We are continuing our new series on tips and advice with the Cambridge FCE Reading Paper 3. In this article, you will find both tips and advice as well as a FREE FCE Practice Test you can practise on.
The FCE Reading Paper 3 is the second of three Use of English parts. In the this part of the FCE exam, you have use your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to create new words.
Plan for Tackling the FCE Reading Paper 3
Here are some tips on how you could approach this type of exercise on the FCE Reading Paper 3:
- Skim quickly through the text to get the gist of it.
- Read the text again but stop after the first gap.
- Analyse the sentence and decide what kind of word is required:
a) Is the missing word a noun?
b) Is the missing word a verb?
c) Is the missing word an adjective?
d) Is the missing word an adverb?
- Check for clues both before and after the gap.
- Make sure you read the whole sentence!
- Remember, you may need to:
a) use a negative form
b) use a plural
c) use a prefix
d) use a suffix
e) make changes in the middle of the word
f) make more than one change to a word
- Continue like this until you have completed all the questions.
- Read through the text and make sure that the word you write makes sense in the sentence.
- Make sure that you double-check your spelling!
- You should always try to answer and not leave any gaps empty.
Top Tips for Tackling the FCE Reading Paper 3
Here are some more Top Tips for passing the FCE Reading Paper 3:
Read the Instructions
Make sure you know what to do – always start by reading the instructions first!
Don’t Get Bogged Down
If you are struggling to find an answer, move on to the next question and go back to the question later.
Keep an Eye on the Clock
Don’t run out of time! If you have developed your final FCE exam strategy, you will know how much time you have allocated to this part of the test. Stick to your timetable.
FREE Practice Test: FCE Reading Paper 3
Here is an interactive, self-correcting FREE FCE Practice Test. You can reset the test as many times as you like. If you have made a mistake, make sure to click on the little, blue question mark. This will give you more information about why your answer was wrong.
The actual FCE Reading Paper 3 only has eight word formation questions. This test has ten, giving you more opportunities to practise your exam techniques.
Good luck and enjoy!
[This FCE Practice Test is in a FLASH format.]
If you are not happy with the scores you get on the FCE Practice Test, our Knowledge Checks will help you in focusing in on the vocabulary and grammar you will need to study.
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