Use of English: Ten more practice tests

for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency

Cambridge C2 Proficiency | Parts 1–4

10 exam-styled practice tests

40 texts | 300 individual assessments

Answers included

ISBN: 9781913825478

Publication: 2021

These sample tests have been written to closely replicate the Cambridge C2 exam
experience and so each one follows the same structure and wording as official test
papers.

Write-in answer sheets, answer keys and a markscheme complete this large bank of
high-quality practice material for students preparing for the Cambridge C2 Proficiency
(CPE).

About the authors

Fiona Aish has co-written several titles in exam preparation and EAP, and creates
materials and assessment resources for a range of educational providers. She is DELTA-
qualified and holds an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics.

Jo Tomlinson has co-written a number of books on EAP and exam preparation, and
currently works full-time as an exams and materials developer. She is DELTA-qualified
and holds an MA in Language Testing.

Fiona Aish and Jo Tomlinson are directors of Target English, a consultancy in Spain
that provides tailor-made solutions in content creation, course provision, training and
testing.

Sample material | not for distribution

 Cambridge C2 Proficiency Use of English
Part 1 Multiple choice Test 1

For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer best fits each
gap. In the separate answer sheet, mark the appropriate answer (A, B, C or D).

Symphony Hall Set to Break Records

World-renowned Macklesville Symphony Hall is set for a record $15 million

redevelopment amidst complaints from community groups. The existing symphony hall
was constructed only twenty years ago and at a (1)_______________ of the cost of
the new proposals. However, the council has passed the new plans
(2)_______________ that the initiative to build a new hall will not only see a growth of
interest in classical music and the arts in general, especially from younger audiences,
but also serve as a recognition (3)_______________ what is now the second-best
orchestra in the country.
However, complaints have arisen because of a lack of (4)_______________ regarding
the plans. Local groups feel like their views have fallen on deaf ears and have even
called this a (5)_______________ misuse of public funds that cannot be justified in the
current economic climate. In response, the council has insisted that a large proportion
of the money for the new hall comes from private (6)_______________, although they
declined to state exact amounts. Further to this, the council sees its contribution as an
investment towards the regeneration of the inner city, as well as an
(7)_______________ part of their ‘Vision for Macklesville’ ten-year plan. Despite these
(8)_______________, there is no stopping the plans, with building work commencing
in the start of October and continuing until next spring.

1 A fragment B proportion C fraction D breadth

2 A pleading B implying C referring D citing
3 A for B to C with D in
4 A conjecture B contention C controversy D consultation
5 A laudable B flagrant C shrouded D chronic
6 A delegates B brokers C subscribers D donors
7 A operative B indispensable C applicable D effectual
8 A commotions B brawls C disputes D contrasts

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 Cambridge C2 Proficiency Use of English
Part 2 Open cloze Test 1

For questions 9–16, read the text below and decide which word best fits each
gap. Use only one word for each gap. In the separate answer sheet, write your
answers in capital letters, using one box per letter.

Uncovering the Mysteries of the Tango

The tango is undeniably one of the world’s most recognisable dances, evoking
romantic images of graceful dancers in city squares surrounded by classical
architecture. Despite having (9)_______________ popularised in the elegant
ballrooms of Paris in the early 1900s, (10)_______________ birthplace was in the
downtown streets of the 18th-century port cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

One common myth about the tango’s origins is that it evolved from flamenco, milonga
or habanera, all of (11)_______________ have their roots in Hispanic countries.

However, studying sociological changes has (12)_______________ historians to the

conclusion that it is more likely to be due to the mixing of European and African cultures
that went (13)_______________ in port cities at that time, which in turn created a
distinct hybrid of music and dance.

As well as its historical origins, another controversial area that stimulates a lot of
heated discussions about the tango is (14)_______________ of its symbolic meaning.

