How to Use the B2 First Use of English Item Writer Prompt to Make Original Word Formation and Key Word Transformation Practice
Write original practice items in the format of Cambridge B2 First Reading and Use of English Parts 3 and 4: a word formation text with eight gaps and stem words in capitals, six key word transformations with a 2 to 5 word limit counted for every answer, a two mark scheme split into halves, accepted alternatives, common wrong answers with the reason they fail, and a teacher check for items that have more than one meaning.
Teachers preparing students for Cambridge B2 First need a steady supply of practice for Reading and Use of English, and the official materials run out fast. Word formation and key word transformations are especially hard to write well: one stray alternative answer or a transformation that needs six words ruins the item. The B2 First Use of English Item Writer: Part 3 Word Formation Texts and Part 4 Key Word Transformations with Word Counts, Two Mark Answer Keys, and Accepted Alternatives prompt writes original Part 3 and Part 4 items in the published format, counts every answer, and gives you a two mark key with the wrong answers your students are likely to write.
What the prompt produces
- A Part 3 word formation text with an example gap, eight numbered gaps, and stem words in capitals at the end of each line.
- A Part 3 answer key with the change each answer makes and its spelling trap.
- Six Part 4 key word transformations, each testing one grammar point you chose.
- A word count for every Part 4 answer, written word by word, within the 2 to 5 word limit.
- A two mark scheme splitting each answer into halves, with accepted alternatives and likely wrong answers.
- A teacher check that flags and rewrites any item with a second possible answer.
How to fill the inputs
TextTheme sets the Part 3 topic. Pick everyday subjects that do not need specialist knowledge, such as repair cafes, city cycling, or volunteering.
WordFormationTargets lists the word building patterns you want to test: negative prefixes, noun suffixes, adverbs, verbs ending in -en, compounds. The prompt avoids testing the same affix twice.
GrammarFocus lists the structures for Part 4. Reporting verb passives, wish, modals of deduction, and reported speech are common at this level.
StudentProfile describes your learners and their typical errors. The wrong answer list comes from here, so be honest about what your students actually write.
ExamParts says how many texts and sets you need.
Reading the example output
The example writes a Part 3 text about repair cafes and a Part 4 set for Spanish speaking teenagers:
- Every Part 3 gap changes the stem. Answers include an abstract noun, an -ing adjective, a negative prefix with a suffix, and a verb with an internal change plus -en.
- Spelling traps are listed. Dependent versus dependant and existence versus existance are common errors, and a misspelled answer does not score.
- Part 4 answers are counted out. Needn't have brought counts as four words because the contraction counts as two.
- Marks are split sensibly. Each answer has two halves worth one mark each, such as wish I had and taken.
- Wrong answers match the class. Wish I took appears because the student profile says learners make that error.
- One item was rewritten. The teacher check explains that the first draft of item 3 allowed a second answer, and shows the fixed version.
Tips for better results
- Generate several sets on different themes and keep the best items in a bank.
- Ask students to count their words aloud during feedback. It builds the habit that saves marks in the exam.
- Use the wrong answer list as a warm up: show the errors and ask students to explain why they fail.
- Mix Part 4 items from different sets so students cannot predict the grammar point from the theme.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not copy or adapt items from official papers or published practice tests. The prompt writes original material.
- Do not accept an item the teacher check flagged until it is rewritten.
- Do not drift above B2 vocabulary in Part 3 texts. The challenge should be word building, not rare words.
- Confirm task lengths and timing against the current official handbook before using items in a mock exam.
Who it is for
EFL teachers, exam prep schools, private tutors, and materials writers preparing students for B2 First or similar upper intermediate exams.
Related PromptDig links
Open the B2 First Use of English Item Writer: Part 3 Word Formation Texts and Part 4 Key Word Transformations with Word Counts, Two Mark Answer Keys, and Accepted Alternatives prompt and add your theme and grammar points. For more teaching and exam prep prompts, Browse more prompts. If you have a language teaching prompt your students benefit from, Share a prompt.