If you're preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, working through sample questions is one of the most effective ways to understand the test's structure and sharpen your skills. Below are 10 representative questions — two from each of the five sections: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each question includes a worked solution that explains not just the correct answer, but the reasoning behind it.
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Reading and Use of English
Question 1: Multiple Choice Cloze
Read the text below and choose the correct word (A, B, C, or D) to fill the blank.
"The company's new policy was met with widespread _____ from employees, who felt it was too restrictive."
A. approval B. criticism C. indifference D. enthusiasm
Solution: The sentence contrasts the policy being "too restrictive" with the employees' reaction. The word that fits best is "criticism" (B), as it matches the negative sentiment. "Approval" and "enthusiasm" are positive, while "indifference" suggests neutrality — none align with the negative tone implied by "too restrictive."
Question 2: Open Cloze
Fill in the blank with one word only.
"The research suggests that _____ the right conditions, plants can grow in extreme environments."
Solution: The correct word is "under" — the phrase "under the right conditions" is a standard collocation in English. Other possible words like "in" or "with" are not idiomatic here.
Writing
Question 3: Essay
Write an essay (220–260 words) discussing the following statement: "The rise of remote work has had a positive impact on employees' quality of life." Present arguments for and against, and give your own opinion.
Solution: A strong essay would:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the statement and outline both sides.
- Body paragraph 1 (for): Flexibility, reduced commute, better work-life balance.
- Body paragraph 2 (against): Isolation, blurred boundaries, difficulty unplugging.
- Conclusion: State your balanced opinion, e.g., "While remote work offers clear benefits, it requires intentional boundaries to avoid burnout."
Question 4: Report
Your college principal has asked you to write a report on the use of digital devices in the classroom. Write a report (220–260 words) describing current usage, benefits, and drawbacks, and make recommendations.
Solution: Structure your report with clear headings (e.g., Introduction, Current Usage, Benefits, Drawbacks, Recommendations). Use formal language and bullet points for clarity. For example, "Recommendation: Introduce a 'device-free' period during lectures to improve focus."
Listening
Question 5: Multiple Choice
You hear a woman talking about her experience of learning to play the piano. What does she say about her teacher?
A. He was too strict. B. He encouraged creativity. C. He focused on technique. D. He was always late.
Solution: Listen for key phrases like "he let me experiment" or "he pushed me to try new things" — these point to "encouraged creativity" (B). The correct answer is often paraphrased, so match the meaning, not exact words.
Question 6: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentence with a word or short phrase.
The speaker says that the main reason for the decline in bee populations is the use of _____ in agriculture.
Solution: The answer is likely "pesticides" or a specific type like "neonicotinoids." Listen for the word that follows "use of" in the audio.
Speaking
Question 7: Interview
"What do you enjoy most about your studies or work?"
Solution: Give a specific example. For instance: "I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of my work — for example, when I helped my team redesign our workflow, it reduced errors by 20%." This shows depth and uses the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Question 8: Collaborative Task
You and your partner are discussing the best way to encourage people to use public transport. Consider: cost, convenience, environmental impact.
Solution: Structure your discussion by comparing options. For example: "I think cost is a major factor — if fares were lower, more people would switch. But convenience matters too, like having reliable schedules. What do you think?" Then invite your partner's opinion.
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Reading and Use of English (continued)
Question 9: Word Formation
Use the word given in capitals to form a word that fits the blank.
"The _____ of the new software caused significant delays." (INSTALL)
Solution: The correct form is "installation." The sentence needs a noun, and "installation" is the standard noun form of "install."
Question 10: Key Word Transformation
Complete the second sentence so it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given. Do not change the word given.
"I didn't realize how important the meeting was until I arrived." (ONLY)
"Only _____ did I realize how important the meeting was."
Solution: "Only on arriving did I realize how important the meeting was." The structure "Only + adverbial phrase + inversion" is required. The correct answer uses "on arriving" to match the original meaning.