Use of English. Key Word Transformations.

This interactive exercise is designed to help students practise Key Word Transformations in the Use of English part of the First Certificate in English test (FCE), now known as the B2 First. It is part of a series of exercises based on the FCE exam in our free interactive Upper-Intermediate English Course.

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:


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.

FCE Use of English Practice Key Word Transformations Exercise

For questions 1-6, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.