Reading CAE: Eight practice tests for

the Cambridge C1 Advanced

Cambridge C1 Advanced | Parts 5–8

8 exam-styled practice tests

32 texts and 208 individual assessments

Answers included

ISBN: 9781913825287

Publication: 2021

The Reading and Use of English paper, Parts 1–8, of the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam
is worth 40% of the total marks available, which is why candidates’ competence in this
section is all-important for overall success. Parts 5–8 test ability in reading for detail,
purpose, opinion, tone, emotion and attitude, and repeated practice of the assessment
format is key to achieving a passing grade.

This edition of sample tests has been written to closely replicate the Cambridge exam
experience, and has undergone comprehensive review.

Write-in answer sheets, answer keys and a markscheme complete this large bank of
high-quality practice material for students preparing for the Cambridge C1 Advanced
(CAE).

About the author

Jane Turner is an associate lecturer in EAP/EFL at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge,

and an EFL materials writer for international exam boards, universities and publishers.
She previously worked as a Cambridge ESOL examiner for the British Council, and
holds an MA in Education Management and Cambridge CELTA and DELTA.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 5 Test 1

You are going to read an introduction to a book in which the writer discusses a
radio programme. For questions 31–36, mark the appropriate answer (A, B, C or
D) that you think fits best according to the text.

Introduction to a book about the BBC Shipping Forecast

A well-worn cliché about the British is that they are a ‘proud seafaring nation’. One popular argument
that seemingly supports this is the abundance of English idioms that derive from life on the open seas.
However, whether this is convincing evidence of a continued bond with the sea is debatable. Phrases like
‘cut and run’ and ‘learning the ropes’ are so ingrained in modern usage that most people are probably
ignorant of their roots. Those interested in Britain’s relationship with the sea should explore other aspects
of popular culture for valuable insights.
Top of this list may well be the national shipping forecast, of all things. Advising listeners of storm
warnings and providing detailed weather reports of the coastal waters surrounding the UK, this
meteorological report has been broadcast over the radio waves for more than one hundred and fifty years.
It clearly performs a vital function for the relatively small proportion of the population that can make
sense of the specialist terminology used in the broadcast, and who rely on it to protect them. Yet,
curiously, the expressions used in these bulletins appear on commercial products, including posters, cups
and t-shirts, and have even found their way into song lyrics by some of the UK’s most famous bands.
The popularity of the programme now extends far beyond its intended audience, reaching those for whom
it serves no obvious practical purpose.
That this broadcast is held in such high regard may seem absurd. Nevertheless, interest in the
programme is undeniable. Public outcry and political debate have followed attempts to introduce even
minor changes to the programme’s format. Understanding the shipping forecast as a cultural
phenomenon has been a source of interest for many researchers. Scholars have drawn on a diverse range
of academic disciplines, including sociology, media studies and psychology, to shed light on the
mainstream appeal of such a specialist programme. Undoubtedly, there is much to be gained from this
multidisciplinary approach. However, most research remains focused on the narrow theme of the sea and
sailing. These works portray the shipping forecast as the cultural embodiment of the nation’s innate
affinity for anything maritime.
What follows from this is that most scholarly work on the shipping forecast largely prioritises the
concept of heritage. The main argument is that listeners tune in for a fond reminder of past times. Given
that the UK’s ship-building traditions also attract media attention and even tourism revenue, this
argument may seem at least partially attractive. Furthermore, some schools continue to teach naval
history as part of the curriculum. It may well be that, for at least some shipping forecast fans, having
background historical knowledge enhances listeners’ appreciation of the programme. However, this does
not entirely explain why the shipping forecast resonates with as many people as it does. After all,
unfamiliarity with British history is by no means an obstacle to enjoying the shipping forecast. If it were,
why then does the programme attract global audiences?
Thus, this book explores alternative interpretations. Of course, one must never lose sight of the fact
that, first and foremost, the programme’s main function is to inform. Nevertheless, the way the specialist
data are presented in the shipping forecast is unlike any other weather report. Its unique sentence patterns
and rhythms are both difficult to understand yet at the same time soothing. With this in mind, I explore
in this book the poetic qualities of the shipping forecast. Expanding on articles I have previously
published on the therapeutic qualities of oral communication, I argue that poetry is the key to
understanding the shipping forecast’s appeal. It is surely no coincidence that many listeners tucked up in
their beds rely on the calm and gentle rhythm of the bulletins to help them sleep at night.
Another assumption is challenged in this book, namely that the shipping forecast is an entirely
British invention. It developed from its nineteenth-century origins thanks, in no small part, to pioneering
navigational work by an American sailor. This, in combination with an international agreement signed
in Brussels in 1853, enabled important shipping data to be shared. But far from spoiling its alluring sense
of mystery, I hope that uncovering the truth will strengthen readers’ appreciation for this wonderful
programme.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 5 Test 1

