Sample Questions

Cambridge C1 Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1grammar

Complete: Despite ___ warned about the risks, she proceeded with the experiment.

A.being

B.having been✓ Correct

C.she was

D.to be

Explanation

'Despite + -ing': 'Despite having been warned' uses the perfect passive gerund correctly.

Question 2transformations

Key word transformation: 'It is likely that the project will be delayed.' → Use EVERY CHANCE. 'There is every chance ___'

A.that the project will be delayed✓ Correct

B.of delaying the project

C.to delay the project

D.the project delays

Explanation

'There is every chance that...' maintains the meaning using the given key word.

Question 3listening-comprehension

A speaker says: 'I wouldn't say I was enthusiastic about it, but it grew on me.' The speaker's attitude is:

A.Initially indifferent, then positive✓ Correct

B.Consistently negative

C.Immediately enthusiastic

D.Confused throughout

Explanation

'Wouldn't say I was enthusiastic' = not keen initially. 'Grew on me' = became positive over time.

Question 4word-formation

Word formation: The government's ___ (DECIDE) to raise taxes sparked controversy.

A.decision✓ Correct

B.decisive

C.decidedly

D.decided

Explanation

Need a noun to complete 'the government's ___'. 'Decision' is the correct noun form.

Question 5reading-comprehension

Which statement would the author of the passage most likely agree with? (Passage: argues that social media has measurably increased political polarization.)

A.Online platforms have contributed to societal division✓ Correct

B.Social media has no effect on political beliefs

C.News media is the primary driver of polarization

D.Polarization existed only before social media

Explanation

The passage's central argument is that social media measurably increases polarization.

Question 6collocations

Open cloze: The director's latest film has ___ to critical acclaim worldwide.

A.met✓ Correct

B.received

C.been

D.had

Explanation

'Met with critical acclaim' is the standard collocation in formal English.

Test-Taking Tips

1.Read quality English daily (The Guardian, Economist) to absorb C1 vocabulary naturally.
2.Use Cambridge English Practice Tests books — the official format is unique.
3.Key Word Transformations: study grammar patterns systematically (causative have, wish/if only, comparatives).
4.Record yourself speaking and compare against Cambridge's mark scheme criteria.
5.For Use of English: learn collocations, phrasal verbs, and fixed phrases — not just single words.

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