Escape Campus · C2

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Reading & Use of English · 7

  • Part 1 — Multiple-choice cloze

    Choose 1 of 4 words for 8 gaps. Tests lexis, collocation, phrasal verbs.

    Choose 1 of 4 words for 8 gaps. Tests lexis, collocation, phrasal verbs.

    Examiners assess

    • · Precise word choice
    • · Collocation knowledge
    • · Awareness of register

    Time tips

    • · ~10 minutes total. Don't lose minutes on one gap.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read the whole text once for sense before looking at options.
    2. For each gap, check collocation first (which word naturally pairs?).
    3. If two answers look possible, the more idiomatic one usually wins.
    4. Mark uncertain answers; come back after Part 2.

    Common mistakes

    • Choosing the word you know without testing collocation.
    • Ignoring the surrounding preposition.

    Model

    Sample: 'She gave a ____ account of the events.' (a) full (b) deep (c) wide (d) long → 'full account' is the fixed collocation.

    Quick checklist

    • Read whole text first
    • Check collocation
    • Check preposition
    • Move on if stuck

  • Part 2 — Open cloze

    Fill 8 gaps with ONE word each. No options. Tests grammar.

    Fill 8 gaps with ONE word each. No options. Tests grammar.

    Examiners assess

    • · Grammatical accuracy
    • · Cohesion
    • · Article / preposition / pronoun control

    Time tips

    • · ~10 minutes total.

    Step-by-step

    1. Skim for meaning first.
    2. Identify the gap type: article, pronoun, auxiliary, preposition, linker, relative.
    3. Re-read full sentence after filling.

    Common mistakes

    • Writing more than one word.
    • Forgetting contractions count as two words.

    Model

    Sample: 'It was not ____ Monday that the letter arrived.' → 'until'.

    Quick checklist

    • One word only
    • Sentence makes sense aloud
    • No contraction

  • Part 3 — Word formation

    Form a derivative of a given word to fit the gap. Tests morphology + shade of meaning.

    L2

    Form a derivative of a given word to fit the gap. Tests morphology + shade of meaning.

    Examiners assess

    • · Correct derivative form
    • · Correct register / connotation

    Time tips

    • · ~10 minutes.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read the whole sentence twice before deciding.
    2. Decide part of speech needed.
    3. Check if a prefix (un-, in-, mis-, dis-) is needed.
    4. Match connotation to the surrounding tone.

    Common mistakes

    • Right part of speech, wrong connotation ('careless' vs 'careful').
    • Missing a needed negative prefix.

    Model

    DELIBERATE → 'deliberately' — implies cynical intent, not just lack of clarity.

    Quick checklist

    • Part of speech
    • Prefix?
    • Suffix?
    • Connotation matches

  • Part 4 — Key word transformation

    Rewrite a sentence using a given key word, 3–8 words. Tests structures + collocation.

    Rewrite a sentence using a given key word, 3–8 words. Tests structures + collocation.

    Examiners assess

    • · Grammatical accuracy
    • · Meaning preserved exactly
    • · Key word used unchanged

    Time tips

    • · ~12 minutes.

    Step-by-step

    1. Underline the key idea in the original.
    2. Plan the structure the key word forces (passive? conditional? inversion?).
    3. Count words; contractions = 2.

    Common mistakes

    • Changing the key word.
    • Adding extra information.
    • Going over the word limit.

    Model

    'I regret not booking earlier.' WISH → 'I wish I had booked earlier.'

    Quick checklist

    • Key word unchanged
    • Meaning identical
    • 3–8 words

  • Part 5 — Multiple-choice text

    Read a long text; answer 6 multiple-choice questions on detail, opinion, attitude, inference.

    L2L4

    Read a long text; answer 6 multiple-choice questions on detail, opinion, attitude, inference.

    Examiners assess

    • · Inference
    • · Detail comprehension
    • · Author stance

    Time tips

    • · ~12 minutes for the whole part.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read the text once before looking at questions.
    2. For each question, locate evidence in the text before choosing.
    3. Eliminate distractors that are 'partly true'.

    Common mistakes

    • Picking the option that 'feels right' without textual evidence.

    Model

    Mark exact line numbers as you work — speeds checking.

    Quick checklist

    • Evidence located
    • Distractors eliminated
    • Inference questions answered last

  • Part 6 — Gapped text

    Insert 7 paragraphs into a text. Tests cohesion + global understanding.

    Insert 7 paragraphs into a text. Tests cohesion + global understanding.

    Examiners assess

    • · Cohesion / reference
    • · Topic continuity

    Time tips

    • · ~14 minutes.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read the gapped text without the paragraphs first.
    2. For each gap, check the sentences immediately before and after.
    3. Track pronouns and linkers ('this', 'however', 'such').

    Common mistakes

    • Matching on topic alone, ignoring reference chains.

    Model

    If the next paragraph starts 'This is not always the case', the previous paragraph must state a 'case'.

    Quick checklist

    • Pronoun chain works
    • Linker fits
    • One paragraph unused — confirm

  • Part 7 — Multiple matching

    Match 10 statements to sections of a text or multiple short texts.

