Hello ExamSeekers,

Last week, I updated the B2: First – Reading and Use of English [Part 1: Multiple-Choice Cloze]. There were two samples in the same blog post, so I decided to divide the post into two [Part 1A] and [Part 1B], so be sure to check them both in your studies.

Today, I decided to continue the updates and divide Part 2: Open Cloze into two, as well. So, when you finish reading [Part 2A], go and check [Part 2B], okay?

First thing, let’s review the meaning of an Open Cloze Test. According to Cambridge Dictionary:

As for “open”, in this case, it means that you are “free” to guess the words – no terms to choose from. Therefore, an Open Cloze Test is a test with missing words that you have to fulfill with specific vocabulary, but no options are provided. It differs from Multiple-Choice Cloze because “multiple-choice” means that there are alternatives from which you have to choose.

Now that we know what an Open Cloze Test means, let’s talk about the B2: First Reading and Use of English Part 2 – Open Cloze.

This exercise has eight gaps in total. Each correct answer accounts for one mark. The main focus of this part is to test your knowledge of both grammar and vocabulary. Therefore, just like Part 1, it is essential to pay close attention to verbs and prepositions that go together and structures that require a specific word for the formation.

Here is a sample of the Open Cloze Test.

Since options are not provided, it is pretty important to go through the text to get a more general idea of it before delving into the spaces to complete the text. By doing so, you will have a better understanding of what comes before and after the gap, then you can choose the best words and increase your chances of getting them right.

The first gap is already fulfilled, but let’s understand it:

I work (0)_________ a motorbike stunt rider – that is, I do tricks on my motorbike at shows.

When we say that we do a certain job, we usually say:

a. I am a…
b. My job is…
c. I work as…

The sentence in the text say “I work”, so the correct answer is “as“.

Let’s read the second sentence:

The Le Mans race track in France was (9)_________I first saw some guys doing motorbike stunts.

What is the word you use when you want to locate a specific place? If you answered “where” you are right!

The Le Mans race track in France was where I first saw some guys doing motorbike stunts.

Now, looking at the second gap:

I’d never seen anyone riding a motorcycle using just the back wheel before and I was (10)__________ impressed, I went straight home…

By reading the phrase “I was impressed“, you feel that it is complete. However, the text asks for a word between the verb “was” and the adjective “impressed“. What would you put here? We are working here with an adverb, right? Because adverbs qualify the adjectives. So, what is the adverb that best fits this gap?

There are many adverbs that we could use here: “pretty” “so” “very”, etc. That’s why you need to read the whole sentence to understand the intent of the writer. By reading this sentence, I get the impression that because I was impressed, I did another action. So, If you thought of “so“, you’ve got it right!

In terms of collocations, look at the fourth gap, question 12:

I have a degree (12)__________ mechanical engineering.

What is the word that collocates with “degree“? It is a preposition.

Look at some common prepositions here:
a. degree at
b. degree of
c. degree in
d. degree on

If you answered c, degree in, you are absolutely right!

As you can see, something that may come in handy before sitting for the exam – and even for the day you take it – is to analyze critically the language you are learning. Get familiar with the prepositions that come after verbs and words that are always together. It is also a good idea to keep a notebook with new words so that you can look back and review them every now and again.

Now, challenge time! It’s your time to read the text and complete it! Be sure to read the whole sentence before attempting to complete the gaps.

If you enjoyed the sample and want some more, please make sure to comment in the comment section below.

————x————

That’s it for today! Please like the post and follow the blog on:

• youtube.com/c/ExamSeekers
• facebook.com/ExamSeekers
• instagram.com/ExamSeekers
• twitter.com/ExamSeekers

You can also listen to this post at Anchor!!!

Have a great week,
Patricia Moura

OBS: All samples provided by Cambridge.

ANSWER KEY:
9. where
10. so
11. myself
12. in
13. which / that
14. out / on / at
15. from
16. any