Hello, My name's Peter Travis from Flo-Joe and this is the latest in our series of videos looking at the updated FCE exam which launches in 2015. Today we're looking at Part 1 of the Reading and Use of English Paper - the Multiple Choice Cloze exercise.
You can download the handbook for the updated exam from the Cambridge English website at the address below or from the Flo-Joe website. Let's have a quick look in the handbook for an example of the Multiple Choice Cloze task.
OK, so we're looking here at the updated Cambridge English First or FCE handbook - this is for the 2015 exam remember - and here's an example Multiple Choice Cloze exercise.
As you can see, the task consists of a short text with 8 gaps - or 9 gaps if we include the example at the beginning. Each gap equals one word and the candidate has to complete each gap by selecting the correct word from a choice of 4 - A, B, C or D. Here we have the choices listed 1-8. If we look at the example we can see a gap marked (0) and above the text we can see the correct choice for (0) is marked as C or 'branch' as in 'a branch of history'.
Language Skills
Let's turn to the language skills you'll need to work on during your preparation. The main focus in the Multiple Choice Cloze task is vocabulary. Various aspects of vocabulary are likely to be tested but there are some key areas you should try to focus on during your preparation.
In general, you should focus on learning 'chunks' of vocabulary or set expressions, rather than simply individual words.
Phrasal verbs are an example of a 'chunk' - a verb and a preposition.
Here's an example phrasal verb - to 'settle down' as in 'to get married and settle down'. Phrasal verbs are sometimes tested and you'll find either the verb or the preposition of a phrasal verb gapped.
Other common idiomatic phrases might appear in the text with one of the words gapped, such as 'under the weather', with either 'under' or 'weather' gapped.
Collocations, or words that go together regularly appear in the Multiple Choice Cloze. Phrases like 'to reach a decision' are fixed - we don't say to 'achieve' or 'attain' a decision. - We do say 'arrive at a decision' - that's another collocation - but there's no 'at' after the gap so the only correct answer is 'reach'.
In addition to chunks' you need to be aware of common synonyms and how words work in one context but not in another. For example, 'fee', 'price', 'cost' and 'charge' have a similar meaning but only one fits here correctly.
Occasionally a linking word or what is sometimes called a discourse marker will be the gapped word such as in this example.
Exam Tips
You should always read the complete text before attempting to answer any questions. Having a 'big picture' or global understanding of the text will help you make decisions later.
A key tactic in this exercise is to look for clues around each gap. We've already noted the importance of learning set expressions and the word before or sometimes after the gap will often be part of a set phrase and will help you decide which of the choice of 4 words is the correct one.
If you find it difficult to make a choice eliminate those you know are wrong and if necessary make a guess as to the correct answer - you might be lucky!
If you'd like further practice in the new FCE exam visit the Flo-Joe website at www.flo-joe.co.uk.
