Use of English

Multiple-Choice Cloze Strategy

In Cambridge B2 First, Use of English Part 1 is called the Multiple-Choice Cloze. You read a short text with eight gaps and choose the best word for each gap. The task is designed to test vocabulary in context, especially collocations, fixed phrases and phrasal verbs, rather than complicated grammar rules. A good first step is to read the whole text quickly to get the general (0) IDEA. Then look at each gap and check what kind of word is missing: a verb, a noun, an adjective or a linking word. Pay attention to common patterns such as *depend (1) ..........*, *make (2) ..........*, or *take (3) ..........*. Grammar still matters: you must choose a word that fits the sentence structure. For example, some verbs are followed by a particular preposition, and some adjectives are used with only one preposition. Also, check whether the text needs a word that shows contrast, result or addition. Finally, don’t (4) .......... time on one gap. If you are unsure, choose the best option, (5) .......... on, and return later. Often, later sentences (6) .......... you confirm the meaning. With practice, you will start to (7) .......... typical exam patterns and improve your accuracy. The key is to build vocabulary in chunks and learn which words naturally (8) .......... together.