Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which strategy best demonstrates 'interactive communication' skills in CAE Speaking?

Memorising and reciting prepared phrases
Correcting your partner's grammatical mistakes politely
Speaking continuously without pausing for your partner
Building on your partner's ideas and responding to what they say (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Building on your partner's ideas and responding to what they say

Interactive communication is demonstrated by genuinely engaging with your partner's contributions — agreeing, disagreeing, adding to, or questioning their points.

Question 2: A CAE candidate keeps pausing with silence. Which strategy would improve fluency?

Speak faster to avoid any pauses
Use fillers like 'well,' 'I mean,' or 'let me think' to maintain flow (Correct answer)
Ask the examiner to rephrase every question
Only answer questions with one or two words to reduce mistakes

Correct answer: Use fillers like 'well,' 'I mean,' or 'let me think' to maintain flow

Natural fillers and hedging phrases help maintain speech flow while giving the speaker time to formulate ideas, which is a normal feature of fluent spoken English.

Question 3: What is the recommended length of a candidate's response in CAE Speaking Part 2?

As long as the candidate wishes
Exactly two minutes
15–20 seconds
Around one minute (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Around one minute

Part 2 individual turns last approximately one minute, after which the other candidate has 30 seconds to comment on the same photographs.

Question 4: Identify the correct idiom meaning to start fresh: 'After the scandal, the company wanted to _______ and rebuild its reputation.'

turn over a new leaf (Correct answer)
let the cat out of the bag
jump on the bandwagon
bite the bullet

Correct answer: turn over a new leaf

'Turn over a new leaf' means to make a fresh start or change behavior for the better.

Question 5: A CAE passage describes a scientist who 'remained undaunted by repeated failures.' What does 'undaunted' mean in this context?

Deeply discouraged
Surprised by the failures
Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity (Correct answer)
Unaware of the failures

Correct answer: Not discouraged; persistent despite adversity

'Undaunted' means not intimidated or discouraged, indicating the scientist maintained resolve despite repeated setbacks.

Question 6: Which form is correct? 'The researchers suggested that the government _______ the policy immediately.'

reviewing
review (Correct answer)
reviews
reviewed

Correct answer: review

After verbs of suggestion/recommendation, the subjunctive (base form) is used in formal English.

Question 7: Which option correctly uses a reported speech structure? Original: 'I will finish the project by Friday,' she said.

She said she finishes the project by Friday.
She said she would finish the project by Friday. (Correct answer)
She said she will finish the project by Friday.
She said she has finished the project by Friday.

Correct answer: She said she would finish the project by Friday.

In reported speech, 'will' shifts back to 'would'; the tense backshift follows the sequence-of-tenses rule in indirect speech.

Question 8: Which sentence correctly uses a mixed conditional?

If I had saved money, I would buy a car now. (Correct answer)
If I saved money, I would have bought a car.
If I save money, I would buy a car.
If I had saved money, I would have bought a car now.

Correct answer: If I had saved money, I would buy a car now.

A mixed conditional links a past condition ('if I had saved') with a present result ('I would buy now'), showing how a past action affects the current situation.

Question 9: A speaker says 'I suppose it could work, but I'm not entirely convinced.' What attitude does this suggest?

Cautious scepticism (Correct answer)
Strong enthusiasm
Neutral indifference
Complete rejection

Correct answer: Cautious scepticism

Hedging phrases like 'I suppose' and 'not entirely convinced' signal doubt and scepticism rather than strong support or outright rejection.

Question 10: In a CAE multiple-choice question, a passage states that a new policy 'has been met with a lukewarm response.' What does 'lukewarm' suggest about the reaction?

Strong enthusiasm and support
Heated controversy and opposition
Complete indifference and ignorance
Mild, unenthusiastic acceptance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mild, unenthusiastic acceptance

'Lukewarm' metaphorically means neither hot (enthusiastic) nor cold (opposed), describing a tepid, unenthusiastic reception.

Question 11: What should a CAE candidate do if they do not understand a question in the Speaking test?

Remain silent until the examiner repeats it
Ask their partner to answer instead
Guess and answer a different related question
Politely ask for clarification using a natural phrase (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Politely ask for clarification using a natural phrase

Asking for clarification politely (e.g., 'Could you repeat that, please?') demonstrates communication strategies and is entirely acceptable.

Question 12: Which sentence correctly uses an inversion for emphasis?

Such dedication never have I seen.
Never have I seen such dedication. (Correct answer)
Never I have seen such dedication.
I never have seen such dedication.

Correct answer: Never have I seen such dedication.

