Paper snapshot
You have 1 hour 30 minutes for 7 parts and 53 questions. The paper combines reading comprehension with control of vocabulary and grammar.
C2 Proficiency Reading and Use of English task map
Part | Task type | What to do | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Multiple-choice cloze | Choose a precise word or phrase for each gap. | 8 |
2 | Open cloze | Supply one missing word per gap. | 8 |
3 | Word formation | Form words accurately from prompt stems. | 8 |
4 | Key word transformations | Recast meaning using a key word and word limit. | 6 |
5 | Multiple choice | Interpret tone, organization and implication. | 6 |
6 | Gapped text | Reconstruct cohesion and argument structure. | 7 |
7 | Multiple matching | Match prompts to details or viewpoints. | 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.
The reading load is about 3,000 words. At this level, an answer may depend on exact sense, collocation, tone or how an argument develops.
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.