    Match 10 statements to sections of a text or multiple short texts.

    Examiners assess

    • · Scanning
    • · Paraphrase recognition

    Time tips

    • · ~12 minutes.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read questions first; underline keywords.
    2. Scan, don't read end-to-end.
    3. Mark each match; don't leave clusters in one section unless certain.

    Common mistakes

    • Matching exact words instead of paraphrased meaning.

    Model

    Question: 'mentions a sudden change of mind' → look for any rewording of 'changed mind', not the literal phrase.

    Quick checklist

    • Paraphrase, not lexical match
    • All 10 answered
    • No section over-used unless allowed

Writing · 5

  • Part 1 — Essay (240–280 words)

    Discursive essay summarising and evaluating two short texts.

    L5

    Discursive essay summarising and evaluating two short texts.

    Examiners assess

    • · Content coverage
    • · Communicative achievement
    • · Organisation
    • · Language range

    Time tips

    • · ~45 min: 5 plan, 35 write, 5 check.

    Step-by-step

    1. Plan: spine stance, hinge concession, return.
    2. Open with a one-sentence stance, not a generic intro.
    3. Integrate ideas from both texts; do not copy phrases.
    4. Close with a calibrated re-statement, not a summary.

    Common mistakes

    • Listing arguments without taking a position.
    • Bombast in place of nuance.

    Model

    Hinge sentence: 'I take the opposite view's point about X — and still maintain that…'

    Quick checklist

    • Stance is clear
    • Both texts referenced
    • Word count met
    • Linkers varied

  • Part 2 — Article (280–320 words)

    Engaging article for a magazine/website. Warmer voice than the essay.

    L1L4

    Engaging article for a magazine/website. Warmer voice than the essay.

    Examiners assess

    • · Engagement of reader
    • · Range of expression
    • · Stylistic control

    Time tips

    • · ~45 min.

    Step-by-step

    1. Open with a hook — question, image, surprising claim.
    2. Use the three register dials deliberately (warmer, more personal).
    3. End with a memorable line, not a summary.

    Common mistakes

    • Writing an essay by mistake.
    • Headings/bullet points (not appropriate for an article).

    Model

    Open: 'There is, I'd argue, no worse opening line than "In today's society…"'

    Quick checklist

    • Hook present
    • Voice is warm/personal
    • Memorable close

  • Part 2 — Letter/Email (280–320 words)

    Formal or semi-formal letter/email to a known recipient with a clear purpose.

    L3L4

    Formal or semi-formal letter/email to a known recipient with a clear purpose.

    Examiners assess

    • · Register match
    • · Purpose achieved
    • · Politeness strategies

    Time tips

    • · ~45 min.

    Step-by-step

    1. Identify recipient + purpose before writing.
    2. Open with context, not 'Dear Sir/Madam' filler.
    3. Use diplomatic moves ('I'd be grateful if…', 'with respect…').
    4. Close with a clear next step.

    Common mistakes

    • Wrong register for the relationship.
    • Forgetting the explicit ask.

    Model

    Diplomatic ask: 'I'd be grateful if you might reconsider the timing of the launch — it's a small change with a real effect on…'

    Quick checklist

    • Greeting matches recipient
    • Ask is explicit
    • Tone consistent
    • Sign-off appropriate

  • Part 2 — Review (280–320 words)

    Review of a book, film, product, place. Personal voice + recommendation.

    L2L5

    Review of a book, film, product, place. Personal voice + recommendation.

    Examiners assess

    • · Critical opinion
    • · Recommendation clarity
    • · Range of evaluative language

    Time tips

    • · ~45 min.

    Step-by-step

    1. Quick context (what + when + where).
    2. Two or three evaluation points with evidence.
    3. Honest recommendation — not all-positive.

    Common mistakes

    • Summarising plot/features instead of evaluating.
    • Bland 'I really liked it' verdicts.

    Model

    Calibrated verdict: 'For all its flaws — and there are several — it's the most interesting failure I've watched this year.'

    Quick checklist

    • Evaluation, not summary
    • At least one weakness named
    • Clear recommendation

  • Part 2 — Report (280–320 words)

    Factual report with headings, neutral register, clear recommendations.

    L4

    Factual report with headings, neutral register, clear recommendations.

    Examiners assess

    • · Organisation (headings)
    • · Neutral register
    • · Clarity of recommendation

    Time tips

    • · ~45 min.

    Step-by-step

    1. Use headings: Introduction / Findings / Recommendations.
    2. Use neutral, impersonal language ('It was found that…').
    3. Recommendations must be specific and actionable.

    Common mistakes

    • Personal opinion creeping in.
    • Vague recommendations.

    Model

    Recommendation: 'Move the workshop to a 60-minute slot to allow time for the closing Q&A.'

    Quick checklist

    • Headings present
    • Neutral tone
    • Actionable recommendations

Listening · 4

  • Part 1 — Short extracts

    Three short conversations, two multiple-choice questions each.

    Three short conversations, two multiple-choice questions each.

    Examiners assess

    • · Detail
    • · Speaker attitude/opinion

    Time tips

    • · Questions are pre-printed — use the gap.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read questions before each extract.
    2. On first listen, mark a tentative answer.
    3. On second listen, confirm or change.

