  270. When X was a kid, he would play football every Friday When
  X was a kid, he used to play football every Friday When X was a
  kid, he was in the habit of playing football every When X was a
  kid, he was accustomed to playing football every

  271. X was very tired, after working so much that day. X ran
  himself into the ground that day. X drove himself into the ground
  that day. X worked himself into the ground that day.

  272. X only managed to see the thief for a second as he ran
  away. X saw the thief briefly, as he ran away. X only caught a
  glimpse of the thief as he ran away. X only caught sight of the
  thief as he ran away.

  273. X lost his job because of his laziness. X lost his job on
  the grounds of his laziness.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  274. X becomes/gets angry when people shout at him.

  X loses him temper when people shout at him. X gets mad when
  people shout at him. X flies off the handle when people shout at
  him.

  275. X realised he could never be an actor. X realised he was
  not the right type of person to be an actor. X realised he was not
  cut out to be an actor.

  276. X caused Y to be cancelled. Y was cancelled because of X. Y
  was cancelled as a result of X.

  277. X didnt seem to realize the magnitude of the problem. X
  didnt seem to understand the magnitude of the problem. X didnt seem
  to be aware of the magnitude of the problem. X seemed to be unaware
  of the magnitude of the problem. X didnt seem to grasp the
  magnitude of the problem.

  278. X wants to throw Y away. X wants to remove Y. X wants to
  get rid of Y.

  279. X is head of this company. X is in charge of this company.
  X is the person leading this company.

  280. She is by nature not critical. Its not in her nature to be
  critical. She is not one to be critical. Its not like her to be
  critical. It would be out of character of her to be critical. It is
  not in her character to be critical.

  281. Xs application was turned down because he didnt have Y.

  Xs application was turned down on the grounds that he didnt have
  Y.

  282. X didnt do Y because it was raining heavily. But for the
  heavy rain, X would have done Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  283. X was highest in November. X was at its highest in
  November. X reached a peak in November.

  284. So much responsibility was putting pressure on X. So much
  responsibility was weighing X down. So much responsibility was
  weighing down on her.

  285. X fell slightly yesterday. There was a brief dip in X
  yesterday.

  286. X expects to do Y before he is thirty. X expects to do Y by
  the time he is thirty.

  287. Scientists have made an unexpected discovery. There has
  been an unexpected breakthrough.

  288. X felt very comfortable doing Y. X was very confident and
  relaxed doing y. X was at ease doing Y.

  289. X made Y stop. X put an end to Y.

  290. Explaining what you mean to a kid can be difficult. Getting
  your point across to a kid can be difficult. Getting your message
  across to a kid can be difficult.

  291. X is living there temporarily. X is living there for the
  moment. X is living there for the time being.

  292. I need to make her understand that I dont want to see her
  anymore. I need to get it across to her that I dont want to see her
  anymore. I need to get it through to her that I dont want to see
  her anymore.

  293. If was a mistake not to do Y. I should have made it a point
  of doing Y. I should have made it my business to do Y.

• GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  294. X did Y easily. X had no problem in doing Y. X had no
  problem doing Y. X had no problems doing Y. X didnt have any
  problems doing Y. X had no difficulty in doing Y. X had no
  difficulty doing Y.

  295. The business has been bought by X. The business has been
  taken over by X. The business is under new management. The business
  is under the management of X.

  296. How much did you pay for X? How much did X cost you? How
  much did X set you back? How much did you spend on X?

  297. X is too lazy to do Y. It is too much effort for X to do Y.
  X cant be bothered to do Y.

  298. X had to deal with a serious problem. X was faced with a
  serious problem. X came up against a serious problem. X met with a
  serious problem. X encountered a serious problem.

  299. X has no connection with (being)Y. X is not the cause of
  (being)Y. X is not related to (being)Y. X has nothing to do with
  (being) Y. X doesnt equate to/with (being) Y.

  300. X wanted to save some money for Y. X wanted to set aside
  some money for Y. X wanted to set some money aside for Y. X wanted
  to put aside some money for Y. X wanted to put some aside money for
  Y.

