FCE & CAE Vocabulary

How FCE and CAE Test Vocabulary

FCE & CAE Vocabulary by Topic

Key words and collocations for the topic areas most frequently used in Cambridge English Reading, Writing, and Speaking tasks:

Word Formation: High-Frequency Word Families

Essential FCE & CAE Collocations

Practice Exercises for FCE & CAE Vocabulary

Practise and test your Cambridge English vocabulary with these free interactive exercises:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What vocabulary is tested in FCE vs CAE?

  B2 First (FCE) tests everyday, general-purpose vocabulary appropriate for work, study, and travel at an upper-intermediate level, with a manageable range of collocations and phrasal verbs. C1 Advanced (CAE) requires a noticeably wider and more nuanced vocabulary, including abstract, formal, and idiomatic language, plus precise control of word formation and less common collocations, especially in the Reading and Use of English paper.
• What is the Cambridge Word List?

  There is no single official ‘Cambridge Word List’ the way TOEFL has the Academic Word List, but Cambridge English publishes vocabulary lists for each exam level (B2 and C1) describing the range of vocabulary candidates are expected to know. These lists cover everyday topics, academic themes, and the collocations, phrasal verbs, and word-formation patterns tested in the Use of English tasks.
• How important are collocations for FCE and CAE?

  Very important. The Use of English paper directly tests collocations and fixed phrases through tasks like open cloze and key word transformations, and examiners reward natural collocations in Writing and Speaking. Using unnatural word combinations (like 'make a mistake' said as 'do a mistake') is one of the most common ways candidates lose marks at both B2 First and C1 Advanced.
• What is word formation and why does it matter for Cambridge exams?

  Word formation is a dedicated task type in the Reading and Use of English paper where you must change the form of a given word (e.g. turning 'decide' into 'decision', 'undecided', or 'decisively') to correctly complete a sentence. It directly tests your knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and word families, which is why building vocabulary in full word families rather than single words is a key preparation strategy.
• Do I need to learn British or American vocabulary for Cambridge exams?

  Cambridge English Qualifications are produced by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, so materials primarily use British English spelling and vocabulary (colour, organise, flat rather than apartment). American vocabulary is generally understood, but using consistent British English spelling and word choice in your Writing responses is the safer, more polished approach.
• What phrasal verbs should I learn for FCE and CAE?

  Focus on high-frequency phrasal verbs used in everyday and semi-formal contexts, such as 'bring about', 'carry out', 'come across', 'point out', and 'set up'. CAE candidates should also learn less common and more idiomatic phrasal verbs, since Use of English and Speaking at C1 level reward a wider range of natural, flexible vocabulary.
• How does vocabulary affect my Cambridge Writing score?

  Writing is marked on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language, and vocabulary range and accuracy sit within the Language criterion. Band-topping scripts use a wide range of vocabulary and collocations appropriate to the task and register, avoid repetition, and use topic-specific vocabulary precisely — generic or repeated vocabulary noticeably caps your score.
• How should I learn vocabulary for Cambridge exams effectively?

  Learn vocabulary in word families and collocations rather than as single isolated words, since Use of English tasks specifically test both. Read a range of text types (articles, reviews, reports) similar to those used in the exam, note new vocabulary with its collocations, and practise using it actively in Writing and Speaking tasks. Our Flash Cards exercise supports spaced-repetition review.
• Is idiomatic language tested in FCE and CAE?

  Idiomatic language appears more at C1 Advanced than at B2 First, particularly in Speaking and in higher-scoring Writing responses, where natural idiomatic expressions demonstrate a wide lexical range. However, idioms should be used accurately and appropriately for the register — overusing informal idioms in a formal report or essay can actually lower your Communicative Achievement score.
• What is the difference between active and passive vocabulary for Cambridge exams?

  Passive vocabulary is vocabulary you can recognise and understand while reading or listening, which is mainly tested in the Reading and Listening papers. Active vocabulary is vocabulary you can produce accurately yourself, which is directly assessed in Writing and Speaking. Because Cambridge exams assess all four skills plus Use of English, building both active and passive vocabulary in balance is essential for a strong overall result.