31 In the first paragraph, what point does the writer make about English idioms
related to the sea?

A The prevalence of these expressions is a unique feature of English.

B The original meanings of these expressions should be highlighted.
C The cultural significance of these expressions can be challenged.
D The popularity of these expressions is impossible to measure.

32 What do the words ‘their way’ refer to in line 13?

A goods purchased by the general public

B experts studying weather in coastal areas
C linguistic terms in the shipping forecast
D radio programmes about meteorology

33 What does the writer suggest about the shipping forecast in the third paragraph?

A Public affection for it has been underestimated.

B It has been exploited for political purposes.
C Attempts to analyse it require knowledge of different subjects.
D Academic research conducted on it tends to be limited in scope.

34 The writer says that analysing the shipping forecast from a historical perspective:

A results in an incomplete understanding of the programme’s appeal

B reduces the pleasure listeners get from the programme
C helps us understand why the programme attracts diverse audiences
D highlights the academic value of studying the programme.

35 The writer refers to poetry in the fifth paragraph to show that:

A artistic and scientific fields can support each other

B it is possible to appreciate something without fully understanding it
C linguistic structure can have a powerful impact on people
D the spoken word is the most effective way to communicate complex ideas.

36 The text suggests that the main aim of the book is to:

A investigate social attitudes to the shipping forecast

B question popular beliefs about the shipping forecast
C argue for the educational importance of the shipping forecast
D celebrate lesser-known aspects of the shipping forecast.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 6 Test 1

You are going to read four reviews of a book about the role of entrepreneurs in
society. For questions 37–40, select the correct review (A–D) using the separate
answer sheet. The reviews may be selected more than once.

Movers and Money Makers, by Joy Anwari

Reviewer A
Having drawn on her experiences as a former business owner to illustrate complex
sociological ideas in previous works, it was only a matter of time before renowned sociologist
and broadcaster Joy Anwari would write a book about entrepreneurship. In Movers and
Money Makers, Anwari explores the status of entrepreneurs in contemporary society. For
better or worse, the nation’s leading entrepreneurs have become recognisable media figures.
They are routinely consulted on matters of government policy, and some of them have played
important roles in educational initiatives. More generally, Anwari asserts that becoming an
entrepreneur has gained aspirational status in the last few decades. With the references to
popular culture and broadcast media that have become her hallmark, Anwari provides
compelling evidence for the growing social influence of entrepreneurs. Frustratingly, what
remains unanswered in Movers and Money Makers is whether such power is ultimately for
the benefit or to the detriment of society. Despite this, Movers and Money Makers offers a
fascinating insight into modern business.

Reviewer B
Publishing extensively on subjects such as the rituals of domestic life, the hidden purposes
of small talk, and changing social norms regarding marriage, Professor Joy Anwari has a
well-deserved reputation as a sociologist who marries intellectual thought with the ability to
communicate her ideas with clarity. This is in evidence again in Movers and Money Makers,
which focuses on the world of business. Anwari uses a wide variety of examples that
successfully demonstrate how the profile of entrepreneurs has risen in recent times. Such
an argument is difficult to deny in an age in which successful business leaders often become
household names. However, set against the high standard of Anwari’s previous publications,
Movers and Money Makers misses the mark somewhat. Where is the willingness to
challenge mainstream assumptions or present ideas that may feel uncomfortable to the
reader? It’s tempting to conclude that Anwari’s own links to the business world prevent her
from being more objective in this instance.

