Practice tests

FCE Use of English Part 3

Word formation for Cambridge B2 First, with answers.

  1. Test 1

    Word Formation Practice Test 1

    8 questions · Interactive with answers

  2. Test 2

    Word Formation Practice Test 2

    8 questions · Interactive with answers

How this part works

Ejercicios interactivos de Use of English parte 3 del B2 First: word formation, con respuestas.

FCE Use of English Part 3 is word formation: eight gaps, each with a stem in capitals. You change the stem into a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb that fits the sentence. Prefixes (un-, in-, dis-, over-) and suffixes (-tion, -ity, -ment, -ous) are the whole game.

Negative prefixes are the most common trap. The sentence meaning often requires the opposite of the stem, and candidates who only add -tion miss the un- sitting in front. Spelling of -ence/-ance and doubling consonants also costs marks that feel “almost right”.

On Test 1, decide the word class before you write: is the gap a noun after “the”, an adverb after a verb, an adjective before a noun? Then add the prefix if the meaning is negative. Check answers and list every miss as stem → target. Test 2 is for speed: Part 3 should not steal time from Reading later in the paper.

Related FCE practice

Keep going through Reading and Use of English — each part is a different task.

FAQ

What is FCE Use of English Part 3?
Word formation. You are given a stem (for example SUCCEED) and you write the form that fits the gap (successful, unsuccessfully, success). One mark per item.
Do I always add a suffix?
No. Some answers only add a prefix (happy → unhappy). Read the whole sentence: if the meaning is negative, a suffix-only answer is wrong.
Are these ejercicios parte 3 free?
Yes. Two word-formation tests with answers are free to complete on this site.
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is recognition among four options. Part 3 is production from a stem. If you can pick the right adjective in Part 1 but cannot spell it in Part 3, train this part on its own.