Use of English. Key Word Transformations.

How to Do Key Word Transformations in the FCE Use of English Exam

The Key Word Transformation task in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Use of English exam tests your ability to paraphrase sentences while keeping the meaning as close as possible to the original. You will be given a sentence, a key word, and a second sentence with a gap that you need to fill using the key word.

Although you must not change the key word, you can modify the structure of the sentence. You are allowed two to five words to complete the gap.

Example 1
Sentence: I haven’t seen Lucy for months.
Key word: LAST
Transformed sentence: The last time I saw Lucy was months ago.

Example 2
Sentence: It’s a long time since I visited my grandparents.
Key word: FOR
Transformed sentence: I haven’t visited my grandparents for a long time.

Tips for Success

Understand Grammar Structures

Many transformations require knowledge of grammar topics such as:

• Conditionals
• Passive voice
• Comparatives
• Reported speech
• Causative structures (e.g., “have something done”)

Think of Synonyms and Alternative Phrases

Example:
Sentence: “She started learning English five years ago.”
Key word: BEEN
Answer: “She has been learning English for five years.”

Pay Attention to Word Order and Tenses

Keep an eye on verb forms (past simple, present perfect, etc.).
Incorrect: “She has been learned English for five years.”
Correct: “She has been learning English for five years.”

Do Not Change the Given Key Word

If the word given is “HARDLY,” your sentence must include that exact form (not “hard” or “harder”).
Count the Number of Words Carefully

Your answer must be between 2 and 5 words.
Contractions count as two words (e.g., “hasn’t” = “has not”).

Use Common Expressions and Fixed Phrases

many answers rely on knowing common expressions, collocations and idioms.

Example:
Sentence: “I regret not studying harder for my exam.”
Key word: WISH
Answer: “I wish I had studied harder for my exam.”

Practice with Past Exam Papers

The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with common patterns and structures.
By mastering these techniques and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to tackle Key Word Transformations confidently and effectively in the FCE Use of English exam.