This page gives you 10 representative Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) questions — two per paper — with full worked solutions. Each solution shows the reasoning, not just the answer. Use these to gauge the level and refine your exam strategy.
Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)
Part 1: Multiple-choice cloze
Question 1 Read the text below. Choose the correct word (A, B, C, or D) to fill the gap.
The company’s new policy was met with widespread ______ from employees who felt it undermined their autonomy. A. approbation B. consternation C. indifference D. collusion
Solution The sentence suggests a negative reaction: employees felt the policy “undermined their autonomy.”
- Approbation means approval — opposite.
- Indifference means lack of interest — too neutral.
- Collusion means secret cooperation — irrelevant.
- Consternation means anxiety or dismay — fits perfectly.
Answer: B. consternation
Part 2: Open cloze
Question 2 Complete the text with one word in each gap.
It is often said that genius is ______ inspiration and perspiration in equal measure.
Solution The phrase “genius is ___ inspiration and perspiration” requires a word that means “a combination of.” The standard idiom is “genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” but here the structure “___ inspiration and perspiration” suggests “a blend of” or “a mix of.” The most natural single word is “of” — “genius is of inspiration and perspiration” is not idiomatic. Actually, the common expression uses “a combination of” but the gap expects a preposition. The correct word is “a” — “genius is a combination of inspiration and perspiration” — but the gap is only one word. The exact word from the original quote is “one” — “genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” However, the text says “in equal measure,” so the word is “half”: “genius is half inspiration and half perspiration.” But the gap is singular. The answer is “of” — “genius is of inspiration and perspiration” is wrong. Let’s think: the sentence “It is often said that genius is ______ inspiration and perspiration in equal measure.” The missing word is “a” — “genius is a blend of inspiration and perspiration” — but “a” alone doesn’t work. The correct answer is “a” as part of “a mix of” but the gap expects one word. The actual C2 open cloze often uses “a” before a noun phrase. Here the phrase is “inspiration and perspiration,” so “a” is not enough. The answer is “both” — “genius is both inspiration and perspiration.” That fits.
Answer: both
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Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
Part 1: Essay
Question 3 You have read the following statement in a newspaper: “The primary purpose of art is to challenge, not to comfort.” Write an essay discussing the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement. Give reasons and examples to support your view.
Solution This is a discursive essay. A strong response:
- States a clear position (e.g., partially agree).
- Acknowledges the counterargument (art can also comfort).
- Provides specific examples: Picasso’s Guernica challenges; a lullaby comforts.
- Concludes by synthesizing: art serves multiple purposes, but challenging is a key function.
Model answer outline: Introduction: Agree that art often challenges, but disagree that it is the primary purpose. Body para 1: Art as social critique — Guernica, Banksy. Body para 2: Art as comfort — landscape paintings, religious music. Conclusion: Purpose varies by context; both challenge and comfort are valid.
Part 2: Proposal
Question 4 Your local council is considering building a new cultural centre. Write a proposal to the council arguing for or against the project, including suggestions for how it could be funded and managed.
Solution A proposal needs:
- Heading: Proposal for a New Cultural Centre
- Introduction: State purpose and position.
- Main body: Benefits (tourism, community) or drawbacks (cost, space).
- Funding ideas: public-private partnership, grants, crowdfunding.
- Management: non-profit board, local arts committee.
- Conclusion: Call to action.
Key language: recommend, suggest, propose, would enable, could be achieved by.
Listening (approx 40 minutes)
Part 1: Multiple choice
Question 5 You hear a woman talking about her experience of learning a new language. What does she say was the most difficult aspect? A. mastering the grammar B. understanding native speakers C. finding time to practise
Transcript (excerpt): “I’d studied the grammar rules thoroughly, but when I actually tried to follow a conversation, the speed and colloquialisms left me completely lost. It took months before I could catch even half of what was said.”
Solution The speaker says grammar was studied, but the difficulty was following conversation — understanding native speakers. Time is not mentioned.
Answer: B. understanding native speakers
Part 2: Sentence completion
Question 6 You hear a talk about a new type of battery. Complete the sentence.
The new battery can be recharged up to ______ times without losing capacity.
Transcript (excerpt): “Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, this prototype can be recharged over 10,000 times with negligible degradation.”
Solution The number is “10,000.”
Answer: 10,000
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Speaking (16 minutes per pair)
Part 2: Individual long turn
Question 7 You are given a set of pictures showing different ways people relax. You have one minute to compare two of them and say why they might be effective for reducing stress.
Solution Structure your turn:
- Briefly describe each picture (e.g., a person reading in a park, another doing yoga).
- Compare: both are solitary activities, but reading is mental escape, yoga is physical.
- Explain effectiveness: reading diverts attention; yoga reduces cortisol.
- Use linking phrases: “whereas,” “in contrast,” “similarly.”
Model response: “The first picture shows someone reading on a bench in a park, while the second depicts a person doing yoga indoors. Both are solitary, but reading engages the mind in a different world, which can break the cycle of stressful thoughts. Yoga, on the other hand, combines physical movement with breath control, directly lowering stress hormones. Both are effective because they require focus, but they work through different mechanisms.”
Part 3: Collaborative task
Question 8 You and your partner have to plan a community event to raise awareness about environmental issues. Discuss the pros and cons of a public lecture series versus a hands-on workshop.
Solution
- Acknowledge your partner’s idea first.
- Compare: lecture series reaches more people but may be passive; workshop is interactive but limited capacity.
- Suggest a hybrid: a short talk followed by a practical session.
- Use phrases: “That’s a good point, but have you considered…”, “Perhaps we could combine both.”
Model exchange: “I think a lecture series could attract a larger audience, especially if we invite well-known speakers. However, workshops might be more impactful because participants learn by doing. What if we started with a keynote lecture and then offered breakout workshops?”
Part 4: Discussion
Question 9 Do you think governments should invest more in the arts or in science and technology? Why?
Solution
- Give a balanced view: both are important.
- Argue for science: economic growth, health.
- Argue for arts: cultural identity, well-being.
- Conclude with a personal stance.
Model response: “While science and technology drive innovation and economic prosperity, the arts are essential for a society’s soul. I believe a balanced investment is ideal — perhaps 60% science, 40% arts — because neglecting either leads to an impoverished society.”
Reading and Use of English (continued)
Part 4: Key word transformation
Question 10 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given. Do not change the word given.
“I’m sure he didn’t steal the money because he was with me the whole time.”
CAN’T
He ______ the money because he was with me the whole time.
Solution The original expresses certainty that he didn’t steal. “Can’t” is used for logical impossibility. The structure is “can’t have + past participle.”
Answer: He can’t have stolen the money because he was with me the whole time.