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CAE · Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 · California, USA

Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 for the CAE Exam — California candidates

10% of the CAE test plan. Gapped text (Part 6) and multiple matching (Part 7) testing understanding of long, complex texts. Calibrated for Californian candidates.

For candidates aiming to clear this exam on the first attempt, the difference between Band 6 and Band 7+ — or "passing" and "comfortable margin" — usually comes down to fluency on a small number of high-leverage topics. Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 sits at roughly 10% of the Cambridge Advanced (C1) content distribution — Part 6 (gapped text: 6 paragraphs removed from an article, 1 extra) tests understanding of textual cohesion — how paragraphs link through reference, theme, and logical sequence. Part 7 (multiple matching: 4 short texts, 10 questions) tests the ability to locate specific information across multiple sources quickly. Pass rates for the CAE are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For California candidates preparing for CAE, the calibration of study to local context matters: California is the largest U.S. testing market for NCLEX, MCAT, SAT, and ACT. The CA Board of Registered Nursing has notoriously long endorsement timelines (8–14 weeks).

Pass rates for CAE (California, USA) are published periodically by the awarding body.

Common failure modes

These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.

  • !Part 6: Matching based on single topic words rather than reference chains and logical flow
  • !Part 7: Reading entire sections when scanning for specific information is faster
  • !Part 6: Not checking that the extra paragraph clearly does NOT fit any gap

Study tips

  • 1For Part 6, underline pronouns, demonstratives, and synonyms before the gap and after — they are the cohesion links.
  • 2For Part 7, underline key words in the questions first, then scan each text only for those key words.
  • 3After placing Part 6 paragraphs, read the whole article through to confirm the narrative flow is logical.
  • 4For NCLEX-RN: the California Board of Registered Nursing requires LiveScan fingerprinting before ATT release; book early because LiveScan vendors fill 2–3 weeks out.
  • 5For MCAT/SAT/ACT: California universities are test-blind for SAT/ACT undergraduate admission as of 2024; verify whether your target medical/grad programs still require MCAT/GRE.
  • 6For CDL: California has its own "California Special Requirements" addendum on top of FMCSA; review the CA Commercial Driver Handbook before sitting the written test.

Sample CAE Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real CAE questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

  1. 1

    In CAE Reading Part 6 (gapped text), a removed paragraph begins "This was the turning point." The gap is most likely:

    • AAfter a paragraph describing background information
    • BAfter a paragraph describing a key event or changeCorrect
    • CAt the beginning of the article
    • DAfter a paragraph describing consequences
    Why this answer?

    "This was the turning point" uses "this" as a reference to a preceding event — it refers backward to something that has just been described as significant. The gap is most likely after a paragraph that describes a key event, which "this" refers to.

Frequently asked questions

How long are the texts in CAE Reading Parts 5–7?
CAE Reading texts range from approximately 600 words (Parts 5 and 6) to shorter texts of 400–600 words total across four sections (Part 7). They are drawn from authentic sources: magazine articles, literary extracts, newspaper features, and academic journalism.
What is the CAE pass rate for Californian candidates?
Pass rates for CAE candidates in California, USA are published periodically by the awarding body. Practice questions, full-length simulations, and weak-area drills are the highest-impact way to improve your odds.
How long should Californian candidates study Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 for the CAE?
For most candidates, focused mastery of Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 requires 20–40 hours of deliberate practice — drilling sample questions, reviewing failure modes, and timing yourself against exam conditions. California is the largest U.S. testing market for NCLEX, MCAT, SAT, and ACT. The CA Board of Registered Nursing has notoriously long endorsement timelines (8–14 weeks). Combine Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 study with full-length mock exams in the final two weeks before your test date.

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