Fronting a negative adverb like 'never' requires subject-auxiliary inversion: 'Never have I seen...' mirrors the question word order.

Question 13: What does 'coherence' mean in the context of CAE Writing assessment?

Ideas being logically connected and easy to follow (Correct answer)
Correct spelling and punctuation throughout
Using a wide range of complex vocabulary
Meeting the exact word count requirement

Correct answer: Ideas being logically connected and easy to follow

Coherence refers to how logically ideas are sequenced and connected across a piece of writing, making it easy for the reader to follow.

Question 14: In the CAE Writing paper, how many tasks must candidates complete?

One task chosen from four options
Three tasks of equal weighting
One compulsory task only
Two tasks: one compulsory and one from a choice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two tasks: one compulsory and one from a choice

CAE Writing has two parts: Part 1 is a compulsory essay, and Part 2 offers a choice of task types.

Question 15: What should a candidate do immediately upon receiving the CAE exam paper?

Start answering from question one without reading instructions
Read all instructions and briefly skim the whole paper (Correct answer)
Calculate exactly how many minutes per question are available
Write their personal details at the top of every page

Correct answer: Read all instructions and briefly skim the whole paper

Briefly scanning the whole paper allows candidates to understand task types, plan time allocation, and identify any particularly easy or challenging sections.

Question 16: Will there be a change in the sound of the following two sentences read aloud in English? First sentence: His scarf was left at home. Sentence 2: Did he forget to bring his scarf?

Yes, since the second sentence is a question at the end, it will fall in pitch.
Yes, since the first line is a statement, it will end in pitch.
Indeed, since the second sentence is a question at the end, its pitch will raise. (Correct answer)
No, things are the same.

Correct answer: Indeed, since the second sentence is a question at the end, its pitch will raise.

In English, yes/no questions typically have a rising intonation at the end, signaling that a response is expected from the listener. Conversely, declarative statements usually end with a falling intonation. Therefore, the question 'Did he forget to bring his scarf?' will have a noticeably raised pitch at the end compared to the statement 'His scarf was left at home.'

Question 17: Choose the correct word: 'The government _______ a new law banning single-use plastics.'

made
did
created
enacted (Correct answer)

Correct answer: enacted

'Enact a law' is the formal collocated phrase used in legal and governmental contexts; 'make a law' is acceptable but less formal, and 'did/created a law' are not standard collocations.

Question 18: Identify the correct use of the passive voice: 'The report _______ by the committee last Monday.'

submitting
submitted
has submitted
was submitted (Correct answer)

Correct answer: was submitted

The past simple passive 'was submitted' is correct here: subject (the report) + was + past participle (submitted).

Question 19: In a CAE Part 5 text, the author writes that a famous explorer's journals reveal 'a mind in constant dialogue with itself.' What does this most likely mean?

The explorer maintained detailed correspondence with colleagues
The explorer spoke to companions during the journey
The explorer frequently experienced auditory hallucinations
The explorer engaged in deep self-reflection and internal debate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The explorer engaged in deep self-reflection and internal debate

'A mind in dialogue with itself' is a figurative expression for intense introspection and self-questioning, not literal speech.

Question 20: During the CAE exam, a candidate is running out of time in the Reading paper. What is the best approach?

Leave all remaining questions blank
Guess the remaining answers rather than leaving them blank (Correct answer)
Go back to easier questions and skip hard ones
Ask the invigilator for extra time

Correct answer: Guess the remaining answers rather than leaving them blank

Since there is no negative marking in CAE, guessing remaining answers is better than leaving blanks — a guess always has a chance of being correct.

Question 21: Which phrasal verb means to investigate or look into something carefully?

look after
look into (Correct answer)
look up to
look out for

Correct answer: look into

'Look into' means to investigate or examine a matter.

Question 22: What type of conditional is used in: 'Were she to apply, she would certainly be accepted'?

First conditional
Zero conditional
Second conditional with formal inversion (Correct answer)
Third conditional

Correct answer: Second conditional with formal inversion

'Were she to apply' is a formal inverted alternative to 'If she were to apply', which is a second conditional referring to a hypothetical present/future situation.

Question 23: Which connective best signals an example in formal writing?

For instance (Correct answer)
Whereas
Consequently
Nevertheless

Correct answer: For instance

'For instance' (like 'for example') signals that a specific example is about to illustrate the preceding point.

Question 24: In the CAE Reading and Use of English paper, how should a candidate approach Part 5 (multiple choice) most effectively?

