Complex Word Families in Connected Contexts
About this practice test
Practise C2 Use of English through typed sentence gaps. Build accuracy with complex word families and negative derivation and abstract nouns.
What you’ll practice
Grammar and vocabulary
Choose forms and words that work together.
Meaning in context
Follow meaning across sentences and texts.
Accurate expression
Use natural phrases and sentence patterns.
What to expect:
15 questions with explanations to review after submission.
Study the questions and tasks
Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.
- Practice level
- C2. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.
- Question formats
- Fill in the blank (text)
How to approach this practice
Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.
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Question 1 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use refute: The argument is not ___ (refute); several plausible objections remain.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- irrefutable
The context denies the strongest adjective irrefutable, meaning impossible to disprove.
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Question 2 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use reconcile: The two accounts are ___ (reconcile); they cannot both be accurate.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- irreconcilable
The explanation requires the negative adjective irreconcilable.
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Question 3 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use infer: The distinction between observation and ___ (infer) is crucial.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- inference
Inference is the noun parallel to observation.
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Question 4 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Form an adjective from EQUIVOCATE: The reply was deliberately ___; it could be read as either assent or refusal.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- equivocal
Equivocal is the adjective meaning ambiguous, as the context specifies.
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Question 5 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use contend: The point is ___ (contend), rather than universally accepted.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- contentious
Contentious describes a disputed point.
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Question 6 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use proportion: The response's ___ (proportion) to the risk was disputed.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- proportionality
Proportionality is the noun naming appropriate relative scale.
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Question 7 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use discriminate: The measure was applied ___ (discriminate), without regard to individual circumstances.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- indiscriminately
The context requires the negative adverb indiscriminately.
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Question 8 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use appraise: A fresh ___ (appraise) of the evidence changed the verdict.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- appraisal
Appraisal is the noun after a fresh.
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Question 9 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use substantiate: The allegation remained ___ (substantiate); no evidence was produced.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- unsubstantiated
Unsubstantiated means unsupported by evidence.
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Question 10 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use plausible: The explanation's apparent ___ (plausible) should not be mistaken for proof.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- plausibility
Plausibility is the noun after the possessive explanation's.
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Question 11 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use contest: The conclusion is not ___ (contest); it can reasonably be challenged.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- incontestable
Not incontestable means it is open to reasonable challenge.
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Question 12 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use scruple: The reviewer was ___ (scruple) in disclosing every conflict of interest.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- scrupulous
Scrupulous describes meticulous adherence to ethical standards.
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Question 13 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use commensurate: The penalty was ___ (commensurate) with the minor offence; it was far too severe.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- incommensurate
Incommensurate with indicates a mismatch in scale; the context makes the direction clear.
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Question 14 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use fallible: Recognising one's own ___ (fallible) need not undermine confidence.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- fallibility
Fallibility is the noun naming the possibility of error.
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Question 15 · Fill in the blank (text)
Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.
Use qualify: The approval was explicitly ___ (qualify), not unconditional.
Check answers and explanations
- Blank 1
- qualified
Qualified describes approval with limitations or reservations.
What to review next
Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.
A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.