Cambridge Advanced Use of English Part 2
On this page we will take a look at the second of the Use of English exercises in Cambridge Advanced, which is the Part 2 gap fill exercise. While readers will have seen this type of task before and are aware that gaps are limited to a single word there are other specific aspects to consider.
Purpose of the Part 2 Task
The Use of English Part 2 in Cambridge Advanced is similar to its B2 counterpart in the type of words that can be missing, however, there are notable differences. The typical options are the same for this particular exercise and can range from auxilary verbs and linking words to prepositions and quantifiers.
What makes the C1 Part 2 exercise different to B2 is that the missing words are often part of fixed expressions or specific grammar forms. In this respect, it tests your knowledge of a wide range of grammar forms.
Example sentence
Here’s an example from the exercise we’re going to use.
The truth (0) …….. nobody really knows how language first began.
The missing word here – is, is related to the word truth.
The truth is is a phrase used to introduce and emphasise a statement or point, drawing attention to the information that follows. It is a declarative statement and often includes that as a part of the clause.
The example highlights how identifyng words for each gap in this task are often more dependent on the types of grammar forms used in the sentence.
Use of English Part 2 exercise overview
Here is the full text for the Part 2 exercise.
The origin of language
The truth (0) …….. nobody really knows how language first began. Did we all start talking at around the same time (9) …….. of the manner in which our brains had begun to develop?
Although there is a lack of clear evidence, people have come up with various theories about the origins of language.
One recent theory is that human beings have evolved in (10) …….. a way that we are programmed for language from the moment of birth.
In (11) …….. words, language came about as a result of an evolutionary change in our brains at some stage.
Language (12) …….. well be programmed into the brain but, (13) …….. this, people still need stimulus from others around them.
From studies, we know that (14) …….. children are isolated from human contact and have not learnt to construct sentences before they are ten, it is doubtful they will ever do so.
This research shows, if (15) …….. else, that language is a social activity, not something invented (16) …….. isolation.
Completed Part 2 example
In this section we’re going to complete the exercise above, discuss all the answers and consider how you can identify the best answer.
Question 9
Let’s take a look at the first answer.
Did we all start talking at around the same time (9) …….. of the manner in which our brains had begun to develop?
Answer: because
This is a straightforward use of a linking word and the following preposition of helps identify it.
Question 10
One recent theory is that human beings have evolved in (10) …….. a way that we are programmed for language from the moment of birth.
Answer: such
Such is a determiner and is used with noun phrases with or without an article. It is commonly use to highlight a specific thing as is done here using way.
Question 11
In (11) …….. words, language came about as a result of an evolutionary change in our brains at some stage.
Answer : other
Here we have a linking expression in other words that is a fixed expression and it means to express an idea in a different way to a previous opinion or idea.
Questions 12 & 13
Language (12) …….. well be programmed into the brain but, (13) …….. this, people still need stimulus from others around them.
Answer 12: may/could/might
Well is used as a way to emphasise information and is used as a part of a fixed expression with modal verbs.
Answer 13: despite
Despite is used with nouns, noun phrases or demonstratives like this and that. In this example this refers to the main clause.
Question 14
From studies, we know that (14) …….. children are isolated from human contact and have not learnt to construct sentences before they are ten, it is doubtful they will ever do so.
Answer : if/when/whenever
This is another straightforward choice of words and an answer with multiple options.
Questions 15 & 16
This research shows, if (15) …….. else, that language is a social activity, not something invented (16) …….. isolation.
Answer 15: nothing/little
Here we have another example of a fixed phrase in nothing else. While little is also an option is a choice it is not as common a phrase.
Answer 16: in
This is an example of a dependent preposition and this is the correct choice.
How you can do the Use of English Part 2 better
The key to being able to do the part 2 exercise well is having a very good knowledge of English grammar. While a very solid understanding of tense forms is a must, it is equally essential to identify less common explore less common uses in as much detail as you can. In addition, there are some further areas you might find useful to focus on.
- Linking words and expressions
Build on your own knowledge of these types of devices in English and study as many as you can find. Aside from this exercise, it should also prove beneficial in other parts of this and other C1 exams. - Dependent prepositions
While this is an enormous list you still need to add to what you know. Make a note of any new combinations you come across in reading or conversation. - Fixed expressions
Fixed expressions are phrases or words that are commonly used together to express a particular idea or concept. As with the previous group you need to add to your knowledge of this area as there are many of them and they are often tested in the Use of English Part 4 as well.
Some final thoughts
At higher levels, particularly at C1 Advanced, the Use of English Part 2 is very challenging. In part, this is due to the assumption that candidates have very extensive knowledge of English grammar. As we pointed out earlier expanding your own knowledge is vital. Let’s just summarize.
- Consolidate your grammar nd llking expressions knowledge
- Look closely at the whole sentence to see if there are any indicators as to the type of word needed
- Be on the lookout in the text for what might be fixed expressions.
Part 1
Complete the multiple choice exercise