Passing Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Reading and Use of English Part 2

Many sections of the Cambridge Proficiency are multiple-choice, so Part 2 of the Reading and Use of English can seem challenging because it’s so different. There are no options, so you have to come up with the right answer by yourself.

Once you understand what to do, Cambridge Proficiency Use of English Part 2 is more straightforward. Read on to explore what this section is testing you on and find out the best strategies for working out the missing words.

What’s in Part 2?

Part 2 of the Cambridge CPE Use of English is a short text with eight gaps and an example. You must write one word in each space based on your understanding.

Here’s what the start could look like:

(The answer here is ‘has’.)

It’s the only section with no multiple-choice or prompts. While Part 3 of the C2 Use of English doesn’t have options, it gives you the root word.

What are they testing me on in Part 2?

You may have noticed that English is full of small words that change or enhance the meaning of a sentence.

For example, you’ve probably seen the auxiliary verb ‘will’. We add this word to sentences to indicate that an action happens in the future.

You do well in the exams. —> You will do well in the exams.

Part 2 tests your awareness of grammar and vocabulary structures like these. Examiners want to see that you’re both familiar with them and know how to use them.

How should I answer the questions?

You have to read the sentences and complete the gaps with the correct word.

You should be familiar enough with most structures to answer immediately. Sometimes, you may be in two minds because multiple words seem to belong in the gap.

Remember there can only be one correct answer. If you can’t decide, the best strategy is to leave these items and come back to them.

Top strategies for getting the right answer

Let’s say you come back to a question a second time, but you’re still unsure. Here’s what you can do:

Categorise the words on either side

Look at the words you’ve already got. They suggest what the missing word could be or at least narrow down the choices.

The words on both sides are the relative pronoun ‘which’ and the verb ‘known’.

Identify the type of missing word

Go through the different types of words to see what could fit in the gap. The space is between a relative pronoun and a verb so we know it must be one of the following:

Try putting the different types in the gap to see which one fits best. Often, they’ll sound wrong and you can eliminate them.

Look for clues in the forms

Consider what the form of other words in the sentence tells you. Does the spelling indicate a specific grammar structure? What types of grammar or vocabulary does it usually involve?

In our example, ‘known’ is the past participle of ‘know’, which suggests we have a perfect tense or passive form. We can confirm it’s passive by asking who’s performing the action. ‘Chocolate’ doesn’t ‘know’ anything so it’s got to be the object of the sentence.

Get clues from the structure

Now we have the verb ‘to be’ but we don’t know which form. There are lots of nouns in the sentence which are singular and plural like ‘chocolate’ and ‘compounds’.

Part 2 often uses a lot of complex structures. Try breaking them down to see if that reveals the answer. Here, you’d get:

The key ingredient in chocolate, cocoa, contains compounds called flavonoids.

Flavonoids (1) ______ known to have antioxidant properties.

‘Flavonoids’ is in the third person plural which means we need ‘are’.

Repeat the sentence to yourself

Even if you can’t remember, you’ve probably heard the structure with the missing word plenty of times before. Say it to yourself. Your instinct may kick in and tell you whether you’ve got the right answer or not.

How should I prepare for Part 2?

When studying, the following activities can help prepare you for Part 2 and set you up for success.

Wrapping up

When you don’t have a choice of words, Part 2 may seem more challenging than other exam sections. However, there are English proficiency tips and strategies you can use to help yourself find the right answer.

Practising with a teacher can help you learn strategies and identify your areas of weakness. Often, you just need to refresh yourself on grammar and vocabulary you’ve already learned to ace the exam.

Want to give yourself the best chances? Explore the Cambridge exam prep courses that Oxford House offers.

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Enhance (v): to improve or add more detail.

Auxiliary verb (phr): a verb you use with another verb to express tense or mood.

Be in two minds (id): to be undecided or unsure.

Narrow down (pv): to reduce the number of options.

Eliminate (v): to completely remove something.

Kick in (pv): to start to take effect.

Ace (v): to perform well.

Key

v = verb

phr = phrase

id = idiom

pv = phrasal verb

adv = adverb