Open Cloze (Part 2)
Fill in 8 gaps with ONE word each. Tests grammar, vocabulary, and collocations.
Part 2 - Use of English
CAE - C1 Advanced
Cambridge English Qualifications
C1 Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English Qualifications · C1 Level
CAE is one of the world's most recognised English qualifications. Accepted by over 11,000 universities, employers, and government bodies globally. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, your CAE certificate never expires.
✓ Certificate never expires
4
Papers
160-210
Scale
4h 20m
Total Time
180
Min Pass
Cambridge Suite - Where CAE Sits
A2 Key→
B1 Preliminary→
B2 First→
C1 Advanced ★→
C2 Proficiency
CAE is the penultimate exam in Cambridge's suite. Passing with a Grade A (200+) earns a C2-level certificate - but this is not the same as C2 Proficiency (CPE). Always check what your institution specifically requires.
The Four Papers
Reading & Use of English
The longest and highest-weighted paper. Combines reading comprehension with grammar/vocabulary. Parts 1-4 test Use of English; Parts 5-8 test reading.
Writing
Part 1: compulsory essay (220-260 words). Part 2: choose from letter/email, report, proposal, or review. Marked on 4 criteria out of 5 each.
Listening
All recordings played twice. Includes short extracts, monologue, long recording, and 5 short monologues with two matching tasks.
Speaking
PAIRED
Taken with another candidate in front of two examiners. 4 parts: interview, individual long turn with photos, collaborative task, and discussion.
Key Facts
→Accepted by 11,000+ universities, employers, and government bodies worldwide
→Certificate has no expiry date - one exam for life
→Grade A (200+) earns a C2-level certificate from C1-level exam
→Grade D/E (160-179) earns a B2 certificate - you still get a certificate!
→Scores reported on Cambridge English Scale (160-210); pass = 180
→Reading & Use of English is 40% of total - the most important paper
Reading & Use of English
The longest paper. Combines reading comprehension and grammar/vocabulary in one 90-minute session. Parts 1-4 test vocabulary and grammar (Use of English). Parts 5-8 test reading comprehension. All 8 parts are in one booklet but scored separately.
Parts
P1 Multiple-Choice Cloze8 × 1 = 8 marks
A text with 8 gaps. Choose A, B, C or D for each gap. Tests vocabulary: idioms, collocations, phrasal verbs, fixed expressions.
★ Read the whole sentence before choosing. All four options may be grammatically possible - only one fits semantically. Eliminate wrong options first.
P2 Open Cloze8 × 1 = 8 marks
A text with 8 gaps. No options given - write your own word. Tests grammar and vocabulary. Usually one specific word fits.
★ Read the text before and after each gap. Prepositions, articles, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, and conjunctions are common answers. Only one word allowed.
P3 Word Formation8 × 1 = 8 marks
A text with 8 gaps. A root word is given for each gap - you must change its form (prefix, suffix, etc.) to fit the sentence. Tests morphology and vocabulary range.
★ Learn word families systematically: happy → happiness → unhappiness → unhappily. Check whether a negative prefix is needed.
P4 Key Word Transformations6 × 2 = 12 marks
6 items, each worth 2 marks. A sentence is given plus a KEY WORD. Complete the second sentence so it means the same. Must use 3-6 words including the KEY WORD (unchanged). Tests grammar and lexico-grammar.
★ Hardest Use of English part. Practise daily. Common structures: passive, reported speech, conditionals, comparatives, phrasal verbs, modal verbs. Count your words - never fewer than 3 or more than 6.
P5 Multiple Choice Reading6 × 2 = 12 marks
A 500-600 word text followed by 6 four-option MCQs. Tests detailed comprehension, opinion, attitude, and implication.
★ Questions follow text order. Look for evidence in the text - never answer from general knowledge. Wrong options often use exact words from the text but with a different meaning.
P6 Cross-Text Multiple Matching4 × 2 = 8 marks
4 short texts by different writers on the same topic. 4 questions asking you to identify which writer expresses a view that matches, contrasts, or elaborates on a view in another text.
★ Identify each writer's opinion. Look for agreement AND disagreement. Highlight key claims per writer before answering the questions.
P7 Gapped Text6 × 2 = 12 marks
A long text with 6 paragraphs removed. Choose from 7 options (one extra) to fill each gap. Tests understanding of text structure, cohesion, and coherence.
