Paper snapshot
You have 1 hour 30 minutes for 8 parts and 56 questions. The paper combines reading comprehension with control of vocabulary and grammar.
C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English task map
Part | Task type | What to do | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Multiple-choice cloze | Choose words or phrases to complete a text. | 8 |
2 | Open cloze | Supply one missing word per gap. | 8 |
3 | Word formation | Build the correct form from a prompt. | 8 |
4 | Key word transformations | Rewrite with a key word and same meaning. | 6 |
5 | Multiple choice | Read for detail, tone, purpose and implication. | 6 |
6 | Cross-text matching | Compare attitudes across four short texts. | 4 |
7 | Gapped text | Restore paragraphs using cohesion and structure. | 6 |
8 | Multiple matching | Locate details, opinions or attitudes. | 10 |
Practise the language and the reading
A single strategy will not fit every part. Identify whether the task asks for language knowledge, close reading, text structure or comparison across texts, then choose a matching approach.
Build a notebook for collocations, word families, prefixes and fixed phrases.
For sentence transformations, preserve meaning and obey the word limit.
For longer texts, mark the sentence that proves an answer and explain why a distractor is wrong.
For gapped or matching texts, track reference words, connectors, topic shifts and viewpoint.
Cambridge lists about 3,000–3,500 words to read. Some tasks test tone, implication, attitude and the relationship between texts.
Manage time without rushing
Do one timed paper to learn your pace. Then review every uncertain answer and identify the clue you missed. Practise your slowest task type separately before returning to a full-paper run.
Sources and further information
This guide is an independent explanation. Cambridge English publishes the exam rules and is the final source for current instructions.