FCE Key Word Transformation

Hello, welcome to the latest in our series of videos looking at the updated Cambridge English First or FCE exam which launches in 2015. My name's Peter Travis from Flo-Joe and in this video we're looking at Part 4 of the Reading and Use of English Paper - Key Word Transformation.

Here's an example Key Word Transformation task from the FCE handbook - which you can download from the Cambridge English website. The task contains 6 questions. Each question consists of a lead-in sentence and a second gapped sentence. The gapped sentence must be completed using between 2 and 5 words. The word in capitals must be used and the form of the word cannot change. The example here contains the key word DRIVEN and as we can see the answer contains this word in the same form and with the maximum of 5 words used.

Language Skills
Part 4 tests your ability to paraphrase through your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. A wide range of language could be tested here. However, some patterns appear quite often. Let's look at a few of them.

Comparative/Superlative
Knowledge of structures like 'so'/'such', '...er'/'...est' and 'too'/'enough' are often tested in this task. Here's an example:

Passive
You will sometimes be required to turn an active sentence into the passive in the Key Word Transformation task. Here's an example:

Direct/Indirect Speech
You will sometimes have to turn direct into indirect speech or the other way around. For example:

Conditionals
Your ability to use conditional forms will often be tested in this task, such as in this example:

Exam Tips
Be sure to follow the instructions: use the key word given, don't change the form of this word and use between 2 and 5 words - no more. Remember that contractions count as two words.

We've noted several patterns that tend to appear, such as passives or reported speech. Pay attention to any new ones you come across during your preparation. This will help you to identify what's required in each question the exam.

Try to learn these new patterns by personalising the two sentences. Rewrite each one using the same structures so they describe something about you, your experience or feelings. Personalising in this way will help you remember the structures

That's the end of this video. If you'd like further practice in the new FCE exam visit the Flo-Joe website at www.flo-joe.co.uk.