★ Read the text before and after each gap carefully. Look for pronoun references, topic continuity, and linking words (however, therefore, in addition). Cross out used options.
P8 Multiple Matching Reading10 × 1 = 10 marks
A long text divided into sections (or several short texts). 10 questions - match each question to the correct section. Tests ability to locate specific information quickly.
★ Read questions first, then scan each section. Answers rarely appear in order. Use paraphrasing skills - the text won't use the same words as the question.
Top Tips
→Manage your time: 90 minutes, 8 parts - roughly 11 minutes per part
→Spelling counts - a misspelling in Parts 2, 3, or 4 loses the mark
→Part 4 transformations are worth 12 marks - practise them daily
→Read quality English press daily: The Guardian, The Economist, BBC
Tips by Target Level
CEFR B2Master the 8 part types. Focus on word formation rules and collocations.
CEFR C1Practise Part 4 key word transformations intensively. Read quality English journalism.
CEFR C2Aim for full marks on Parts 2-4. Work on subtle reading comprehension in Parts 6 and 7.
Practice R & UoE with AI
Try Open Cloze and Key Word Transformations with instant feedback
Writing
Two writing tasks. Part 1 is compulsory (always an essay). Part 2 gives a choice from 3-4 task types. Each task marked by two examiners on 4 criteria, each out of 5 marks.
Parts
P1 Essay (Compulsory)Up to 20 marks
Write an essay (220-260 words) based on two points from the input text. Discuss both points, include your own idea, and reach a conclusion. Academic in style - formal and impersonal.
★ Plan your essay: intro (paraphrase the question), 2 body paragraphs (one per prompt point + your own point), conclusion. Use discourse markers: Furthermore, Nevertheless, In contrast, Consequently.
P2 Task Choice (pick one)Up to 20 marks
Choose ONE from usually 3-4 options: letter/email, proposal, report, or review. Word count: 220-260 words. May be formal or semi-formal depending on the task.
★ Choose the task type you're most confident with. Always identify who you're writing to and why - this shapes your register and structure.
Part 2 Task Types
LETTER / EMAIL
Formal or semi-formal. Must have an appropriate opening/closing and respond to a real-world situation.
REPORT
Formal report with clear headings for a manager or committee. Objective, impersonal tone. Make recommendations.
PROPOSAL
Persuasive document with headings recommending a course of action. Future-focused. Formal register.
REVIEW
Semi-formal review of a book, film, place, or experience. Include description, evaluation, and a recommendation.
Marking Criteria
ContentOut of 5
All parts of the task addressed; ideas are relevant and developed.
Communicative AchievementOut of 5
Correct format and register for the task type; engages the target reader.
OrganisationOut of 5
Clear structure; effective use of cohesive devices and paragraph organisation.
LanguageOut of 5
Range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary; style appropriate for C1 level.
Top Tips
→Spend 5 minutes planning before you write - it saves time overall
→220-260 words is a strict range - count carefully; going under or over loses marks
→Use a variety of sentence structures: subordinate clauses, passives, conditionals
→Start every essay with a paraphrase of the question - never copy it word for word
→Leave 2-3 minutes to proofread each task for spelling and grammar errors
Tips by Target Level
CEFR B2Focus on task completion - answer ALL parts of the question. Use clear paragraph structure.
CEFR C1Widen vocabulary range. Practise all Part 2 task types so you can choose confidently.
CEFR C2Aim for sophistication: varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, nuanced arguments.
Listening
Four parts testing different listening sub-skills. All recordings are played TWICE. Texts include monologues, interviews, discussions, and lectures from authentic English contexts. North American and other accents appear alongside British English.
Parts
P1 Multiple Choice - Short Extracts6 × 1 = 6 marks
Three short recordings (~1 minute each) from different contexts. Two multiple-choice questions per extract (A, B, or C). Tests understanding of gist, attitude, purpose, and main ideas.
★ Read the questions before listening. Questions follow audio order. Wrong options often contain words from the recording - focus on meaning, not just keywords.
P2 Sentence Completion8 × 1 = 8 marks
A monologue (~3 minutes) - lecture, talk, or presentation. Complete 8 sentences with information from the recording. Usually 1-3 words per gap.
★ The sentences follow the audio order. Write the exact words you hear - don't paraphrase. Spelling must be correct. Numbers and dates can appear.
