What to study for key word transformations - Cambridge B2 First

Cambridge B2 First: Reading and Use of English -

Part 4 (Key Word Transformations)

Are you preparing for the Cambridge B2 First exam? Are you feeling nervous about the 'use of English paper'? Do you struggle with part 4?

Key word transformations (part 4) is a great test for your English because it assesses your control and command of the language in both grammar and vocabulary. The task is not complicated - use the key word to complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. However, preparing for this part of the exam can be overwhelming since it can cover so many different areas of English.

Typical Key Word Transformation Question - Cambridge First B2 Exam

Here's my check list of areas to study which will help you master this part of the exam:

1. Comparative/superlatives

Make sure you know how to form and use comparative and superlative adjectives correctly. Watch out for tricky structures like so/such, as + adjective + as, and too/enough, which often appear in this part of the exam.

Testing your use of comparative structures

2. Passives

You may be asked to change sentences from active to passive or vice versa. It’s not just about switching the subject and object. Pay attention to verb forms and tense, otherwise the meaning can easily be lost.

3. Direct and indirect speech

You may be asked to change direct speech into indirect, or the other way around. Look out for reporting verbs which can signal that this is the area being tested. Check carefully for changes in pronouns, tenses, and other spacial and temporal references. This includes words for time (tomorrow → the next day), place (here → there), and verbs that can shift meaning depending on context (take, bring, come, go). Small changes like these can completely alter the meaning, so don’t overlook them.

4. Auxiliary verbs

These are the little helpers - be, do, have, and modal auxiliary verbs too. They can appear in questions, negatives, and emphatic forms, so make sure you know how they work and when they’re needed.

5. Conditionals

Any type of conditional sentence may appear. Zero, first, second, third, and mixed conditionals are all fair game. Make sure you know which tense to use for each meaning, otherwise the sentence won’t make sense.

Testing your knowledge of Conditionals

6. 'Unreal' past tenses

These include If only…, I wish…, I’d rather… and other ways to talk about regrets or hypothetical situations. Pay attention to the past forms — they’re easy to mix up, and using the wrong one can change the meaning.

7. Verb patterns

Some verbs are followed by an infinitive (want to go) or a gerund (enjoy swimming). Others can take both but with a difference in meaning. This is tricky, so double-check which pattern fits the sentence.

8. Multi-word verbs

Multi-word verbs are one of the examiner’s favourites and often come up in the exam. Make sure you’re clear on the flexibilities and limitations for both phrasal verbs and prepositional verbs, whether they are transitive, intransitive, separable, or inseparable.

9. Quantifiers

Quantifiers are words that show the amount or quantity of something. In key word transformations, you might need to replace or adjust quantifiers to keep the meaning the same. Common examples include some, any, many, much, few, little, a lot of, enough. Make sure you understand which quantifier fits grammatically and logically in the sentence.

10. Fixed Expressions

Fixed expressions are groups of words that always go together in the same way. They have a set meaning and often cannot be changed. In part 4, you may need to transform a sentence while keeping these expressions correct. Examples include as far as I’m concerned, in charge of, take part in, make the most of. Pay attention to word order and prepositions.

Structure your revision around these key areas, and before you know it, you'll be feeling much more confident.

Bonus tip: For each question, start by asking "what does the examiner want me to do?" In most cases, you will be able to identify one of the above areas. This will allow you to narrow the problem down, recall necessary structures and patterns, and apply your knowledge effectively to the task.

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