• Also available at www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com

  WORD TRANSFORMATION

  This book contains a compilation of the expressions that come up
  most frequently in the Key Word Transformation task of the
  Cambridge Reading and Use of English paper. It will help you to
  familiarise yourself with the usual transformations among set
  phrases , phrasal verbs, phrasal prepositional verbs, idioms
  ,etc.

  http://www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com/word-formation-guide.phphttp://www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com/open-cloze—tips-and-tricks.phphttp://www.aprendeinglesenleganes.com/gapped-text-made-easy.php

Если вы когда-нибудь готовились к олимпиадам и международным экзаменам, вам наверняка встречалось задание Key Word Transformations. Не встречалось? Значит плохо готовились. При хорошей подготовке пройти мимо трансформаций невозможно.

В этой статье мы подробно разберём, что такое перефразирование, из чего оно состоит и как к нему готовиться. Если вам нужна не теория, а практика, перейдите на страницу Key Word Transformations — упражнения.

Где могут встретиться key word transformations?

Key word transformations всегда присутствуют на международных экзаменах FCE, CAE, CPE и периодически попадаются на олимпиадах. Например, на Всероссийской олимпиаде школьников это задание встречалось на школьных этапах в 2012/13 и 2016/17 годах, на муниципальных — в 2013/14 и 2016/17, на региональных — 2015/16 и 2016/17. Олимпиады «Высшая проба» и «Ломоносов» также давали задания на трансформации в финальных турах.

Что такое key word transformations?

Задание на перефразирование выглядит примерно так:

Какие бывают трансформации?

Грамматические перефразирования менее разнообразны, и можно очертить круг тем, на базе которых они обычно создаются. Например, часто встречаются такие темы:

So and Such

Rather and Prefer

Comparisons

Разумеется, этими группами дело не ограничивается. Key word transformations могут быть на любую грамматику. Но шанс встретить что-нибудь именно из вышеперечисленных тем очень высок.

Как проверяют transformations?

Как тренироваться?

Если вы хотите безошибочно делать key word transformations, отрабатывайте и повторяйте грамматику, расширяйте словарный запас и обязательно делайте упражнения в формате transformations, чтобы набить руку и не делать досадных ошибок (дописали лишнее слово, изменили key word и прочее).

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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!

On the Cambridge FCE Reading and Use of English exam, there are seven parts. Today you will learn about and practice Part 4 – Key Word Transformations. Many students think this part of the exam is challenging, but it just takes strategy and practice!

How to do Reading and Use of English Part 4

To begin, in part 4 each question has a sentence and a key word in BOLD. You must use this key word to complete the gap in a second sentence so its meaning is as close as possible to the first sentence.

You MUST use the key word in your answer. You CAN’T CHANGE the key word. For example, if the key word is “WRITTEN,” you cannot use the word “wrote” in your answer.

Use between 2 and 5 words. ** Contractions count as TWO WORDS! For example, won’t = will not. If you are unsure, always write out the entire word.

Use a pencil for this test. Write your answers in CAPITAL LETTERS only.

There are 6 questions total in this part. You can earn up to 2 points for each question.

What grammar structures and vocabulary does part 4 test?

This part of the FCE exam tests different grammar structures and vocabulary. Here are some of the most common ones that appear on the exam. 

If you are taking a course, these structures and vocabulary should be covered by your teacher. If you are studying on your own, make sure you know the rules for each one. 

GRAMMAR

Passive

Verb patterns

Conditionals

Reported speech

Future forms 

Future time clauses

Causative – have/get

Verb tenses – especially perfect forms

Wish and other hypotheticals

VOCABULARY

Phrasal verbs

Set expressions

Words like height, weight, length, width

Linking words

Word forms

Example Key Word Transformation and Strategy

Look at the example question below:

He tried to keep running although he felt tired.

SPITE

He tried to keep running _____________________________ tired.

Step One: Cross out words that are the same.

He tried to keep running although he felt tired.

SPITE

He tried to keep running _____________________________ tired.

First, I cross out any words that are EXACTLY THE SAME in both sentences.

Step Two: Focus on the remaining words and try to find the grammar or vocabulary rule.

He tried to keep running although he felt tired.

SPITE

He tried to keep running _____________________________ tired.

I need to focus on although he felt. Although is a linking word of contrast. This is the structure that I have identified.

Next, I start to think about other linking words and expressions of contrast while keeping in mind that I need to use the word SPITE.

Step Three: Choose your answer between 2 and 5 words.

He tried to keep running although he felt tired.

SPITE

He tried to keep running _____________________________ tired.

In spite of and despite are both linking words/expressions of contrast. Remembering that I have to use the EXACT KEY WORD, I decide not to use despite.