Read the text carefully, then locate the answer area for each question before choosing (Correct answer)
Always choose option C if unsure, as it is statistically most common
Select the option that contains the most words from the text
Read all four options first and then skim the text quickly

Correct answer: Read the text carefully, then locate the answer area for each question before choosing

Reading the text and then locating the relevant paragraph for each question prevents distraction and ensures answers are evidence-based rather than guessed.

Question 25: The sentence 'He was adamant that the policy needed changing' means he was:

Mildly interested in the policy
Completely firm and unwilling to change his view (Correct answer)
Uncertain and open to persuasion
Confused about what to think

Correct answer: Completely firm and unwilling to change his view

'Adamant' means completely determined and refusing to be persuaded otherwise; it conveys strong, inflexible conviction.

Question 26: The phrase 'on the whole' is used to mean:

Completely and without exception
At the most important point
In general, considering everything together (Correct answer)
At the beginning of a process

Correct answer: In general, considering everything together

'On the whole' is a discourse marker meaning 'generally speaking' or 'taking everything into account', used to introduce a general conclusion.

Question 27: In a CAE review, what should the writer primarily aim to do?

Describe and evaluate something for a specific audience (Correct answer)
Summarise a news article objectively
Argue one side of a debate with evidence
Give instructions on how to complete a task

Correct answer: Describe and evaluate something for a specific audience

A review describes and evaluates a product, book, film, or experience and is aimed at a defined readership.

Question 28: In CAE Listening Part 1, what is the format of the questions?

Short-answer sentence completion
Matching speakers to opinions
Multiple choice with three options (A, B, or C) (Correct answer)
True/False/Not Given statements

Correct answer: Multiple choice with three options (A, B, or C)

Part 1 consists of three short extracts with two three-option multiple-choice questions each, testing understanding of gist, attitude, or detail.

Question 29: When writing a formal report for CAE, which feature is most important?

Rhetorical questions throughout
Clear headings and impersonal language (Correct answer)
Narrative story structure
A personal, conversational tone

Correct answer: Clear headings and impersonal language

Formal reports use section headings, objective language, and recommendations written in an impersonal style.

Question 30: When should a CAE writer use a neutral register?

Writing to a close friend
Writing a formal complaint to a company
Writing an article for a general-interest magazine (Correct answer)
Writing minutes of a board meeting

Correct answer: Writing an article for a general-interest magazine

A general-interest magazine article targets a broad public audience and therefore suits a neutral, accessible register rather than formal or informal extremes.

Question 31: In CAE Speaking Part 2, a candidate is comparing two photographs of celebrations. Which opening is most appropriate?

'The pictures have people in them who are happy.'
'Both pictures show celebrations, but the first seems more formal while the second looks relaxed.' (Correct answer)
'Picture one is taken in a room. Picture two is outside.'
'I don't really like celebrations.'

Correct answer: 'Both pictures show celebrations, but the first seems more formal while the second looks relaxed.'

A good Part 2 opening identifies what both images share and then highlights a key contrast, demonstrating comparison skills immediately.

Question 32: Which of the following phrases best demonstrates turn-taking in CAE Speaking Part 3?

'What do you think about this one?' (Correct answer)
'No, that's wrong.'
'I don't want to discuss that image.'
'I've finished now, your turn.'

Correct answer: 'What do you think about this one?'

Inviting your partner's opinion with 'What do you think about this one?' shows interactive communication skills and natural turn-taking.

Question 33: Which sentence is an example of nominalization that makes it appropriate for formal writing?

We decided we needed to look into things more.
A decision was made to conduct a further investigation into the problem. (Correct answer)
Someone decided to look at the problem again.
We decided to investigate the problem further.

Correct answer: A decision was made to conduct a further investigation into the problem.

Nominalizations like 'a decision' and 'an investigation' replace active verbs, creating a more abstract and formal tone typical of professional writing.

Question 34: In CAE Speaking, what is the assessor's role during the test?

To observe and mark the candidates without joining the conversation (Correct answer)
To help candidates when they struggle to find a word
To ask all the questions and manage the conversation
To time each section and signal when to move on

Correct answer: To observe and mark the candidates without joining the conversation

The assessor remains silent, observing and marking candidates on grammar, vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication.

Question 35: In CAE Listening Part 3, how many speakers are typically heard?

A panel of seven speakers
Two speakers in dialogue
One monologue speaker
Five different speakers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Five different speakers

Part 3 features five short monologues by different speakers on a related theme, and candidates must match each speaker to one of eight options.

Question 36: Choose the correct option to complete the cleft sentence: '_______ the timing that made the announcement so surprising.'

