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🟣 The English Lab | Part 3 Tip – Word Formation
Here is a quick reminder for Word Formation. The grammar around the gap tells you exactly what the new word should become. Do not look at the base word first. Look at the sentence. Example: She gave a very ___ answer. (CONFIDENCE) The word goes before a noun, so you need an adjective. confident, not confidence or confidently. This is the key to Part 3. You change the word to match the sentence, not the other way around. 👉 Comment one base word that always confuses you in Word Formation. I will help you transform it.
🟣 English Lab | Part 3 Tip – Context Clues
💡 One of the biggest secrets to mastering Part 3 (Word Formation) is reading the grammar around the gap. You’re not just guessing prefixes and suffixes — you’re deciding what kind of word the sentence actually needs. Every gap gives you a clue if you slow down and look for it. 🧠 Exam Coaching When you see a gap, ask yourself:👉 What part of speech fits here — noun, verb, adjective, or adverb? Look at the words around it. - After an article (a / an / the) → probably a noun - Before a noun → probably an adjective - Before a verb → probably an adverb - After a modal or “to” → probably a verb Cambridge hides these grammar clues everywhere — they want to see if you can read structure, not just meaning. 💡 Pro tip:When you’re stuck, don’t look at the root word first.Look at the sentence structure — it tells you 80% of the answer. 👉 Question:What’s your method for spotting the right word type when you do Part 3? Do you focus on endings, grammar, or just intuition? Comment below — your approach might help someone else.
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🟣 English Lab | Part 3 Tip – Context Clues
🟣 English Lab | Part 3 Practice – Prefix Quiz
Let’s test your instincts 👇 It’s simply ___ possible to finish in time. (POSSIBLE) 👉 Comment your answer below. 🧠 Exam Coaching This is from Part 3 – Word Formation, where you take a root word (like possible) and transform it to fit the sentence. Cambridge loves testing prefixes like im-, in-, un-, dis-, and ir-. They all mean “not,” but which one you use depends on the first letter and sound of the base word. Common patterns: - im- before p or m → impossible, impatient - in- before most consonants → invisible, incorrect - ir- before r → irregular - il- before l → illegal 💡 Pro tip:If you’re not sure, say it out loud.“Unpossible” sounds wrong instantly. Your ear often knows before your brain does. ✅ Hint: This one starts with p. 👉 Comment your answer below — I’ll reveal the correct prefix and explain why it works tomorrow.
🟣 English Lab | Part 3 Tip – Mastering Prefixes
Ever wonder why we say impossible but incorrect or illegal? All three mean “not possible / not correct / not legal” — so why different prefixes? Because English loves patterns.Each prefix changes based on the sound that follows it. 🧠 Exam Coaching These are the main “negative” prefixes Cambridge tests: Words starting with p or m: prefix: im- impossible, impatient Words starting with l: prefix: il- illegal, illogical Words starting with r: prefix: ir- irregular, irresponsible Most other consonants: prefix: in- invisible, incorrect Verbs / adjectives (change of state) prefix: un- unhappy, unlock, unclear Cambridge loves these because they test both grammar and sound awareness — not just spelling. 💡 Pro tip:When you see a word with “not” in the sentence, check if it needs a negative prefix or a negative word instead. ❌ Not possible → ✅ impossible ❌ Not correct → ✅ incorrect 👉 Challenge: Write one example using any of these prefixes below.I’ll reply and tell you if it “sounds” native or if Cambridge would test it.
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🔵 English Lab | Part 3 Tip – Adjective Endings
⚡ In Part 3 (Word Formation), adjectives are a common test point. The tricky part? Choosing the right ending. Examples you’ll often see: - -able / -ible → reliable, responsible - -ous → dangerous, ambitious - -ful → useful, careful - -less → careless, hopeless 📝 Exam Coaching - The endings look similar, but they are not interchangeable. - -able / -ible is a classic trap: sometimes both words exist but with different meanings (dependable vs. responsible). - Examiners love to test if you can recall the exact form quickly under pressure. - One wrong letter = lost mark. 👉 Poll time: Which ending do you find most confusing?
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