Now, I remember that after in spite of I need a verb + ing form of the verb. So, I look at my original sentence and identify the verb “felt.”

Change the subject + verb in the original sentence to a verb + ing form to fit the second sentence.

My answer is IN SPITE OF FEELING.

Step Four: Check your answer. Did you use the key word? Do you have the correct word count? Did you write your answer in CAPITAL LETTERS?

He tried to keep running although he felt tired.

SPITE

He tried to keep running IN SPITE OF FEELING tired.

Finally, I need to check my answer.

• Key word SPITE? Yes.
• Correct word count? 4 words, yes.
• Capital letters? Yes.

Common mistakes on FCE Key Word Transformations

• Changing the key word – you MUST use the exact word 
• Using too many words – maximum of 5 words
• Spending too much time – if you don’t know the answer, take a guess and continue with the next question
• Pronoun gender and agreement- if the first sentence uses a name, try to use the name in your second sentence. Sometimes you will need to use “her / his / she / he” etc. in your answer – make sure it matches the gender in the first sentence
• Subject-verb agreement – make sure your subject and verb match. For example, “she is singing” not “she are singing”
• Writing sentences that are too different – try to use the same words where you can when possible (words like very, really, etc. that appear in the first sentence). Make sure these are expressed in the second sentence as well.

FCE Key word Transformations Practice

Try these 10 key word transformations. Use the steps from above to help you and check your answers at the end of this post.

1. It’s a pity we don’t have a warmer climate!

ONLY

If _____________________ a warmer climate!

2. Someone is going to redecorate our terrace for us next week.

HAVE

We are going to _________________________________ next week.

3. I will only bring a jacket if it rains.

UNLESS

I will _________________ it rains.

4. They found the ring when they were fixing the garden.

CAME

They ____________________________ when they were fixing the garden.

5. I regret not selling my house sooner.

SOLD

I wish _______________________ my house sooner.

6. Fashion is the same as it was in the 1970s.

CHANGED

Fashion  _______________________________________ the 1970s.

7. The teacher didn’t let them leave the class.

ALLOWED

They  _________________________________ leave the class.

8. How many pyramids did the Egyptians build?

BY

How many pyramids ________________________ the Egyptians?

9. My colleague probably won’t come to the meeting.

UNLIKELY

My colleague  ____________________________ to the meeting.

10. You’ve got to decide what you want to study next year.

TIME

It’s _________________________ what you want to study next year.

---

Answers

How to score your answers:

You can earn up to two points for each answer.

The two parts of the answer are separated by “ — “

If your answer to the left of the  “–” is EXACTLY the same, give yourself one point.

If your answer to the right of the “–” is EXACTLY the same, give yourself another point.

Depending on your mistakes, you may earn 0, 1, or 2 points per answer.

1. ONLY — WE HAD
2. HAVE OUR TERRACE — REDECORATED
3. NOT BRING A JACKET — UNLESS
4. CAME ACROSS — THE RING
5. I HAD — SOLD
6. HAS NOT CHANGED — SINCE
7. WERE NOT — ALLOWED TO
8. WERE BUILT — BY
9. IS LIKELY — TO COME
10. (HIGH)* TIME — YOU DECIDED

*Words in ( ) are optional. You can still earn the full point for “time” if you didn’t write “high time.”

For more FCE Practice, try these posts.

• FCE Essay Writing Guide
• B2 Reading and Use of English Part 1
• FCE Speaking Exam Tips

В этой статье мы разберем структуру заданий одной из самых значимых частей кембриджских экзаменов Use of English (использование английского — грамматика и лексика) и поделимся советами по их успешному выполнению.

В блоге уже выходили статьи о том, как сдать Writing (письменную часть), Reading (чтение) и Listening (аудирование) на экзаменах FCE, CAE, CPE — советуем ознакомиться с этими материалами. Теперь перейдем к тому, как подготовиться к части Use of English экзаменов FCE, CAE, СPE.

Типы заданий в части Use of English

Раздел Use of English экзаменов FCE, CAE и CPE объединен с разделом Reading. На выполнение всей части Reading and Use of English вам дадут 1 час 15 минут на экзамене FCE и 1 час 30 минут на CAE и CPE. За это время вам надо выполнить порядка 7-8 заданий. Первые 4 задания относятся к части Use of English, которая проверяет ваш словарный запас и знание грамматики, а остальные — к части Reading.

