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Task Type: Key Word Transformations
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Focus: Lexical and grammatical
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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’
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Number of questions: 6
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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
- Write between two and five words as your answer
- Contractions like can’t or mustn’t are counted as two words
- Take a guess if necessary! You will not loose marks
- 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
1 I’d prefer you not to turn on the TV when I’m reading.
RATHER
I’d _ _ _ _ _ turn on the TV when I’m reading. (4 words)
2 We paid someone to fix the roof for us last summer.
HAD
Last summer, we _ _ _ _ _. (4 words)
3 «You played your music too loud last night,» Jan said to Ben angrily.
ACCUSED
Jan _ _ _ _ _ his music too loud the previous night. (4 words)
4 I know it’s dangerous, but I love hang gliding.
MAY
Dangerous _ _ _ _ _, I love hang gliding. (4 words)
5 Please do those photocopies whenever you have the time.
HAPPEN
Please do those photocopies if _ _ _ _ _ the time. (4 words)
6 «Ivan took the money, not his brother Dylan,» Susan said.
IT
According to Susan, _ _ _ _ _ took the money, not Dylan. (4words)
7 The shop was closed for a week while they decorated it.
DONE
While it _ _ _ _ _, the shop was closed for a week. (4 words)
8 None of the phones were left when we got to the shop.
TIME
_ _ _ _ _ the shop, all the phones had been sold.
9 I didn’t know it was Carl until he took off his hat.
WHEN
Only _ _ _ _ _ his hat did I recognise Carl. (4 words)
10 Perhaps John heard the story from Pippa.
HAVE
Pippa might _ _ _ _ _ story. (4 words)
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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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.
- ONLY — WE HAD
- HAVE OUR TERRACE — REDECORATED
- NOT BRING A JACKET — UNLESS
- CAME ACROSS — THE RING
- I HAD — SOLD
- HAS NOT CHANGED — SINCE
- WERE NOT — ALLOWED TO
- WERE BUILT — BY
- IS LIKELY — TO COME
- (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
Circle the letter of the sentence in which the word in bold-faced type is used incorrectly.
a. My grandfather’s social dogma includes rules such as «a gentleman never takes his coat off» and «a lady never eats on the street.»
b. Werner Heisenberg discovered new physical dogma about how phenomena behave once they have been observed.
c. Because Anne Hutchinson’s preaching on the freedom of the individual conscience contradicted Puritan dogma, she was tried for heresy and forced to leave Massachusetts.
d. Personal sacrifice for the collective good is dogma in many totalitarian states.