FCE · 8% of test plan
Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation for the FCE Exam
Part 3 tests word formation: the ability to derive the correct form of a word using prefixes and suffixes. Each of the 8 gaps provides the base form of a word in capitals; candidates must determine whether to form a noun, adjective, verb, adverb, negative, or compound form.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
- Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation · United StatesCalibrated for American candidates
- Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation · United KingdomCalibrated for British candidates
- Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation · IndiaCalibrated for Indian candidates
- Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation · PhilippinesCalibrated for Filipino candidates
- Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation · NigeriaCalibrated for Nigerian candidates
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.
- !Choosing the wrong word class (using an adjective when a noun is needed)
- !Forgetting negative prefixes: un-, dis-, ir-, im-, in-, il-
- !Missing double consonants in derived forms: prefer → preferring (double r), not prefering
Study tips
- 1Build word families for the 200 most common FCE word formation roots: CREATE → creation/creative/creatively/creativity/uncreative.
- 2Learn which word positions in sentences require which word class: verb position, subject/object position, modifier position.
- 3Study negative prefix patterns: un- (unhappy), dis- (dishonest), ir- (irregular), im- (impossible), in- (independent), il- (illegal).
Sample FCE Reading & Use of English Part 3 — Word Formation questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real FCE questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
The _____ of the new bridge was celebrated by the whole city. (BASE WORD: OPEN)
- AopeningCorrect
- Bopened
- Copenly
- Dopener
Why this answer?
The gap requires a noun (subject of "was celebrated"). "Opening" (gerund/noun form of OPEN) is the correct word. "Opened" is a past tense verb; "openly" is an adverb; "opener" is a tool noun — neither fits the sentence structure.
Practice Cambridge FCE (B2) free with Koydo.
B2 First — Use of English, Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.