Reviewer C
Start-ups have gone mainstream. So claims academic Joy Anwari in Movers and Money
Makers. Anwari herself once ran a successful media firm before swapping boardrooms for
lecture halls. While this lends a degree of personal authority to the book, Movers and Money
Makers is in no way a ‘how-to’ guide for would-be entrepreneurs. Instead, Anwari attempts
to shed light on the burgeoning socio-cultural status of modern-day entrepreneurs. For
instance, Anwari discusses the role of entrepreneurs as drivers of social change. She is
unquestionably adept at conveying theoretical concepts to non-experts. However, her
arguments are flawed or unconvincing at times, most notably because she fails to draw a
clear distinction between the corporate world in general and entrepreneurs in particular. Even
so, readers who have enjoyed Anwari’s previous works will find this book equally as
entertaining.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 6 Test 1

Reviewer D
Are the nation’s business leaders role models for society, and if so, shouldn’t they be subject
to closer scrutiny for their actions? Curiously, Joy Anwari demonstrates uncharacteristic
reluctance to delve into such discussions in her latest book, Movers and Money Makers. In
a departure from the commentary found in her other titles, Movers and Money Makers makes
little attempt to suggest the wider implications of the central theme. A missed opportunity,
despite the book’s undeniable quality. We are taken on a thrilling historical journey that charts
the changing fortunes of entrepreneurs in society. Anwari persuades us that today’s business
leaders hold positions of influence quite unlike anything their historical counterparts would
have experienced. To do this, she draws from literature, legislation and journalism, and the
depth of her research is certainly impressive. Anwari’s enthusiastic prose will no doubt
appeal to readers, even though they may be left questioning the ultimate purpose of the
book.

Which reviewer:

expresses a similar concern to Reviewer A about the scope 37

of the book?

has a different opinion from the others about how effectively Anwari 38
defends the main point in her book?

has a different opinion to Reviewer C about how Anwari’s professional 39

credentials affect the content of the book?

has a similar view to Reviewer B that Movers and Money Makers is 40

unlike Anwari’s other books?

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 7 Test 1

You are going to read an extract from a magazine article. Six paragraphs have
been removed. Select from the paragraphs (A–G) the one that fits each gap (41–
46). There is one extra paragraph that you do not need to use.

Seed Banking
The world’s book repositories, university
libraries and manuscript archives are surely
the ultimate cultural treasure trove. From
While some seed banks are intended to be
obscure scientific texts to landmark literary
repositories or stores of seeds that can be
works, via long-forgotten political treatises
used in order to replenish stocks, others take
and correspondence between historical
a more ‘productivist’ approach. Some seed
figures, these institutions preserve all the
banks engage in genetic modification and
published output ever produced. Archivists
cross-breeding programmes, enabling agri-
and librarians use innovative technology
businesses to develop new plant species
and traditional techniques to protect ancient
designed to optimise crop yields.
works from the ravages of time. These
custodians of the written word are
committed to the safeguarding of our shared
cultural and social history for future
generations. Ethical concerns aside, the inherent efficacy
of seed banking has been challenged. Some
studies have suggested that 36% of the
world’s plant species at critical risk of
This is no minor undertaking. The storage extinction produce recalcitrant seeds. In lay
vaults used by seed banks to house their terms, many plant species simply cannot
collections are designed to withstand tolerate the scientific processes involved in
extreme weather conditions and other seed banking, namely the drying and
external threats. The administrators of seed freezing of seeds. The quality of these seeds
banks also make every effort to optimise would degrade to such an extent that seed
conditions within their facilities to conserve banking simply wouldn’t be a viable option.
their vast array of diverse and often ancient
plant species. Humidity and temperature
levels are scrupulously regulated, enabling
Assuming that seed banks are even able to
even ancient seeds to be stored. In so
ascertain which seeds to store, and that
doing, the seeds are primed for future use,
these species can survive the seed-banking
should the need arise.
process, there remains the question of ex situ
conservation. Many specimens end up in
collections in which the plants are not
Thinking along these lines seems only endemic or would not normally flourish. Even
prudent given the significant consequences if the captive plant species can adapt to new
of climate change. As global temperatures locations, doing so would be at the genetic
rise and pollution levels increase, it’s vital expense of their ability to survive in their
that we consider the fate of the planet’s native environment. For this reason,
vegetation and, by extension, the wildlife it conservationists argue that attempting to
supports. Seed banks enable us to preserve preserve species at their source would be a
vital crops that would otherwise be at risk of preferable approach.
extinction. Likewise, seed banks can
mitigate the harm caused by flooding,
droughts or forest fires. Such measures may
safeguard species that are rare or of special
scientific interest, not to mention crops used
in agriculture.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 7 Test 1

