Use of English

Exam Topics

Cambridge English exams often include texts about themes that appear again and again, so students are usually advised to become familiar (0) WITH them before test day. These recurring topics do not exist to catch candidates (1) .........., but to check whether they can deal with everyday English in a range of contexts. For example, a text may focus (2) .......... travel, education, health or the environment, all of which are common in exam materials. What matters most is not expert knowledge, but the ability to work (3) .......... meaning from context and recognise useful vocabulary. Students who read widely are more likely to come (4) .......... expressions they have seen before, which gives them confidence. It is also worth paying attention to collocations, because exams often test words that naturally go (5) .......... together. In addition, candidates should practise managing their time so that they do not (6) .......... stuck on one difficult question. A calm approach can make a real (7) .........., especially when a text includes unfamiliar ideas. In the end, success usually depends (8) .......... steady preparation rather than luck.