Part 1 – Cloze
The Reading and Use of English is the first section of Cambridge B2 First Exam. It tests your knowledge of vocabulary.
The first part of your Reading and Use of English paper is called “Multiple Choice Cloze“.
You will read a short text which has 8 gaps.
For each gap you have to select the missing word from a choice of four (A, B, C or D).
In the exam you transfer your answer to a special answer sheet.
This is what your exam sheet will look like:
[Image source: Cambridge Handbook]
Exam Tips
You might not have time to read the entire text, so take a look at the gaps. Read the complete sentence and understand its context. Pay attention to the words before and after the gap.
There will always be a title to the text. Use this to get an idea of the theme of the text.
If you find it difficult to make a choice eliminate those you know are wrong and if necessary make a guess as to the correct answer – you might be lucky!
How to improve
Record phrases, not just individual words, in your vocabulary notebook. Contextualize them by creating sentences (questions, answers) and using them as much as possible in any written activity you do.
What to study:
Synonyms
You should be able to identify the correct word from a selection of similar words that matches a particular context or goes with another word.
Collocations
You will need to be able to identify common collocations, that is words that go together. For example: you make the bed / you do your homework
Phrasal verbs
Phrasal verbs are frequently tested in Part 1 of this paper. You need to look out for missing verbs or prepositions/particles.
Phrases and expressions
You will need to be able to identify common collocations, and verb phrases: words that go together.
For example: ‘on no account‘ / ‘hold your breath‘
Linking words
Make sure you know the difference between the common linking words (conjunctions) used in English.
Example: ‘despite‘, ‘although‘, ‘however‘, etc.