A Viewed from this perspective, a seed bank E As well as lessening the potentially harmful
is arguably more akin to that of a financial impact of natural disasters on plant life,
institution than that of a cultural seed banks can make another significant
organisation. Seed banking is an ecological contribution. The specimens
environmental insurance policy designed stored in these banks can also be utilised
to keep our world as ecologically rich and for research purposes, helping scientists
biologically diverse as possible, like discover more about the genetic variation
‘saving for a rainy day’. of different plant species.

B Interestingly, this highlights yet another F Seed banks display comparable dedication
parallel to be drawn between seed banks to their mission. Storing the seeds of the
and cultural institutions, such as libraries world’s plants and trees, these banks do
and museums. Any endeavour intended to far more than merely cataloguing ancient
benefit society may need to come under botanical species out of intellectual
the auspices of public ownership. curiosity. They are guardians of bio-
diversity and food security by ensuring
supplies of viable seeds for cultivation in
the future.

C Another perceived shortcoming is the G However, this brave new world of scientific
complexity involved in identifying which innovation is not without criticism. Some
seeds should be banked. It is not always commentators are concerned about large
easy to predict which seed varieties will be corporations wielding their power to patent
of the greatest use to humankind in the new plant varieties, or, at the very least, the
future, or indeed how long the seeds can genetic codes for these seeds. This raises
be stored without any form of degradation. fundamental questions regarding the
ownership and control of seeds, and how it
D Fortunately, however, recent cutting-edge could potentially exacerbate economic
innovations such as cryopreservation offer disparity.
promising, albeit costly, on-site ways to
preserve an even greater variety of species
than seed banking alone can. When used
in conjunction with seed banking, there is
hope for the future of the planet’s bio-
diversity.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 8 Test 1

You are going to read a magazine article in which five sports industry experts
share their views on esports. For questions 47–56, select the expert (A–E) using
the separate answer sheet. The experts may be selected more than once.

Which expert makes the following statements?

It is difficult to identify an aspect of mainstream sport that is missing 47

from esports.

People’s participation in esports has no bearing on their interest in 48

other activities.

Esports can be used as an additional activity to help people improve 49

certain physical skills.

Many of the skills that team games teach can also be developed 50
via gaming.

Fitness is a must for gamers involved at the highest level of esports. 51

Audiences are unlikely to be impressed by esports events. 52

There is substantial demand for broadcasters to pay attention to 53

esports events.

The gaming community may suffer if its tournaments are integrated 54

into other sporting events.

There is scope for esports to increase in popularity. 55

The controversial content of some video games is detrimental to 56

esports’ reputation.

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 Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading
Part 8 Test 1

Esports
Should esports be treated as an athletic endeavour? We’ve asked five sports experts to share their views
on this increasingly popular pastime.

