CAE Reading 2

Question 1

In a CAE cross-text multiple matching task, a writer states that 'the proposal has merit but its implementation timeline is unrealistic.' Which attitude does this best reflect?

Accepted Answer

Qualified endorsement

Answer

The writer acknowledges merit (positive) but raises a specific objection, which constitutes qualified endorsement rather than full agreement or rejection.

Question 2

A CAE Reading Part 5 passage uses the phrase 'no small feat' to describe an achievement. What does this phrase convey?

Accepted Answer

The achievement was significantly difficult

Answer

'No small feat' is an understatement used to emphasize that something was genuinely challenging and impressive.

Question 3

In a CAE gapped text task, the missing paragraph begins with 'This was not the first time such criticism had been levelled at the organization.' What does this sentence most likely refer to back to?

Accepted Answer

A criticism described in the preceding paragraph

Answer

The anaphoric reference 'such criticism' links directly to a criticism that must have been mentioned just before the gap.

Question 4

A CAE multiple-choice question asks about the author's use of irony in a paragraph. The author writes that a politician's plan was 'predictably original.' What is implied?

Accepted Answer

The plan was repetitive and unoriginal despite claims otherwise

Answer

'Predictably original' is oxymoronic irony suggesting the supposed originality was so formulaic it was entirely predictable.

Question 5

In CAE Reading Part 6 (cross-text multiple matching), you must match opinions across four short texts. Reviewer A says a novel 'rewards patient readers,' while Reviewer B calls it 'impenetrable.' What is true?

Accepted Answer

Reviewer A is more positive about the novel's accessibility than Reviewer B

Answer

'Rewards patient readers' implies difficulty but ultimate payoff, while 'impenetrable' suggests no reward, making A more positive about accessibility.

CAE - Cambridge English Advanced Practice Test

CAE - Cambridge English Advanced Practice Test

CAE Reading 2