Cambridgeuse of english

Word Formation

Transform the given base word to fit each gap. Tests your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and word families.

10-12 minutes
B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

What is this question type?

Word Formation tests your ability to form different parts of speech from a base word using prefixes and suffixes. You need to identify if you need a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, and apply the correct transformation.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Identify the part of speech needed (noun, verb, adjective, adverb)

  2. 2

    Look at what comes before and after the gap for clues

  3. 3

    Consider whether you need a negative form (un-, im-, dis-, -less)

  4. 4

    Think about whether a plural noun or different verb form is needed

  5. 5

    Check that your answer makes sense in the sentence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the wrong part of speech (adjective instead of adverb)

  • Forgetting negative prefixes when the meaning requires them

  • Missing plural forms for nouns

  • Incorrect spelling of suffixes (-tion vs -sion, -able vs -ible)

  • Not reading the sentence carefully to understand the required meaning

Tips for Success

  • Learn common prefixes: un-, re-, dis-, mis-, over-, under-

  • Master suffixes for each part of speech: -tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -ment

  • Study word families (succeed, success, successful, successfully)

  • Pay attention to spelling changes when adding suffixes

  • Practice with word family charts

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't know the word family?
Try to apply common patterns. Many words follow regular rules for forming nouns, adjectives, etc.
How do I know if I need a negative form?
Read the whole sentence. The context will indicate if a positive or negative meaning is needed.
Can the answer be the same as the base word?
No, you must always change the word in some way.

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Word Formation - Complete Study Guide for Cambridge English Qualifications

Word Formation tests your ability to form different parts of speech from a base word using prefixes and suffixes. You need to identify if you need a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb, and apply the correct transformation.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Identify the part of speech needed (noun, verb, adjective, adverb)
  2. Look at what comes before and after the gap for clues
  3. Consider whether you need a negative form (un-, im-, dis-, -less)
  4. Think about whether a plural noun or different verb form is needed
  5. Check that your answer makes sense in the sentence

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Using the wrong part of speech (adjective instead of adverb)
  • Forgetting negative prefixes when the meaning requires them
  • Missing plural forms for nouns
  • Incorrect spelling of suffixes (-tion vs -sion, -able vs -ible)
  • Not reading the sentence carefully to understand the required meaning

Expert Tips

  • Learn common prefixes: un-, re-, dis-, mis-, over-, under-
  • Master suffixes for each part of speech: -tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -ment
  • Study word families (succeed, success, successful, successfully)
  • Pay attention to spelling changes when adding suffixes
  • Practice with word family charts

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't know the word family?

Try to apply common patterns. Many words follow regular rules for forming nouns, adjectives, etc.

How do I know if I need a negative form?

Read the whole sentence. The context will indicate if a positive or negative meaning is needed.

Can the answer be the same as the base word?

No, you must always change the word in some way.

Available in: B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Time allowed: 10-12 minutes