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FCE Reading Part 1: multiple-choice cloze explained

FCE Reading Part 1 is a short text with 8 gaps, and for each gap you choose the correct word from four options (A, B, C or D). It mainly tests vocabulary: collocations, fixed phrases, phrasal verbs and words with similar meanings. It is part of our Reading and Use of English guide.

By Eleanor BennettLast updated:

What Part 1 tests

Part 1 is called a multiple-choice cloze. You read a short text, often a light article or a story, with 8 gaps. Each gap has four options, and only one is correct. Each correct answer is worth 1 mark, and this part counts towards your Reading score even though it feels like a vocabulary test.

The four options usually have similar meanings, so you cannot answer just by translating. Instead, the gap is decided by the words around it. The most common things tested are:

  • Collocations: which word naturally goes with another. We make a mistake but do homework; we have heavy traffic, not strong traffic.
  • Fixed phrases and idioms: on purpose, in charge of, at short notice.
  • Phrasal verbs: the meeting was called off, she takes after her mother.
  • Dependent prepositions: rely on, interested in, capable of. Often only one option fits the preposition after the gap.
  • Linkers and meaning in context: despite, however, unless, or words like nearly vs hardly.
  • Grammar patterns after a word: suggest doing, let somebody do, allow somebody to do.

Because so much of Part 1 is collocation, our collocations list and phrasal verbs list are the best preparation. The same vocabulary also helps in Part 4 key word transformation.

Strategy, step by step

  1. 1

    Read the title and the whole text first

    Spend about a minute reading for the general meaning. Do not look at the options yet. Knowing the topic stops you from choosing a word that is grammatically fine but makes no sense.

  2. 2

    Look left and right of the gap

    Read at least three words before and three words after each gap. A preposition after the gap (on, of, for) or a noun after it often decides the answer.

  3. 3

    Predict, then check the options

    Try to think of a word that fits before reading A–D. If your word is there, great. If not, the right option is probably a word that collocates in the same way.

  4. 4

    Test each option in the full sentence

    Say the sentence in your head with each option. Ask: is it the right meaning, the right collocation and the right grammar after it? Cross out options that fail any of the three.

  5. 5

    Decide, guess if needed, and move on

    Do not spend more than a minute on one gap. Choose the best option, mark the question and come back at the end if you have time. Never leave a gap empty.

  6. 6

    Read the completed text again

    When you finish, read the text once more with your answers. Something that sounded fine alone sometimes sounds wrong in the full paragraph.

Common traps

  • Trap: Choosing the word that translates best into your language. For example, I realised my dream vs I made my dream.

    Fix: Translation often misleads in Part 1. Learn collocations as chunks: realise / achieve / fulfil a dream.

  • Trap: Ignoring the preposition after the gap: She was ___ of the risks. A aware B informed C familiar D educated.

    Fix: Only aware goes with of. You are informed about, familiar with and educated in something. Always test the word + preposition pair.

  • Trap: Picking a word because it is the most "advanced" option.

    Fix: The correct answer is often a simple word in a fixed phrase, such as take in take into account. Difficult words are frequently distractors.

  • Trap: Forgetting grammar after the gap: My parents wouldn't ___ me to go. A let B allow C make D agree.

    Fix: Only allow is followed by somebody + to do. Let and make take the infinitive without to.

  • Trap: Mixing up similar meanings: The museum is ___ crowded at weekends. A highly B deeply C extremely D strongly.

    Fix: Extremely crowded is natural. Highly goes with words like recommended and likely; deeply with moved or disappointed.

Worked example: a short original Part 1 text

The task

Read the text and choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for each gap.

Learning to surf at nineteen

Last summer my cousin decided to (1) ___ up surfing. At first she found it hard to (2) ___ her balance, but she refused to give in. By August she had (3) ___ enough confidence to enter a local competition, and although she didn't win, she (4) ___ a great impression on the judges.

  1. A take B set C put D make
  2. A hold B keep C stay D remain
  3. A won B gained C reached D achieved
  4. A did B gave C made D had
  1. 1.

    Gap 1: We need a phrasal verb with up that means "start a new hobby". That is take up. Set up means start a business or organisation, put up means build or let someone stay, and make up means invent. Answer: A.

  2. 2.

    Gap 2: The collocation is keep your balance. Hold and remain do not collocate with balance in this way, and stay is intransitive here, so it cannot take an object. Answer: B.

  3. 3.

    Gap 3: We gain confidence. You can win a prize, reach a goal and achieve an aim, but gain confidence is the natural partnership. Answer: B.

  4. 4.

    Gap 4: The fixed phrase is make an impression on somebody. Notice that on the judges after the gap confirms the pattern. Answer: C.

  5. 5.

    Notice what decided each answer: a particle (up), a noun (balance, confidence) and a fixed phrase. In none of the gaps did grammar alone give the answer; you needed to know the collocation.

Answer

1 A (take) · 2 B (keep) · 3 B (gained) · 4 C (made)

How to prepare for Part 1

Part 1 rewards students who notice how words are used together. While you read in English, write down chunks, not single words: take part in, on the other hand, come to a decision. Group them in a notebook by verb or by topic, and test yourself every few days.

It also helps to study words that are often confused at B2: rob / steal, lend / borrow, raise / rise, lie / lay, remind / remember. Our common mistakes page has a full list with examples.

When you are ready, do a full timed set. Our free multiple-choice cloze practice gives you instant feedback with explanations for each gap.

Practice · Reading & Use of English Part 1

Practise FCE Reading Part 1

FCE Reading Part 1: FAQ

How many questions are in FCE Reading Part 1?

There are 8 gaps, each with four options (A, B, C or D). Each correct answer is worth 1 mark.

Is Part 1 Reading or Use of English?

Although it tests vocabulary, Part 1 counts towards your Reading score, together with Parts 5, 6 and 7.

How long should I spend on Part 1?

We suggest about 7 minutes. That is our advice, not an exam rule; the paper gives you 75 minutes for all 7 parts.

What is the best way to learn vocabulary for Part 1?

Learn words in chunks: collocations, phrasal verbs, fixed phrases and dependent prepositions. Reading widely and recording phrases, not single words, is the most effective long-term method.

Can two options be correct?

Only one option is correct for each gap. If two seem possible, look again at the words after the gap and at the meaning of the whole sentence.