B2 First Reading & Use of English Part 1
Multiple-choice Cloze
What is Part 1 Multiple-choice cloze?
It is short text with 8 gaps, 1 gap per question and 1 mark per question.
Each gap has 4 multiple-choice options (A, B, C, D), you should choose which option fits best in each gap.
What it tests
1. Vocabulary - words depending on context.
For example: please, likely, prevent
2. Collocations - words that commonly go together.
For example: make a decision, pay attention, take pride
3. Fixed expressions - phrases that don’t change form.
For example: in charge of, on purpose, by chance
4. Phrasal verbs - a verb + a particle which has a certain meaning
For example: give up, carry on, get up
5. Grammar in context - fit the grammar of the sentence
For example: whose (possessive relative), if (conditional)
6. Synonyms & words with similar meanings - words with the same or similar meaning but used differently
For example: say/tell, fast/quick, tired/exhausted
Key Skills
- Understanding meaning in context
- Choosing the most natural-sounding option
Suggested strategy
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Read the whole sentence, before AND after the gap
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Look for word partnerships (e.g. make a decision, take responsibility)
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Eliminate options that don’t fit grammatically
Common mistakes
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Choosing words with a similar meaning but wrong usage
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Ignoring prepositions or verb patterns
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Translating directly from L1
Part 1 Multiple-choice Cloze Format
Answers to this sample can be found in the interactive exercise below.
