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CAE · Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 · United States

Reading & Use of English Parts 6–7 for the CAE Exam — U.S. candidates

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

High-stakes exams reward two skills equally: knowledge and test-craft. This page focuses on both for one of the most failure-prone areas. 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 U.S. candidates preparing for CAE, the calibration of study to local context matters: U.S. licensure exams are governed at the state level (CDL, NCLEX) or by national boards (MCAT, GRE). Pearson VUE and PSI are the dominant test-delivery vendors.

Pass rates for CAE (United States) 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.
  • 4If you are testing in the U.S., expect CAE delivery via Pearson VUE or PSI test centres — register through the official board portal at least 30 days in advance.

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 American candidates?
Pass rates for CAE candidates in United States 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 American 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. U.S. licensure exams are governed at the state level (CDL, NCLEX) or by national boards (MCAT, GRE). Pearson VUE and PSI are the dominant test-delivery vendors. 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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