Expert A Physical conditioning has both direct and indirect

The rising popularity of esports has confounded performance benefits in esports. Not only can it
industry experts who predicted it would be a improve players’ motor skills, but it also helps
passing fad. Ordinarily, such cynicism would be players develop the stamina to perform
understandable. It is notoriously difficult to throughout their long, intense competitions. And
identify which trends will capture the public’s just like professional athletes in many
imagination. Yet esports has enjoyed an ardent conventional sporting disciplines, sports
and engaged following right from the outset, psychology is now a routine part of the esports
arguably setting it apart from other trends that training regimen. How, then, does an esports
have emerged in recent years. Therefore, professional differ from an Olympic athlete?
sponsors and broadcasters should have
recognised esports’ untapped potential far Expert D
sooner. Instead, rather than mainstream media
The popularity of esports doesn’t necessarily
outlets raising the profile of esports and thereby
mean that young people have swapped their
broadening its appeal, they are now scrambling
running shoes for games consoles. Enjoyment of
to capitalise on fans’ thirst for esports coverage.
gaming doesn’t preclude youngsters from taking
The same goes for the corporate world, with
up other sports, even if, in reality, gaming and
companies now eager to be aligned with gaming
traditional sports generally attract different
tournaments. There’s no reason why esports
audiences. In fact, in the case of children for
can’t extend its reach even further in the future.
whom team sports are unappealing, gaming can
be an effective way for them to acquire the skills
Expert B they would ordinarily learn through playing sport
The prospect of gaming appearing at the with their peers. Indeed, esports is a worthwhile
Olympic Games would be highly contentious, pursuit for all children. Studies have shown that
and ultimately wouldn’t serve esports well. Not young people can derive as many social and
only would it fail to inspire spectators expecting intellectual benefits from esports as they can from
to watch exceptional athletic feats, it could other leisure activities, including team sports. If
potentially alienate the existing esports fan base esports is opening up opportunities for more
if it were overshadowed by more famous sports. children to benefit from team activities, then that
Professional gamers, no doubt, train incredibly is to be applauded.
hard and are of course gifted, but similar levels
of dedication and technical skill are required for Expert E
countless activities that wouldn’t be classified as
Anecdotal evidence suggests that mastering
sports. If esports deserves a place at the
certain esports can actually help athletes enhance
Olympics, what about chess? An ever-changing
their abilities in areas such as fine motor skills,
roster of events has featured in the Olympic
hand-eye coordination and response times. In
programme in recent years, but in the quest to
fact, gaming has become a popular activity
broaden its remit, the Olympic movement must
amongst professional athletes in a variety of
still adhere to the fundamentals of what actually
sports. It’s clear that gaming and traditional sports
constitutes sport.
aren’t mutually exclusive, but, even so, the
recognition or promotion of esports by official
Expert C sporting bodies remains problematic. Sports
There have always been people whose definition associations, especially those with a global
of sport encompasses only a very narrow range audience, have to exercise extreme caution when
of traditional athletic pursuits. However, the case endorsing esports. After all, many esports
of gaming highlights how arbitrary the label tournaments are based around games that appear
‘athlete’ can be. Quite apart from the hours of to glorify violence. Of course, there are countless
training, strategic coaching and mental exceptions to this, but unless and until esports
concentration involved in reaching the elite level moves more in line with the wholesome image of
of competition, esports professionals are also professional sport, gaming will always be
expected to be in peak physical condition. difficult to market as a mainstream proposition.

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Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading Answer sheet

Name __________________________ Date _____________

Part 5
Mark the appropriate answer (A, B, C or D).

Part 6
Add the appropriate answer (A–D).

Part 7
Add the appropriate answer (A–G).

Part 8
Add the appropriate answer (A–E).

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Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading Answer key

Test 1 Key words from the questions Clues from the text
Part 5

31 C ...first paragraph... / ...cultural ...is debatable / ...explore other aspects of popular

significance...can be challenged culture

32 C In line 13…’their way’ / ...linguistic terms ...specialist terminology / ...the expressions...

33 D …third paragraph…suggest...shipping ...scholars / ...most research…remains focused on the

forecast / ...academic research...limited in narrow theme....
scope

34 A ...analysing...from an historical perspective most academic work...prioritises the concept of

/ …incomplete heritage...However, this does not entirely explain why
understanding…programme’s appeal the shipping forecast resonates with as many people as
it does.

