Use of English
Transformation, word formation and precision work in Cambridge C1 style.
Lesson objectives
- Improve grammatical precision and collocational control.
- Practise exam-style transformations and word formation systematically.
- Connect structure and lexis back to the unit theme of remote work & the future of offices.
Part 1 — Word formation
Instructions: Read the text below. Use the word in CAPITALS at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. For example, you might use the negative form of the word, such as UNHAPPY.
The shift towards remote work has caused a(n) _ in how we perceive the traditional workplace. For many, the (1) _ of commuting daily has become an outdated concept. However, this transition has not been without its (2) _, as some employees struggle with the (3) _ between their professional and personal lives.
Companies are now having to (4) _ their office layouts to accommodate hybrid models. While some argue that physical offices are becoming (5) _, others believe that face-to-face interaction is (6) _ for maintaining company culture. Ultimately, the (7) _ of work-life balance will depend on how effectively managers can maintain (8) ____ oversight without micromanaging their teams.
- REVOLUTION
- DISADVANTAGE
- SEPARATE
- RESTRUCTURE
- OBSOLETE
- ESSENCE
- ACHIEVE
- EFFECTIVE
Part 2 — Key word transformations
Instructions: 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 three and six words, including the word given. 1. The marketing team needs to increase the level of knowledge about the new remote policy. AWARENESS → The marketing team needs to ____ the new remote policy. 2. We need to evaluate our current situation before deciding on a new office lease. STOCK → We need to ____ our current situation before deciding on a new lease. 3. The scientists are currently carrying out an investigation into digital burnout. CONDUCTING → The scientists ____ into digital burnout. 4. It is vital that we increase the amount of interest in hybrid working models. STIMULATE → We must ____ in hybrid working models. 5. The manager decided to look into the reasons for the sudden drop in productivity. INVESTIGATION → The manager ____ the reasons for the sudden drop in productivity. 6. We must make sure people understand the importance of mental health at home. RAISE → We must ____ regarding mental health at home.
Answer key
- revolution
- disadvantages
- separation
- restructuring
- obsolete
- essential
- achievement
- effective
- raise awareness of
- take stock of
- are conducting research
- stimulate interest
- conducted an investigation into
- raise awareness