CAE CAE Exam Strategies

Question 1

In the CAE Reading and Use of English paper, how should a candidate approach Part 5 (multiple choice) most effectively?

Accepted Answer

Read the text carefully, then locate the answer area for each question before choosing

Answer

Read all four options first and then skim the text quickly

Answer

Select the option that contains the most words from the text

Answer

Always choose option C if unsure, as it is statistically most common

Question 2

What is the best strategy for CAE Reading Part 7 (gapped paragraphs)?

Accepted Answer

Use text cohesion clues (pronouns, lexical chains, time references) to identify logical fit

Answer

Insert paragraphs in the order they appear in the options box

Answer

Choose the paragraph with the most words matching the surrounding text

Answer

Read only the first line of each paragraph option

Question 3

During the CAE exam, a candidate is running out of time in the Reading paper. What is the best approach?

Accepted Answer

Guess the remaining answers rather than leaving them blank

Answer

Leave all remaining questions blank

Answer

Go back to easier questions and skip hard ones

Answer

Ask the invigilator for extra time

Question 4

How should candidates manage their time in the CAE Writing paper?

Accepted Answer

Divide time equally: plan, write, and check for each task

Answer

Spend all available time on Part 1 as it is compulsory

Answer

Write Part 2 first since it gives a choice of topics

Answer

Skip planning and write as much as possible

Question 5

In CAE Use of English Part 4 (key word transformations), what is the maximum number of words allowed?

Accepted Answer

Six words

Answer

Two words

Answer

Three words

Answer

Four words

Question 6

What is a key strategy for answering CAE Reading Part 6 (cross-text multiple matching)?

Accepted Answer

Identify the writer's specific attitude or opinion and compare it across texts

Answer

Find the answer in the longest paragraph of each text

Answer

Focus only on the introduction and conclusion of each text

Answer

Match answers based on the number of words shared with the question