B2 · Vocabulary
Word Formation — Nouns
Lesson Handout
Why word formation matters
⚠ FCE Use of English Part 3 always tests word formation. You are given a base word and must change it to fit the gap. Most gaps require nouns, adjectives, verbs or adverbs.
Key noun formations
Strategy for Part 3
⚠ Step 1: Read the sentence for meaning. Step 2: Decide what form is needed (noun). Step 3: Check if negative prefix is needed (un-, in-, dis-). Step 4: Check for irregular forms.
Summary of noun suffixes
B2 · Vocabulary
Word Formation — Nouns
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Form the correct noun (10 points)
Use the base word in brackets to form the correct noun.
1. There is growing ___________ of the link between diet and mental health. (AWARE)
2. ___________ in the workforce has increased since automation began to take hold. (EMPLOY)
3. The ___________ of the new tax policy has been heavily debated. (INTRODUCE)
4. ___________ is a key goal of the United Nations' development agenda. (EQUAL)
5. The company has shown a strong ___________ to achieving net zero. (COMMIT)
6. ___________ of the natural environment is essential for future generations. (CONSERVE)
7. The report highlighted the ___________ between urban and rural healthcare access. (EQUAL)
8. There is a growing body of ___________ that supports the benefits of remote working. (EVIDENT)
9. The rapid ___________ of AI has raised serious ethical questions. (DEVELOP)
10. ___________ is the ability to meet present needs without harming future generations. (SUSTAIN)
Word formation — FCE Part 3 style (8 points)
Read the text and use the word in brackets in the correct noun form.
11. The ___________ (AUTOMATE) of many traditional jobs has created significant ___________ (DIVERSE) challenges for modern economies. There is growing ___________ (AWARE) that the benefits of technological ___________ (INNOVATE) are not evenly distributed. The ___________ (EMPLOY) sector has seen major disruptions, and there are concerns about long-term ___________ (EQUAL) in access to new career opportunities. Addressing this requires a ___________ (COMMIT) from both government and business to invest in ___________ (SUSTAIN) workforce development.
What is the suffix? (6 points)
12. DIVERSE → ___________ (suffix: -ity)
13. ACHIEVE → ___________ (suffix: -ment)
14. DISCRIMINATE → ___________ (suffix: -tion)
15. RESIST → ___________ (suffix: -ance)
16. WEAK → ___________ (suffix: -ness)
17. DEPEND → ___________ (suffix: -ence)
B2 · Vocabulary
Word Formation — Nouns
Answer Key
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