Давайте посмотрим, из каких заданий состоит Use of English на кембриджских экзаменах:

Экзамен	Multiple choice cloze	Open cloze	Word formation	Key word transformations
FCE, CAE, CPE	Part 1 8 предложений по 1 баллу	Part 2 8 предложений по 1 баллу	Part 3 8 предложений по 1 баллу	Part 4 4-6 предложений по 2 балла

Экзамены совпадают по структуре, баллам и количеству заданий, но отличаются по степени сложности. Разберем примеры заданий Кембриджских экзаменов с официального сайта: FCE, CAE и CPE.

Part 1: Multiple-choice cloze (выбрать правильный ответ из нескольких предложенных)

Суть задания: Вам нужно заполнить пропуски в тексте, выбрав одно из предложенных четырех слов. Всего пропущено 8 слов. В этом задании проверяется словарный запас (vocabulary) — знание фразовых глаголов, устойчивых выражений, идиом, оттенков значений и т. п.

Техника выполнения: Чтобы получить общее представление о тексте, прочитайте его, не обращая внимания на пропущенные слова. Далее внимательно читайте каждое предложение и варианты ответа. Исключите варианты, которые явно не подходят, затем из оставшихся выберите тот, который логически дополнит предложение и будет сочетаться с рядом стоящими словами. Рассмотрим пример:

They couldn’t (1)… a decision and agreed to meet again after lunch.

a) arrive
b) achieve
c) reach
d) attain

Хорошо зная устойчивые словосочетания, вы выберите вариант reach.

I like to go to the beach (2)… my wife likes to stay in and watch a TV show.

a) then
b) where
c) when
d) whereas

Однозначно не подходят варианты then (в примере указаны не последовательные действия, а параллельные) и where (нелогично, она в номере смотрит шоу, а не на пляже). Выбирая между when и whereas, следует предпочесть «в то время как», в значении противопоставления, а не просто «когда». Правильный ответ — whereas.

Part 2: Open cloze (вставить слово в предложение без вариантов ответа)

Суть задания: Нужно вновь заполнить пропуски в тексте словами, подходящими по смыслу. Пропущено 8 слов, но в этот раз вам не предлагают никаких вариантов.

Техника выполнения: Прочтите текст, не обращая внимания на пропущенные слова. Затем прочитайте внимательно каждое предложение. Обратите внимание, какие слова стоят до и после пропущенного слова. Они подскажут вам, к какой части речи относится это слово, число или время, в котором оно должно стоять. Например:

I really (1)… like this picture! It’s a masterpiece.

Очевидно, что предложение вполне самодостаточное и без вставки. Вместе с тем вы можете увидеть, что перед вами эмоциональное высказывание. Значит, правильно будет вспомнить про вспомогательный глагол do в функции усиления — I really do like this picture! It’s a masterpiece.

The concert has been cancelled (2)… to the epidemic situation in the city.

В первой части предложения — следствие, а во второй — причина. Мы не можем вставить because, так как после него употребляется предлог of, a не to. Необходимо рассмотреть другие варианты, близкие по значению к «потому что» и «из-за». Отлично подойдут owing и due. Иногда могут подходить сразу два варианта ответа, каждый из них будет правильным, но вам все равно нужно вписать один.

Part 3: Word formation (словообразование)

Суть задания: Вам нужно заполнить пропуски в тексте, образуя однокоренные слова от предложенных. Это задание проверяет насколько грамотно вы используете словарный запас.

Техника выполнения: Следует прочитать текст несколько раз — сначала бегло, а затем вдумчиво, обращая внимание на key words и слова, которые идут до и после него. Это поможет вам правильно определить часть речи производного слова. Большинство слов изменяются с помощью приставок, суффиксов и окончаний, например: courage – discourage, circle – circular, health – unhealthy, employ – unemployed. Переведите предложение, чтобы убедиться в правильности выбранной части речи.

Самые распространенные ошибки при выполнении этого задания:

1. Путаница в отрицательных и положительных характеристиках

   Don’t be so …, I’ll finish the task in a minute. (patience)

   Если не обратить внимание на отрицание (don’t be) и использовать прилагательное patient (производное от patience), то это будет ошибкой. Правильный ответ — impatient.

   Чтобы избежать ошибки, внимательно читайте весь текст и следите за логикой предложения.

