CAE Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CAE exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CAE Exam Format at a Glance

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

60%

Passing Score

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📚 CAE Topics to Study (31)

See all 31 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample CAE Questions & Answers

1. Which sentence demonstrates a correct use of a participle clause?

✓ Having finished the essay, she closed the laptop.

The subject of the participle clause must match the subject of the main clause; 'she' finished the essay and 'she' closed the laptop, making option B correct.

2. Which of the following could be regarded as a source of doubt?

✓ A webpage with a.com

While not all .com websites are unreliable, the .com domain is primarily for commercial entities and lacks the inherent academic, governmental, or institutional vetting often associated with .edu, .gov, or peer-reviewed publications. Therefore, information from a generic .com webpage should be approached with more skepticism and cross-referenced, making it a potential source of doubt regarding its credibility and accuracy.

3. Which word has a similar meaning to 'meticulous' at C1 level?

✓ Thorough

'Meticulous' means extremely careful and precise; 'thorough' is the closest synonym among the options.

4. A CAE passage describes a scientist who 'remained undaunted by repeated failures.' What does 'undaunted' mean in this context?

✓ Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity

'Undaunted' means not intimidated or discouraged, indicating the scientist maintained resolve despite repeated setbacks.

5. A CAE Reading passage about media states: 'Headlines are designed to hook, not to inform.' What is the author's underlying argument?

✓ Media companies prioritize audience engagement over accuracy or depth

The author is criticizing the prioritization of sensationalism and click-bait ('hook') over genuine informational value in modern media.

6. Which of the following demonstrates an inappropriate mixing of registers in academic writing?

✓ In conclusion, the experiment was totally a success and the results are great.

'Totally a success' and 'results are great' are informal expressions that create a register clash in academic writing.

🎯 Free CAE Practice Tests

Reading · 11 questions Use of English · 11 questions Use of English · 7 questions Register and Style · 7 questions Register and Style · 7 questions Reading · 7 questions Reading · 7 questions Reading · 7 questions Reading · 7 questions Use of English · 7 questions

📖 CAE Guides & Articles

Your CAE Study Path

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