CAE Reading and Use of English Test 1
Part 5 is “What an empty stage can offer”, an article; Part 6 is “What should a sound archive preserve?”.
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CAE · Reading and Use of English
CAE Reading and Use of English practice tests
CAE Reading and Use of English is the first paper of C1 Advanced (CAE): 1 hour 30 minutes, 56 questions in eight parts and about 3,000–3,500 words to read. Parts 1 and 5–8 give your Reading score and Parts 2–4 your Use of English score, so the paper counts for 40% of your result.
- Free, no sign-up to start
- Layout modelled on the computer-based exam
- Estimated Cambridge English Scale score
Time90 min
Parts8
Questions56
Of your score40%
Paper format
CAE Reading and Use of English, part by part
Each row links to a guide with the format, a worked example, strategy and common mistakes.
| Part | Task | Questions | What it tests | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple-choice cloze | 1–8 | Vocabulary precision: collocations, idioms, fixed phrases and complementation. | 8 |
| 2 | Open cloze | 9–16 | Grammar with some vocabulary: one word per gap. | 8 |
| 3 | Word formation | 17–24 | Word formation, usually with at least one negative prefix; plural and verb forms count. | 8 |
| 4 | Key word transformations | 25–30 | Rewriting a sentence with a given key word in 3–6 words; up to 2 marks each. | 12 |
| 5 | Multiple choice | 31–36 | Detail, opinion, tone, purpose and implication in one long text. | 12 |
| 6 | Cross-text multiple matching | 37–40 | Comparing four writers’ opinions on one theme: who agrees or disagrees with whom. | 8 |
| 7 | Gapped text | 41–46 | Text structure: which removed paragraph fits each gap (one paragraph is extra). | 12 |
| 8 | Multiple matching | 47–56 | Specific information, opinion and attitude across sections of a text or several short texts. | 10 |
Marking
How CAE Reading and Use of English is marked
Reading (Parts 1, 5–8) is out of 50 and Use of English (Parts 2–4) out of 28; Part 4 gives up to 2 marks per question and spelling must be correct. 32/50 Reading is about 180. Scores are estimates.
Reading and Use of English are reported as two separate skill scores, each worth 20% of your overall result. Cambridge's guidance puts 43/50 Reading and 23/28 Use of English at about 200.
Tips
Seven CAE Reading and Use of English tips
- Plan the 90 minutes. About 25 minutes for Parts 1–4, 15 each for Parts 5, 6, 7 and 8 (60 in all), and 5 to check.
- Read for meaning and form in Part 1. Several options fit the meaning; the collocation or the word after the gap rules the others out.
- Count the words in Part 4. Use 3–6 words including the key word, and never change the key word. Contractions count as two words.
- Look for negative prefixes in Part 3. There is usually at least one per text, and the gap may need a plural or a verb form.
- In Part 6, compare opinions, not topics. Note each writer’s view on each point before you read the questions.
- In Part 7, use the links. Pronouns, time words and contrasts at the start and end of each paragraph tell you where it belongs; one paragraph is extra.
- Check spelling at the end. In Parts 2–4 a misspelt word scores nothing.
Reading & Use of English tests
All 6 CAE Reading and Use of English tests
Each test is the Reading and Use of English paper of the matching CAE mock test, and its page shows what is inside before you start.
CAE Reading and Use of English Test 2
Part 5 is “When two measurements disagree”, an article; Part 6 is “Choosing how to explore a museum”.
Take CAE Reading and Use of English Test 2CAE Reading and Use of English Test 3
Part 5 is “A voice in another language”, an extract from a novel; Part 6 is “What makes a neighbourhood itself?”.
Take CAE Reading and Use of English Test 3CAE Reading and Use of English Test 4
Part 5 is “A telescope and another point of view”, an article; Part 6 is “An invitation to touch?”.
Take CAE Reading and Use of English Test 4CAE Reading and Use of English Test 5
Part 5 is “A plan with room to move”, an article; Part 6 is “What does breadth contribute?”.
Take CAE Reading and Use of English Test 5CAE Reading and Use of English Test 6
Part 5 is “After the blocks stop moving”, an article; Part 6 is “How much structure does learning need?”.
Take CAE Reading and Use of English Test 6
FAQ
CAE Reading and Use of English questions
How long is CAE Reading and Use of English?
1 hour 30 minutes for 56 questions in 8 parts. There is no extra time to transfer answers on the paper-based exam.
How is CAE Reading and Use of English scored?
Parts 1 and 5–8 give a Reading score out of 50; Parts 2–4 give a Use of English score out of 28. Each becomes a Cambridge English Scale score, and each is 20% of your overall result.
How much do I have to read in CAE Reading and Use of English?
Cambridge gives 3,000–3,500 words to read in total. Our tests show their own word count on each test page.
How many words can I use in CAE key word transformations?
3–6 words, including the key word, which you must not change. Contractions count as two words.
Sources
- C1 Advanced Handbook for Teachers (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
- Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
CambridgeMock is independent and not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Facts on this page are checked against the official documents above; the practice items and advice are our own.
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