P3 Multiple Choice - Long Recording6 × 1 = 6 marks
A longer recording (~4 minutes) - interview, discussion, or conversation between 2-3 people. 6 four-option MCQs. Tests detailed understanding of opinion, agreement, and implication.
★ Pay attention to who is speaking and whether speakers agree or disagree. The answer often requires understanding implication rather than explicit statement.
P4 Multiple Matching10 × 1 = 10 marks
Five short monologues (~1 minute each). Two tasks - each with 8 options. Match each speaker to one option in Task One AND one option in Task Two. 10 questions total.
★ The hardest listening part. Read both task boxes before starting. Try to do both tasks simultaneously while listening. Speakers may mention irrelevant options - focus on the overall main point.
Top Tips
→All recordings are played TWICE - use the first listen for gist, second for detail
→Read all questions and options before each part begins
→Train your ear: BBC Radio 4, TED Talks, and quality podcasts daily
→If you miss an answer, move on - don't lose the thread trying to recover
Tips by Target Level
CEFR B2Practise Part 1 short extracts - these test attitude and implication, not just facts.
CEFR C1Work on Part 4 multiple matching - train yourself to follow multiple threads simultaneously.
CEFR C2Focus on attitude and inference. Practise with complex, fast-paced authentic audio.
Speaking
PAIRED
Taken with another candidate in front of two examiners: an interlocutor (who speaks to you) and an assessor (who only listens). Assessed on 6 criteria throughout the exam.
Parts
P1 Interview (~2 minutes)Holistic assessment
The examiner asks both candidates questions in turn about themselves, their lives, opinions, and experiences. A warm-up to get you speaking naturally.
★ Don't give one-word answers. Extend with reasons and examples. Stay relaxed - this part is designed to help you settle in.
P2 Individual Long Turn (~4 minutes)Holistic assessment
Each candidate receives 3 photographs and a printed task question. Choose 2 of the 3 photos, speak about them for 1 full minute. Then briefly comment on your partner's photos (~30 seconds).
★ Don't just describe - compare and speculate. Use hedging language: "It seems as though...", "They might be feeling...", "This could suggest...". Speak for the full 1 minute.
P3 Collaborative Task (~4 minutes)Holistic assessment
Both candidates are given a task with 5 written prompts around a central theme. First discuss each option together (2 min), then make a joint decision or prioritise (1 min).
★ This tests interaction. Invite your partner to speak ("What do you think about...?"), build on their ideas, politely disagree. It's OK not to reach agreement - the process matters most.
P4 Discussion (~5 minutes)Holistic assessment
The examiner asks both candidates more abstract questions related to Part 3's theme. Tests ability to express and justify opinions, agree/disagree, and engage in discussion at C1 level.
★ Use sophisticated discourse: "It could be argued that...", "I'm inclined to think...", "There's a strong case for...". Express and justify opinions clearly.
Marking Criteria (6 components)
Grammatical ResourceAssessed throughout
Variety and accuracy of grammatical structures including complex forms.
Lexical ResourceAssessed throughout
Range, precision, and appropriacy of vocabulary; ability to paraphrase.
Discourse ManagementAssessed throughout
Ability to maintain coherent extended speech; logical organisation of ideas.
PronunciationAssessed throughout
Clarity, natural stress and intonation. Accent does NOT affect your score.
Interactive CommunicationAssessed throughout
Initiating and responding naturally; maintaining conversation; negotiating meaning.
Global AchievementHighest weight
Overall effectiveness as a communicator - holistic impression of your performance.
Top Tips
→Interact genuinely - the assessor watches how you collaborate with your partner
→Use a range of tenses and complex structures - show your grammatical range
→Avoid memorised speeches - the assessor can detect them and will mark them down
→If you don't understand a question, ask politely: "Could you repeat that, please?"
Tips by Target Level
CEFR B2Practise Part 2 long turns - record yourself speaking for 1 full minute about photos.
CEFR C1Work on Part 3 interaction strategies. Practise with a partner using real CAE task cards.
CEFR C2Focus on lexical sophistication and discourse management - use hedging and stance phrases.
AI-Powered CAE Practice
Practice all four CAE papers. Each task generates a real Cambridge-style prompt and gives instant examiner-quality feedback with an estimated Cambridge Scale score.
