What makes C2 Proficiency Part 2 Open Cloze particularly difficult?

Part 2 requires deep structural knowledge. Most gaps test grammar patterns, fixed expressions, and discourse markers rather than single words. You must understand the surrounding context and sentence logic extremely well.

What are the most common grammar areas tested in the Open Cloze?

The most frequent areas are: modal verbs and their perfect forms, inversions, cleft sentences, conditionals, relative clauses, determiners and quantifiers, and verb patterns (gerund vs infinitive).

Should I try to guess the answer before looking at the options?

In Part 2 there are no options. You must produce the exact word. This makes it much harder than Part 1. Strong candidates read the whole sentence and predict the missing word based on grammar and collocation before writing anything.

How important is spelling in Part 2?

Extremely important. Even if you understand the grammar perfectly, a spelling mistake will cost you the mark. Many candidates lose points on words like 'occurrence', 'embarrassed', or 'accommodation'.

Part 2 · Open Cloze

Open Cloze:
Grammar Patterns That Always Appear

Part 2 requires you to write ONE word for each of 8 gaps — no options given. The correct answers are almost always grammatical words, not vocabulary. Knowing which patterns to look for is everything.

6 min read·C2 Level

Written by José Luis García, an English learner preparing for Cambridge C2 Proficiency.

What is the best strategy for C2 Proficiency Part 2 Open Cloze?

In 2026, Cambridge C2 Part 2 has 8 gaps requiring exactly one word each — usually prepositions, articles, auxiliaries, or discourse markers, not vocabulary. Read the full sentence, identify the grammatical pattern, and spell carefully; contractions count as two words.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Master C2 Proficiency Part 2 Open Cloze

A proven step-by-step method to identify grammar patterns and fill gaps accurately in the Open Cloze section.

Read the entire sentence and paragraph first

Never focus on the gap in isolation. Read at least the sentence before and after to understand the overall meaning and grammatical structure required.

Identify the grammatical context around the gap

Look at what comes immediately before and after the gap. Is it testing a preposition, auxiliary verb, discourse marker, relative pronoun, or fixed expression?

Check for fixed patterns and collocations

Many gaps test dependent prepositions, verb + preposition combinations, or adjective + preposition patterns that are fixed in English.

Consider discourse markers and connectors

If the gap starts a new sentence or clause, it is very often a discourse marker showing contrast, addition, result, or concession.

Test the word for grammar and spelling

Once you have a candidate word, check it fits grammatically and that you can spell it correctly (many C2 candidates lose marks on spelling).

Re-read the full sentence with your answer

Always verify that the completed sentence sounds completely natural and follows C2-level grammatical accuracy.

1Why Is Part 2 Almost Never About Vocabulary?

Unlike Part 1, Part 2 gaps are almost always filled with structural or functional words — not nouns, adjectives or main verbs. This means you're being tested on grammar, not vocabulary.

Prepositions (in, at, on, with, by)

Articles (the, a, an)

Auxiliary verbs (have, be, do, will)

Relative pronouns (which, whose, what)

Discourse markers (however, although)

Conjunctions (despite, whereas, unless)

2What Are the 7 Most Tested Open Cloze Patterns?

Fixed Prepositions with Adjectives/Verbs

Many adjectives and verbs lock to a specific preposition. These are tested heavily.

dependent on / dependent upon
accustomed to + -ing
responsible for
consist of (not consist in)
result in (not result to)

Discourse Markers & Connectors

A gap at the start of a sentence or clause usually requires a linker. Read both sides of the gap to understand the logical relationship.

Contrast: nevertheless, nonetheless, whereas, albeit
Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
Concession: although, even though, despite
Result: consequently, therefore, thus

Relative Clauses

When there is no relative pronoun before a verb, a gap often requires which, who, whose, or where.

"…the theory ___ was proposed in 1980…" → which/that
"…the scientist ___ hypothesis was rejected…" → whose
"…the city ___ he was born…" → where/in which

Passive & Perfect Constructions

A gap between a pronoun and a past participle often requires "have" or "be" in the right form.

"She ___ been working here for years." → has
"The bridge ___ constructed in 1920." → was
"They ___ been told to wait." → had

Quantifiers & Determiners

Watch for uncountable vs countable noun signals that indicate which determiner is needed.

"___ great deal of" (a)
"___ number of" (a)
"the majority ___ people" (of)
"___ few exceptions" (a/the)

3Which Mistakes Cost C2 Candidates the Most Marks?

Writing two words

Only ONE word is allowed. Contractions (it's, don't) count as two words and will be marked wrong.

Forgetting articles

"The" is one of the most commonly needed words. Scan for places where a superlative or specific reference needs it.

Wrong preposition with verbs of motion

"arrive at" a place (not arrive to). "attend" takes no preposition. "participate in" (not participate at).

C2 Proficiency Open Cloze common grammar mistakes illustrated as grammar monsters

Strengthen grammar before exam practice

C2 Grammar Reference Hub →C2 Proficiency Glossary →

Ready to Practice Open Cloze for Free?

Apply these patterns with 30+ free Open Cloze exams — no registration needed.

Start Part 2 Practice Now

Where Are Open Cloze Rules Defined Officially?

Cambridge University Press & Assessment: C2 Proficiency Teachers Handbook — retrieved 2026-06-11
Cambridge University Press & Assessment: C2 Proficiency exam overview — retrieved 2026-06-11
Cambridge University Press & Assessment: Cambridge English Scale — retrieved 2026-06-11

Related C2 Use of English Guides

→ Part 4: Key Word Transformation Guide → Is C2 the Hardest English Exam?

Written for Cambridge C2 candidates by José Luis García and checked against the official sources listed above. Last updated: March 2026.

Previous: Part 1 Multiple Choice Cloze Guide Next: Part 3 Word Formation Guide