CAE/CPE Use of English – one word, three gaps
This is a typical exercise that you can be asked to do as part of the CAE/CPE ‘Use of English’
paper. Please note that it is not taken from an actual past paper. However, the instructions
are worded exactly as in the real paper.
For questions 1–10, think of one word only which can be used appropriately in all three
sentences. Here is an example (0). Example: 0
He was tired after a .................................... day in the office.
I’m not very good at Maths, but I always try really .................................... .
The theatre seats weren’t very comfortable. They were really ....................................... . Example: 0 H A R D
Write only the missing word IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet. 1
The blacksmith tied on his .............................................. to protect his clothes from hot metal.
The aircraft was parked on the hard surface of the .......................................... while its cargo was being unloaded.
The actor came forward on to the ...................................... of the stage to deliver his emotional speech. 2
The rain had been so heavy that the river had ............................................... its banks.
The audience ..................................... out laughing at the comedian’s joke.
A nose bleed is caused by ..................................... blood vessels in the nose. 3
On New Year’s Eve, guests were asked to wear ........................................... dress for the party.
He had a really overactive imagination and was always going off on flights of
....................................... .
The bridegroom decided to buy a ....................................... waistcoat to complement the
plain, dark suit he would be wearing on the big day. 4
Just before Christmas, the shop’s cash ......................................... was ringing merrily as
customers bought gifts for friends and family.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom went to sign the
.................................... .
She knew the woman’s face, but it did not ......................................... that she was a famous
actress until it was too late to ask for her autograph. © www.teachitelt.com 17197 Page 1 of 4
CAE/CPE Use of English – one word, three gaps 5
Jack brought in a .................................... from home to make his office chair more comfortable.
Sarah found herself in the position of having to give her staff bad news about their jobs, so
she decided to ............................. the blow by taking them out for a farewell drink in the local pub.
The .................................... round the edge of the billiard table is especially useful when
players have to take awkward shots. 6
Temperatures had plummeted, leaving Jack so cold he had to .......................................... his
feet to get the feeling back into them.
Make sure you buy the right ...................................... for the size and weight of your letter.
The new boss had to ..................................... his authority from the outset, or he would have
lost the respect of his staff. 7
The meal was so delicious and the service so good that the customer left a generous
.................................. to show his appreciation.
The snooker player carefully applied chalk to the ..................................... of his cue before taking the shot.
The racegoer gave his friend a ...................................... for the 2.30 race at Cheltenham. He
was sure he knew which horse would win. 8
It had been an excellent year and the ..................................... of fruit would easily repay the cost of buying the trees.
The scientists did not expect their research to ................................... such disturbing results.
The debate was closely contested, but the home team had to .................................... in the face of superior arguments. 9
Before going to fight abroad, the troops had to .................................... hard to cope with tropical conditions.
The .................................. currently being restored for exhibition in the transport museum
was a rare model which would be sure to attract a lot of visitors.
The bride looked stunning in her wedding dress, and two bridesmaids were needed to carry
her long ........................................... . 10
In some hot, dry countries the only source of water is from a ........................................ sunk into the ground.
Four days after the operation the patient was deemed ........................................... enough to go home.
The talk was so .................................... -attended that some members of the audience had to
sit on the floor at the back of the room. © www.teachitelt.com 17197 Page 2 of 4
CAE/CPE Use of English – one word, three gaps Candidate answer sheet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Candidate answer sheet 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 © www.teachitelt.com 17197 Page 3 of 4
CAE/CPE Use of English – one word, three gaps Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well Answers
1 = apron; 2 = burst; 3 = fancy; 4 = register; 5 = cushion; 6 = stamp; 7 = tip; 8 = yield; 9 = train; 10 = well © www.teachitelt.com 17197 Page 4 of 4