35 C ...poetry…fifth paragraph.../ ...linguistic ...unique sentence patterns and rhythms are...soothing.

structure…powerful effect / ...therapeutic qualities...poetry is the key...calm and
gentle rhythm of the bulletins

36 A main aim of the book / social attitudes to ...the popularity of the programme / ...this broadcast is
the shipping forecast held in such high regard / why then does the
programme attract global audiences? …the present
books explores alternative interpretations

Test 1 Key words from the questions Clues from the text
Part 6

37 D ...similar concern to Reviewer A...scope of ...makes little attempt to suggest...A missed

the book opportunity…readers...may be left questioning...

38 C ...different opinion from the others / how ...her arguments are flawed or unconvincing at
effectively Anwari defends... times,...fails to draw a clear distinction… / Anwari
provides compelling evidence for... /...uses a wide
variety of examples that successfully demonstrate… /
Anwari persuades us...the depth of her research is
impressive

39 B ...different opinion to reviewer ...Anwari’s own links to the business world prevent her
C...professional credentials affect the from being more objective / ...Anwari once ran a
content success business…this lends…personal authority to the
book

40 D similar view to reviewer B...is unlike Anwari’s ...uncharacteristic reluctance…In a departure from the
other books commentary found in her other titles,...

Test 1 Clues from the key Clues from the text

Part 7

41 F …display comparable dedication to their custodians of the written word...safeguarding of our

mission…guardians of biodiversity and food shared cultural and social history... / This is no minor
security... undertaking

42 A Viewed from this perspective…more akin ...seeds are primed for future use, should the need arise
to…than that of a cultural / ...seems only prudent
organisation…environmental insurance
policy

43 E As well as lessening...impact of natural ...mitigate the harm caused by flooding, droughts or

disasters... forest fires... / ...others take a more ‘productivist’
approach

44 G ...scientific innovation is not without ...enabling agri-businesses to develop plant species

criticism…large corporations wielding their designed to optimise crop yields / Ethical concerns
power...exacerbate economic disparity aside ...

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Cambridge C1 Advanced Reading Answer key

45 C Another perceived shortcoming...should be ...efficacy of seed banking has been challenged /

banked...not always easy to predict which ...assuming that seed banks...ascertain which seeds to
seed varieties...cannot tolerate the scientific store…can survive the seed banking process
processes

46 D Fortunately,...on-site ways to preserve an preserve species at their source would be a preferable

even greater variety of species... approach

Test 1 Key words from the questions Clues from the text
Part 8

47 C ...difficult to identify...aspect of mainstream ...hours of training,...coaching...also expected to be in

sport…missing from esports peak physical condition…just like professional
athletes...how then does an esports professional differ
from an Olympic athlete?

48 D ...participation in esports has no bearing ...enjoyment of esports doesn’t preclude…from taking

on...other activities up other sports...

49 E Esports...additional activity ...help athletes enhance...fine motor skills hand-eye

to...improve...physical skills coordination...gaming has become a popular activity
amongst professional athletes

50 D team games...skills can be developed via ...acquire skills...ordinarily learn through playing sport
gaming with their peers

51 C Fitness ...must...highest level of esports Esports professionals...expected to be in peak physical

condition

52 B audiences...unlikely to be fail to inspire spectators expecting to watch exceptional

impressed...esports athletic feats

53 A substantial demand...broadcasters...esports fans’ thirst for esports coverage

events

54 B gaming community...suffer...integrated into Olympic Games...wouldn’t serve esports

other...events well...potentially alienate the existing esports fan
base...overshadowed by more popular sports

55 A ...scope for esports...increase in popularity ...no reason why esports can’t extend its reach

56 E controversial content...detrimental…esports’ ...games that...glorify violence...esports...image...difficult

reputation to market

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