Contrary to popular belief, although (15)_______________ first glance the dancers

appear to represent a loving couple, the dance actually symbolises love that is not
returned. The moves communicate ideas of nostalgia, despair and tales of loss, and
(16)_______________ such the dancers perform the moves with slow, precise
movements so as to transmit these feelings to the audience.

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 Cambridge C2 Proficiency Use of English
Part 3 Word formation Test 1

For questions 17–24, use the stem word on the right to form the correct word
that fills each gap. In the separate answer sheet, write your answers in capital
letters, using one box per letter.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

The new Bantam Sunrise is the car that everyone is talking

about. A new Sport Utility Vehicle with a
(17)______________ exterior and spacious interior, the SENSE
Sunrise is set to take on leaders in the top-selling SUV
market. But can it live up to (18)_______________ in an EXPECT
already overcrowded market? Our reviewers are in two
minds.

This trendy SUV is geared towards the urban market,

meaning that it’s great for fuel efficiency, but it’s far from a
(19)_______________ experience when taken off-road. FAULT
This is all down to the fact that it is the only SUV on the
market to lack a four-wheel-drive option, but this is the only
surprising (20)_______________ in its otherwise excellent OMIT
offering.

When we take a look inside, it’s clear that this car is well-
built and user friendly. It doesn’t feel cramped due to the
clever (21)_______________ of the cabin, which includes COMPOSE
colour splashes to break up the interior. Best of all, it
(22)_______________ beats all other SUVs in terms of CONCLUDE
luggage space, which often is a bone of contention in this
section of the market.

This vehicle certainly does have its benefits. While it might

not be suited to off-road (23)_______________, this car has ENTHUSE
a lot to offer the general driver. With some tweaks to later
models, the Sunrise could make for an
(24)_______________ choice for those looking for a AWE
reasonably priced SUV.

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 Cambridge C2 Proficiency Use of English
Part 4 Key word transformation Test 1

For questions 25–30, complete the second sentence, using the word given, so
that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. Do not change the word
provided and use between three and eight words in total. In the separate answer
sheet, write your answers in capital letters, using one box per letter.

25 You have left it very late to start looking for work.

HIGH
It’s _______________________ for work.

26 The jury finally returned a guilty verdict after five days of discussion.
WERE
Only after five days of discussion, _______________________ a guilty verdict.

27 Simon couldn’t take part in the tennis tournament due to the seriousness of his
injury.
HIM
Simon’s serious injury _______________________ in the tennis tournament.

28 You can also request a credit card with this type of account, but it is completely
optional.
APPLY
You are _______________________ for a credit card with this account.

29 I would quite like to spend my holidays at home, although I know it seems dull.
SOUNDS
As _______________________, I’d quite like to spend my holidays at home.

30 In my opinion, we absolutely cannot change the wedding date now.

QUESTION
Changing the wedding date _______________________ I’m concerned.

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Answer sheet: Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test No.
Use of English

Mark out of 36

Name ______________________________________ Date __________________________

Part 1: Multiple choice 8 marks

Mark the appropriate answer (A, B, C or D).

Part 2: Open cloze 8 marks

Write your answers in capital letters, using one box per letter.

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Part 3: Word formation 8 marks
Write your answers in capital letters, using one box per letter.

Part 4: Key word transformation 12 marks

Write your answers in capital letters, using one box per letter.

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Answers Cambridge C2 Proficiency Use of English Test 1

Part 1: Multiple choice

1 C fraction 5 B flagrant

2 D citing 6 D donors

3 A for 7 B indispensable

4 D consultation 8 C disputes

Part 2: Open cloze

9 been 13 on

10 its 14 that

11 which 15 at

12 led 16 as

Part 3: Word formation

17 sensational 21 composition

18 expectations 22 conclusively

19 faultless 23 enthusiasts

20 omission 24 awesome

Part 4: Key word transformation

25 high time you started looking

26 were the jury able to return

27 prevented him from taking part/participating

28 under no obligation to apply/ask

29 dull as it sounds

30 is out of the question, as far as

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