language exam

CAE (Cambridge Advanced (C1)) study guides

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is a high-level English qualification widely accepted by universities and employers.

Topics (10)

Reading & Use of English Parts 1–3
10% of test
Multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, and word formation at C1 level, testing advanced vocabulary and grammar.
Reading & Use of English Parts 4–5
10% of test
Key word transformation at C1 level and reading comprehension with detailed multiple-choice questions.
Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7
10% of test
Gapped text (Part 6) and multiple matching (Part 7) testing understanding of long, complex texts.
Writing — Essay (Part 1)
12% of test
Writing a 220–260 word discursive essay presenting a clear argument at C1 level.
Writing — Formal & Informal Tasks (Part 2)
10% of test
Writing a letter, report, review, or proposal at C1 level for a specific audience and purpose.
Listening Parts 1 & 2 — Multiple Choice & Sentence Completion
10% of test
Answering multiple-choice questions on short extracts and completing sentences from a monologue at C1 level.
Listening Parts 3 & 4 — Multiple Matching & Multiple Choice
8% of test
Multiple matching across 5 speakers and detailed multiple choice on a longer interview at C1 level.
Speaking — Long Turn (Part 2)
10% of test
Comparing and evaluating two photographs for approximately 1 minute at C1 level.
Speaking — Collaborative Discussion (Parts 3 & 4)
8% of test
Discussing and negotiating a complex topic with a partner and extending the discussion with the examiner at C1.
Vocabulary at C1 Level
12% of test
Building a 5,000-word active C1 vocabulary including academic words, idiomatic phrases, and formal register.

Locale-specific guides

Every CAE topic is published with locale-specific framing for candidates testing in different countries. Pass-rate stats, regulatory context, and study tips all change by locale.

United StatesAmerican candidates
United KingdomBritish candidates
IndiaIndian candidates
PhilippinesFilipino candidates
NigeriaNigerian candidates

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Topics (10)

Reading & Use of English Parts 1–3

Reading & Use of English Parts 4–5

Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7

Writing — Essay (Part 1)

Writing — Formal & Informal Tasks (Part 2)

Listening Parts 1 & 2 — Multiple Choice & Sentence Completion

Listening Parts 3 & 4 — Multiple Matching & Multiple Choice

Speaking — Long Turn (Part 2)

Speaking — Collaborative Discussion (Parts 3 & 4)

Vocabulary at C1 Level

Locale-specific guides

Practice Cambridge CAE (C1) free with Koydo.