There was
What was
It is being
It was (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It was

Cleft sentences beginning with 'It was … that' emphasize a particular element of the sentence.

Question 37: In a CAE Writing task asking for an essay, which approach to the conclusion is most appropriate?

Well, to wrap things up, it seems like neither side is totally right or wrong.
In conclusion, having considered the evidence, it is apparent that a balanced approach is required. (Correct answer)
All in all, I guess the answer depends on what you believe personally.
So anyway, that's my take on it. To sum up, I think it's pretty clear what should happen.

Correct answer: In conclusion, having considered the evidence, it is apparent that a balanced approach is required.

A formal essay conclusion should use structured phrases like 'In conclusion, having considered the evidence,' maintaining an impersonal, analytical tone.

Question 38: A writer is producing a CAE proposal for a school principal. Which sentence is most stylistically appropriate?

Honestly, a sports hall would be awesome for everyone.
We think it would be really cool to have a new sports hall.
Building a sports hall seems like a no-brainer to most students.
It is strongly recommended that a new sports facility be constructed. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is strongly recommended that a new sports facility be constructed.

A proposal uses formal, persuasive language such as 'It is strongly recommended' — impersonal, objective, and professionally phrased.

Question 39: In a formal review for a CAE Writing task, which connective is most appropriate to introduce a contrasting point?

Yeah but at the same time...
On the flip side though...
But still, on the other hand...
However, it should be noted that... (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However, it should be noted that...

'However, it should be noted that' is a formal connective phrase appropriate for structured written reviews in CAE-level tasks.

Question 40: In a CAE proposal, what section typically concludes the document?

A personal narrative about the writer
Recommendations or a call to action (Correct answer)
An introduction restating the problem
A bibliography of sources

Correct answer: Recommendations or a call to action

Proposals typically end with a clear recommendations section, urging the reader to take specific action based on the analysis provided.

Question 41: In a CAE cross-text task, Writer A describes a new economic policy as 'bold,' while Writer B calls the same policy 'reckless.' What is the key difference in their views?

Both writers support the policy but for different reasons
Writer A supports the policy; Writer B is indifferent to it
Writer A views the risk positively; Writer B views it negatively (Correct answer)
Writer B supports the policy but Writer A is opposed

Correct answer: Writer A views the risk positively; Writer B views it negatively

Both 'bold' and 'reckless' acknowledge risk-taking, but 'bold' frames it positively as courageous while 'reckless' frames it negatively as irresponsible.

Question 42: What is meant by 'task achievement' in CAE Writing marking criteria?

Finishing the exam within the time limit
Using only formal language throughout
Reaching the minimum word count exactly
Fully addressing all aspects of the given task prompt (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fully addressing all aspects of the given task prompt

Task achievement means the candidate has responded to all parts of the prompt with relevant content and appropriate format.

Question 43: Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a passive voice appropriate for a formal report?

I noticed sales dropping really fast in Q3.
We found that sales dropped sharply in Q3.
Sales just kind of dropped in Q3, we think.
Sales were found to have dropped sharply in Q3. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sales were found to have dropped sharply in Q3.

The passive voice ('were found') removes personal reference and creates the impersonal, objective tone expected in formal reports.

Question 44: Which of these phrases is most useful for politely disagreeing in CAE Speaking Part 3?

'No, stop — my idea is better.'
'I see your point, but I tend to think...' (Correct answer)
'I don't know, maybe.'
'You're completely wrong about that.'

Correct answer: 'I see your point, but I tend to think...'

Polite disagreement phrases like 'I see your point, but...' acknowledge the partner's contribution while introducing a contrasting view, which is valued in collaborative tasks.

Question 45: What is the difference between 'economic' and 'economical'?

'Economic' is British English; 'economical' is American English
'Economic' relates to the economy; 'economical' means using resources efficiently (Correct answer)
'Economical' relates to finance; 'economic' means cheap
They are interchangeable synonyms with no difference in meaning

Correct answer: 'Economic' relates to the economy; 'economical' means using resources efficiently

'Economic' relates to the economy or financial systems, while 'economical' describes something that saves money or uses resources without waste.

Question 46: Which type of recording is LEAST likely to appear in the CAE Listening exam?

A documentary narration
An informal conversation between friends
A radio interview
A formal academic lecture with complex jargon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A formal academic lecture with complex jargon

While CAE includes a range of authentic texts, a dense academic lecture with heavy field-specific jargon is more characteristic of the C2 Proficiency level than CAE.

Question 47: In CAE Listening sentence completion, what should candidates do if they are unsure of a word's spelling?

