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Exam guide & reading text

A More Patient MeasurePart 3: Word Formation

"A More Patient Measure" focuses on Word Formation (Part 3), where a base word in capitals must be transformed to fit a gap in the text. Cambridge tests prefixation, suffixation, internal changes and negative forms. Before writing, identify the word class required (noun, adjective, adverb or verb) and whether the sentence needs a negative or comparative form. Spelling accuracy matters — an otherwise correct stem with a typo scores zero.

Read the full Part 3: Word Formation strategy guide →

Reading text

Environmental projects are often judged by quick results, but living systems rarely follow a convenient timetable. The (17) .......... of a stream bank, for example, may take years even after the source of damage has been removed. What matters is not only whether plants return but whether the area develops (18) .......... when weather becomes extreme. Materials used nearby should be (19) .......... wherever possible, so that routine maintenance does not create a new waste problem. Some changes, such as the loss of deep soil, may be (20) .......... once they pass a certain point. For this reason, progress should be measured (21) .......... and compared across several seasons. Researchers also track animal (22) .........., since a site is not thriving if it cannot support movement between habitats. A sound plan considers the wider (23) .......... context rather than treating one patch of land in isolation. Even careful work cannot eliminate every source of (24) .........., but it can reduce harm and make future decisions better informed.

Questions summary

Question 1

Base word: RESTORE

Question 2

Base word: RESILIENT

Question 3

Base word: BIODEGRADE

Question 4

Base word: REVERSIBLE

Question 5

Base word: GRADUAL

Question 6

Base word: MIGRATE

Question 7

Base word: ECOLOGY

Question 8

Base word: CONTAMINATE