CAE Register and Style 1

Question 1

Which phrase is most appropriate for opening a formal report?

Accepted Answer

This report aims to examine the findings of...

Answer

I'm writing to tell you about...

Answer

So, here's what we found out about...

Answer

Just to let you know, we looked into...

Question 2

Which sentence demonstrates an appropriate use of hedging language in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

The results suggest that regular exercise may contribute to improved mood.

Answer

The results definitely prove that exercise improves mood.

Answer

The results clearly show that we should all exercise more.

Answer

The results are so obvious — exercise makes you feel better.

Question 3

In which of the following contexts would a formal register be LEAST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A text message to a close friend

Answer

A letter of complaint to a local council

Answer

A proposal submitted to a company director

Answer

An article for a professional journal

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of formal written English?

Accepted Answer

Nominalization, such as using 'investigation' instead of 'investigate'

Answer

Frequent use of contractions like 'don't' and 'it's'

Answer

Use of colloquial expressions like 'a lot of' or 'loads of'

Answer

Direct address using 'you guys' or 'folks'

Question 5

A student writes: 'The company's profits went up a lot last year.' Which revision makes this sentence more formal?

Accepted Answer

The company's profits increased significantly during the previous year.

Answer

The company earned more cash last year.

Answer

Last year, the company got richer by quite a bit.

Answer

The company did really well profit-wise in the past year.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the term 'register' in English language use?

Accepted Answer

The variety of language used depending on the social context and audience

Answer

The speed at which a speaker delivers their words

Answer

The grammatical accuracy of a piece of writing

Answer

The number of vocabulary items a writer uses

Question 7

Which opening is most appropriate for a CAE-style formal letter of application?

Accepted Answer

I am writing with reference to the position advertised in...

Answer

Hey there! I'm super interested in this job...

Answer

Just dropping you a line about the job I saw...

Answer

So I found your job ad and thought I'd get in touch...