Reading & Use of English
Key Word Transformations (Part 4)
Complete a second sentence using a KEY WORD so it means the same as the first. 3-6 words only.
Part 4 - Use of English (hardest)
Listening
Multiple Choice - Short Extracts (Part 1)
Three short recordings, two MCQ questions each. Tests attitude, gist, and main point.
Part 1 - 6 questions, 1 mark each
Sentence Completion (Part 2)
A longer monologue. Complete 8 sentences with exact words from the recording.
Part 2 - 8 questions, 1 mark each
Writing
Part 1 - Essay (Compulsory)
Discuss two given prompt points + your own idea. Academic style. 220-260 words.
20% of total - highest stakes
Part 2 - Report
Formal report with headings for a manager or committee. 220-260 words.
Part 2 choice
Part 2 - Review
Semi-formal review of a book, film, place, or experience. Include a recommendation. 220-260 words.
Part 2 choice
Speaking
Part 1 - Interview
Answer personal questions naturally. Aim for 2-4 sentences with reasons and examples.
~2 minutes
Part 2 - Long Turn
Compare photographs and answer the printed task question. Speak for 1 full minute.
~4 minutes (both candidates)
Parts 3 & 4 - Discussion
Discuss abstract questions with your examiner. Use sophisticated language and justify your views.
~9 minutes (both candidates)
Your Task
Write at least 30 characters to request feedback.
0 words
Study Plan
4+ monthsBuild advanced vocabulary systematically (word formation families). Read quality English press daily. Do one full past paper every 2 weeks.
2-4 monthsRotate papers daily. Spend extra time on Reading & Use of English - it's 40% of your score. Do Part 4 transformations every day.
4-8 weeksFull timed past papers under exam conditions. Analyse every error - identify your weakest question types. Practise writing with word count discipline.
1-2 weeksLight review and confidence building. Review your transformation log. Practise Speaking Parts 2 and 3 with a partner. Rest well.
Cambridge English Scale - Grade Boundaries
A 200-210 PASS CEFR C2 (certificate)
Exceptional performance. You receive a C1 Advanced certificate showing Grade A and CEFR C2 level.
Your certificate states C2 level - but this is NOT the same as a C2 Proficiency (CPE) certificate. Check with your institution whether they require CPE specifically.
B 193-199 PASS CEFR C1
Very strong performance. C1 Advanced certificate with Grade B. Widely accepted for university admission and professional purposes worldwide.
C 180-192 PASS CEFR C1 · Minimum pass = 180
Pass. C1 Advanced certificate with Grade C. The minimum passing score is 180. Accepted by the majority of institutions requiring CAE.
D/E 160-179 NO PASS CEFR B2 (B2 cert issued)
Did not reach the CAE pass mark. However, you receive a B2-level certificate - which may still be acceptable for some purposes.
Check requirements with your institution. A B2 certificate may still be useful even without a CAE pass.
U Below 160 NO CERT No certificate issued
Below the minimum threshold. No certificate is issued. Consider B2 First (FCE) as a stepping stone before attempting CAE again.
Equivalence with Other Tests
| CAE Grade | IELTS | TOEFL | CEFR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (200-210) | 7.5-9.0 | 5.5-6.0 | C2 |
| Grade B (193-199) | 7.0-7.5 | 5.0-5.5 | C1 |
| Grade C (180-192) | 6.5-7.0 | 4.5-5.0 | C1 |
| D/E (160-179) | 5.5-6.5 | 4.0-4.5 | B2 |
⚠️ Equivalences are approximate. Always verify with your target institution - they may specify a particular test.
Typical Requirements by Country
🇬🇧180+
UK - University / Tier 4 Visa
Typically Grade C (180+)
🇦🇺185+
Australia - University / Visa
Typically Grade B (185+)
🇨🇦180+
Canada - University / Immigration
Typically Grade C (180+)
🇩🇪180+
Germany - University / Professional
Typically Grade C (180+)
🇺🇸193+
USA - University Programs
Typically Grade B (193+)
🇳🇿180+
New Zealand - Immigration / Study
Typically Grade C (180+)
🇮🇪180+
Ireland - Higher Education
Typically Grade C (180+)
Global - 11,000+ Employers & Universities
Typically Grade C (180+)
⚠️
CAE certificates do not expire. Always verify current requirements directly with the institution - minimum scores vary by course and year of entry.