2. Неправильная часть речи

   My boyfriend is not very … about the idea of going to New York. (enthusiasm)

   Правильный ответ — прилагательное enthusiastic. Если использовать вместо него наречие enthusiastically, это будет ошибкой. Выбор наречия вместо прилагательного и наоборот — распространенная ошибка.

3. Ошибки в выборе единственного или множественного числа

   Tina’s husband is one of the strongest … in her business. (support)

   Правильный ответ — supporters. Единственное число — supporter — будет ошибкой. Сбить может тот факт, что мы говорим об одном человеке, но ведь в предложении есть конструкция one of (один из).

4. Орфографические ошибки

   Чтобы избежать орфографических ошибок, необходимо регулярно практиковать правописание и не лениться проверять слова в словаре.

Part 4: Key word transformations (перефразирование предложения с использованием ключевого слова)

Суть задания: Вам даны предложение и ключевое слово/словосочетание. Необходимо преобразовать предложение таким образом, чтобы в него вошло данное ключевое слово/словосочетание, учитывая ограничения по количеству слов, указанных в задании. Полученное предложение не должно отличаться по смыслу от исходного.

Техника выполнения: Прочитайте исходное предложение и вспомните все устойчивые выражения и фразы с указанным key word. Затем прочитайте второе предложение с пропуском. При трансформации предложения вы не должны выходить за рамки указанного количества слов в задании (с учетом key word). Конечно, нельзя изменять key word. Например, если дано wish, не стоит использовать wishes или wishing. Если дано not, нельзя вместо него использовать no. Также проверяйте, нет ли в вашем ответе лишних слов. Разберем пример:

I regret ever telling her about my private life. (wish)
I ____________________ her about my private life.

Правильный ответ — I wish I had not told her about my private life.

В приведенном примере местоимение her уже есть в предложении с пропуском. Если напишете wish I had not told her вместо wish I had not told, это будет ошибкой. За каждое верно перефразированное предложение вы получаете два балла, и один балл, если вы допустили небольшую ошибку.

Как успешно сдать Use of English — 7 советов

1. При подготовке много читайте. Желательно, чтобы тексты были различной тематики. Отдавайте предпочтение газетным и научным статьям. Выбирайте серьезные издания, например, The Washington Post или The Guardian. Читая тексты, выписывайте и учите новую для вас лексику, также изучайте и повторяйте готовые подборки устойчивых выражений и идиом. Например, их можно найти в учебной серии Oxford Word Skills Intermediate и Advanced.
2. Относитесь к грамматике как к инструменту, который на экзамене поможет вам точно выразить свои мысли. Разбирайте грамматические правила и отрабатывайте их.
3. Выполняйте пробные тесты и тренируйтесь распределять время на каждый тип заданий. Обратите внимание, что необходимо брать тестовые задания, изданные не ранее 2015 года, потому что в этом году произошли изменения в формате кембриджских экзаменов.
4. Не зацикливайтесь на одном задании. Если вы сомневаетесь, напишите возможные варианты ответа на полях и продолжайте выполнять тест. К пунктам, в которых вы не уверены, вернитесь позже.
5. Проверяйте свои ответы каждый раз, как выполнили задание.
6. Пользуйтесь подходящими ресурсами:
   • Cambridge English Exam Booster — пособие содержит 48 экзаменационных заданий. В книге рассмотрены типичные ошибки и даны рекомендации для успешной сдачи экзамена.
   • Cambridge English First 2, Cambridge English Advanced 2 и Cambridge English Proficiency 2 — каждая книга содержит 4 теста для каждого из экзаменов. Пособия ознакомят вас с содержанием и форматом экзаменов FCE, CAE и CPE.
   • Cambridge English Teacher Rory — советы по подготовке к FCE и CAE от преподавателя и носителя языка Рори.
   • Floe-Joe — тренировочные упражнения в формате экзаменов FCE, CAE, CPE.
7. Рекомендуем найти преподавателя, который сам получил международный сертификат и у которого есть опыт подготовки студентов к экзамену. Такой учитель не только проработает с вами типовые задания, но и расскажет о методике сдачи экзамена исходя из своего опыта. Он поможет вам правильно организовать подготовку, структурировать информацию, поделится психологическими приемами. Если вы в поиске такого учителя, обратитесь в нашу школу, и менеджеры подберут преподавателя, который поможет вам сдать экзамен на высокий балл.

Желаем успехов в сдаче экзаменов!