    Common mistakes

    • Answering on the first words you recognise.

    Model

    Watch for 'distractor' answers — words from the audio in a wrong option.

    Quick checklist

    • Both questions answered
    • Distractors ruled out

  • Part 2 — Sentence completion

    Monologue (~3 min); complete sentences with 1–3 words from the audio.

    Monologue (~3 min); complete sentences with 1–3 words from the audio.

    Examiners assess

    • · Specific information
    • · Spelling

    Time tips

    • · Don't over-write — usually 1–2 words.

    Step-by-step

    1. Predict word class from the gap.
    2. Listen for the exact word — do not paraphrase.
    3. Check spelling.

    Common mistakes

    • Paraphrasing instead of using the speaker's word.

    Model

    Gap: 'The system was originally designed for ____.' Listen for a noun.

    Quick checklist

    • Speaker's exact word
    • Spelling correct
    • Word count met

  • Part 3 — Multiple choice (long)

    Interview or discussion; 5 multiple-choice questions.

    L3L5

    Interview or discussion; 5 multiple-choice questions.

    Examiners assess

    • · Opinion
    • · Attitude
    • · Inference

    Time tips

    • · Questions follow audio order.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read questions before listening.
    2. Track each speaker's view separately.
    3. Watch for 'turning point' words (however, actually, the truth is).

    Common mistakes

    • Confusing the two speakers' views.

    Model

    If the speaker says 'I used to think…', the next clause usually flips it.

    Quick checklist

    • Speaker attributed correctly
    • Turning points noted

  • Part 4 — Multiple matching

    Five short monologues; match each to two sets of options.

    Five short monologues; match each to two sets of options.

    Examiners assess

    • · Gist
    • · Opinion / attitude

    Time tips

    • · Split the two tasks across the two listenings.

    Step-by-step

    1. Read both option sets before listening.
    2. First listen: answer Task 1 only.
    3. Second listen: answer Task 2 only.

    Common mistakes

    • Trying to answer both tasks at once.

    Model

    If unsure on Task 1, lock in Task 2 first on the second pass.

    Quick checklist

    • Both tasks completed
    • No option repeated unless allowed

Speaking · 4

  • Part 1 — Interview

    Short interview about you (~2 min).

    L1

    Short interview about you (~2 min).

    Examiners assess

    • · Range
    • · Accuracy
    • · Fluency
    • · Interactive communication

    Time tips

    • · ~2 minutes total.

    Step-by-step

    1. Extend short answers with a reason or example.
    2. Use one C2 lexical item per answer if natural.
    3. Don't over-rehearse — sound like you.

    Common mistakes

    • One-word answers.
    • Memorised speeches that don't fit the question.

    Model

    Q: 'Where are you from?' A: 'A small coastal town in the west — the kind of place that's lovely for ten days and quiet for the other 355.'

    Quick checklist

    • Extended answers
    • One natural lexical flourish
    • No memorised script

  • Part 2 — Collaborative task (two photos)

    Compare two images and reach a shared conclusion (~1 min each + interaction).

    L1

    Compare two images and reach a shared conclusion (~1 min each + interaction).

    Examiners assess

    • · Speculation
    • · Comparison
    • · Reaching agreement

    Time tips

    • · ~1 min per candidate, then short joint decision.

    Step-by-step

    1. React, don't describe.
    2. Use one memorable phrase early to signal voice.
    3. Move toward a shared conclusion in the last 15 seconds.

    Common mistakes

    • Describing both photos and never comparing.

    Model

    'Both these scenes are about the same word — time — but they're using it in opposite directions.'

    Quick checklist

    • Compared, not described
    • Reached a shared call

  • Part 3 — Long turn

    Sustain a position on a contentious prompt (~90 seconds).

    L3L5

    Sustain a position on a contentious prompt (~90 seconds).

    Examiners assess

    • · Stance
    • · Range
    • · Coherence

    Time tips

    • · ~90 seconds — practise stopping cleanly.

    Step-by-step

    1. Open with a calibrated hedge + clear stance.
    2. Concede ONE point.
    3. Return to your line with a reformulated version.

    Common mistakes

    • Aggressive monologue.
    • Hedging so much you never take a position.

    Model

    'I'd argue, with some caution, that…' → 'I take the opposite view's point about X' → 'And still…'

    Quick checklist

    • Stance taken
    • Concession real
    • Return clear

  • Part 4 — Discussion

    Open discussion with the examiner on Part 3 themes.

    L3L4L5

    Open discussion with the examiner on Part 3 themes.

    Examiners assess

    • · Discourse management
    • · Interactive communication
    • · Range

    Time tips

    • · ~4–5 minutes.

    Step-by-step

    1. Listen actively — pick up the examiner's word.
    2. Use diplomatic moves to disagree.
    3. Ask one short question back if natural.

    Common mistakes

    • Monologue instead of dialogue.
    • Repeating Part 3 phrases verbatim.

    Model

    'With respect, I'd read that differently — what's making you say it?'

    Quick checklist

    • Real dialogue
    • Diplomatic disagreement used
    • Question returned