Write their best phonetic approximation (Correct answer)
Skip it and answer the next question
Leave the answer blank
Write the nearest synonym they know

Correct answer: Write their best phonetic approximation

Candidates should attempt a phonetic spelling of what they hear, as examiners allow reasonable spelling variations as long as the word is recognisable.

Question 48: Which register is appropriate for a CAE letter of application?

Humorous and light-hearted
Neutral and conversational
Informal and chatty
Formal and professional (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Formal and professional

Letters of application must use formal, professional language since they are addressed to potential employers or organisations.

Question 49: Which of the following is an example of formal vocabulary that would be appropriate in a CAE essay on environmental issues?

The Earth's going downhill fast because of what we do.
Environmental degradation is predominantly attributable to anthropogenic factors. (Correct answer)
The planet is getting messed up because of human actions.
People are basically trashing the Earth and it's getting worse.

Correct answer: Environmental degradation is predominantly attributable to anthropogenic factors.

'Environmental degradation' and 'anthropogenic factors' are formal academic terms appropriate for an essay-level discussion of environmental topics.

Question 50: The word 'exhaustive' in 'an exhaustive study was conducted' means:

An outdated and unreliable study
A brief and superficial study
A tiring and difficult study
A thorough and complete study covering all aspects (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A thorough and complete study covering all aspects

'Exhaustive' (not 'exhausting') means covering everything completely and thoroughly; it should not be confused with 'exhausting' (causing tiredness).

Question 51: Researchers examining how toxic air affects our sleep believe there may be a connection between air pollution and restless nights. The amount of time participants spent sleeping in bed at night as opposed to being awake was examined in the study; this is known as sleep efficiency. The findings show that there is a correlation between a higher risk of experiencing poor sleep efficiency and increased exposure to nitrogen dioxide and PM 2.5s, which are tiny particles. Researchers speculate that this may be related to the physiological effects of air pollution. "Those pollutants can irritate your nose, sinuses, and back of your throat, which can cause some disruption in your sleep," stated Martha Billings, co-author of the study and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington. The study made use of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 level air pollution data that were collected over a five-year period in six US cities, including data that was collected close to the 1,863 participants' houses. Estimates of the pollution levels in the residence were then produced using the data. Using the data, the researchers divided the participants into quarters based on how well they were able to sleep: the top quarter had a sleep efficiency of roughly 93% or more, while the lowest quarter had a sleep efficiency of 88% or less. After that, the individuals were divided into four groups by the team according to how much each group had been exposed to air pollution. The team discovered that those who were exposed to the highest levels of air pollution over a five-year period were more likely to be in the bottom group for sleep efficiency than those exposed to the lowest levels, even after accounting for a wide range of factors like age, smoking status, and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea. More precisely, high levels of PM2.5s raised the odds of poor sleep efficiency by nearly 50%, whereas high levels of nitrogen dioxide increased the odds by nearly 60%. Increased amounts of time spent awake following sleep have also been associated with higher pollution levels. It's unclear, though, if the participants' reduced sleep quality was caused by the pollution per se or if other elements connected to pollution, like traffic noise, were at blame. Furthermore, a person's normal sleep pattern may not be reflected in data gathered from a single week of sleep. A link between pollution and sleep was not surprising, according to Roy Harrison, professor of environmental health at the University of Birmingham. Scott Weichenthal, an epidemiologist from McGill University in Canada who was not involved in the study, said the research did not prove that air pollution caused poor sleep, but he added that "there is certainly increasing evidence that air pollution affects our body in ways that we didn't appreciate before." "Previous studies have demonstrated links between exposure to nitrogen dioxide and impacts on a range of physiological and biochemical processes within the body, in addition to hospitalizations and death," the speaker stated. Therefore, it should not be shocking that these exposures have an impact on sleep patterns. In the second paragraph, the author tells us what references the researchers used to conduct their study.

The amount of PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and a variety of other pollutants in the home over time.
The changes in the house's PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels over time. (Correct answer)
The changes in the house's nitrogen dioxide levels throughout time.
The PM2.5 concentrations in the home over time.

Correct answer: The changes in the house's PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels over time.

The second paragraph states, 'The study made use of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 level air pollution data that were collected over a five-year period... close to the 1,863 participants' houses.' It then adds, 'Estimates of the pollution levels in the residence were then produced using the data.' This clearly indicates that the researchers used data on the changes in PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide levels over time in the participants' homes.

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Exam

The Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Exam is an internationally recognised English language certification at C1 level of the CEFR. It tests reading, use of English, writing, listening, and speaking across five papers, demonstrating advanced language ability for academic and professional purposes.

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90 min

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