The Cambridge B2 part 3 word formation exercise asks you to put in the right form of the word in each gap. On this page we will look at how to do this and how you can improve your score.
In this exercise you always need to change the form of the word given at the end of a line.
There are three simple steps you can use to complete the exercise.
In comparison to other parts of the Use of English this exercise can often be easier to complete and we have some suggestions on what you can do to improve your score on it.
Learn English prefixes
Prefixes in English largely divide into two groups:
A fairly small group of negative prefixes which can easily be learnt
in-, un-, dis-, il-, im-,ir-, de-
A larger group of prefixes, whose meanings we can explain.
anti = against or opposite, pro = in favour
hyper = very big micro = very small
Group suffixes according to word types.
In general this is mainly about adjectives and nouns.
-ous dangerous, nervous, adventurous
-al original, practical, comical
-ian musician, electrician, politician
-ant participant, applicant, assistant
Make word lists
Make lists of words in their different forms. You can create a table like this.
Make an opposites list
This can work very well in recording adjectives and their opposites.
THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
If you’re (0) interested in getting fit, then what you need is a training programme. INTEREST
Although aimed at improving physical 1 FITNESS, FIT
this problem can also be 2 DESIGNED in such a way DESIGN
that it helps in the 3 DEVELOPMENT of particular athletic skills. DEVELOP
There is a range of different 4 ACTIVITIES to choose from ACTIVE
and a growing amount of scientific 5 KNOWLEDGE to explain the effects of each one. KNOW
When you begin training, is important to start 6 GENTLY, GENTLE
raising the 7 INTENSITY of the programme in a gradual way. INTENSE
Although it is important to work hard to make an 8 IMPRESSION on
your physical condition the activities shouldn’t be painful. IMPRESS
The Cambridge First part 3 word formation exercise does give candidates an opportunity to do score well. To do this you need to build up your knowledge of the different forms of words. Apart from helping you to do this exercise more confidently, you should also improve your vocabulary range, both in writing and speaking.
Put a word in each gap by choosing the best option from the four multiple choice answers.
Put a single word in each of the gaps.
Write a new sentence, with the same meaning as the example, by using the keyword given.