Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) · Vocabulary
Free C1 Vocabulary practice tests
Master C1 collocations, phrasal verbs, and idioms through focused topic modules for Cambridge exam tasks. Interactive exercises with instant feedback.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
30 items · C1
Business & Management
31 items · C1
Change, Cause & Effect
30 items · C1
Communication & Conversation
30 items · C1
Economy & Trade
30 items · C1
Environment & Climate
26 items · C1
Paper guide
C1 Vocabulary: collocations, phrasal verbs & idioms
Expand your lexical range for Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE).
Parts
4
Collocations–Phrasal Verbs–Idioms & Expressions–Word Formation
Marks
C1 level
Vocabulary practice
Timing
45 min
focused practice
Pass
200+
Cambridge Scale
C1 Advanced Vocabulary focuses on expanding collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, and precise word families. A strong lexical base is essential for passing CAE Use of English Part 1 (Multiple Choice Cloze), Part 3 (Word Formation), and earning top marks for Lexical Resource in Writing and Speaking.
Format & timing
Key vocabulary categories and practice timing targets for C1 Advanced.
Collocations·Natural word combinations
Topic modules·C1 range marks·~10–15 min
Phrasal Verbs·Particle meanings & context
Topic modules·C1 range marks·~10–15 min
Idioms & Expressions·Figurative language
Topic modules·C1 range marks·~10–15 min
Word Formation·Prefixes, suffixes & roots
Topic modules·C1 range marks·~10–15 min
Total·Vocabulary practice
Topic modules·C1 level marks·~45 min
Select a topic module above to learn key expressions and complete interactive practice exercises.
How it is marked
In CAE, vocabulary is directly tested in Use of English Part 1 and Part 3, while in Writing and Speaking, examiners reward a wide range of sophisticated and flexible vocabulary.
How to train C1 Vocabulary
Learn words in context and master collocations rather than isolated word lists.
- 101
Choose a category
Select Collocations, Phrasal Verbs, or Idioms from the tabs above.
Browse topics - 202
Study word partnerships
Pay attention to prepositions, dependent verbs, and exact collocates.
- 303
Test yourself in context
Complete fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice exercises to reinforce memory.
Common C1 Vocabulary mistakes
Frequent lexical traps that cost marks in CAE exam papers.
Collocations
False collocations
Translating directly from your native language instead of using natural English word partnerships.
Phrasal Verbs
Wrong preposition / particle
Confusing closely related phrasal verbs (e.g. "look up to" vs "look down on").
Word Formation
Missing negative prefixes
Forgetting to add negative prefixes (un-, in-, dis-) when the context requires a negative word in Part 3.
Register
Inappropriate slang
Using overly informal idioms in formal essays or reports.
Study guides
C1 Vocabulary study guides
Strategies and word lists for expanding your C1 lexicon.
C2 Blog
More C1 Vocabulary resources
Tips and articles for building an advanced English vocabulary.
FAQ
C1 Vocabulary
FAQ.
Clear answers about format, scoring, timing, and how to practise on this hub.
How many words do I need to know for C1 Advanced?
C1 level requires an active vocabulary of approximately 8,000–10,000 words, with deep knowledge of collocations and idiomatic expressions.
Which part of the CAE exam tests vocabulary most?
Use of English Part 1 (Multiple Choice Cloze) and Part 3 (Word Formation) directly test vocabulary knowledge.
How can I memorize C1 phrasal verbs effectively?
Group phrasal verbs by particle (e.g., up, off, out) or topic (business, health, relationships) rather than alphabetical lists, and practise using them in sentences.
Are these vocabulary exercises free?
Yes. All topic modules and interactive exercises are free to use without registration.