CPE Use of English Grammar

Question 1

What does CPE Use of English Part 1 (multiple choice cloze) primarily test?

Accepted Answer

Vocabulary knowledge including collocations, phrasal verbs, and idioms

Answer

CPE Part 1 multiple choice cloze tests lexical knowledge, including collocations, fixed phrases, phrasal verbs, and idiomatic expressions.

Question 2

In CPE Use of English Part 2 (open cloze), how many words can be written in each gap?

Accepted Answer

Exactly one word only

Answer

CPE Part 2 open cloze requires exactly one word per gap, testing grammatical and lexical knowledge without multiple-choice options.

Question 3

What does CPE Use of English Part 4 (key word transformation) require candidates to do?

Accepted Answer

Rewrite a sentence using a given key word without changing the meaning

Answer

Part 4 tests the ability to express the same meaning using different grammatical structures, with a given key word that must be used unchanged.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an 'inversion' structure tested in CPE grammar?

Accepted Answer

Not only did she pass, but she also topped the class.

Answer

Inversion involves placing an auxiliary verb before the subject for emphasis, as in 'Not only did she pass…' — a structure commonly tested in CPE.

Question 5

What is the 'subjunctive mood' in English, sometimes tested at CPE level?

Accepted Answer

A mood used to express hypothetical or wished-for situations

Answer

The subjunctive expresses wishes, recommendations, or hypotheticals, as in 'It is essential that he be informed immediately.'

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English Practice Test