English
Reading and vocabulary
CACD English items test advanced reading comprehension, inference, and vocabulary in context. Build a habit of identifying the function of each paragraph (claim, evidence, counterargument) rather than translating word by word.
Grammar traps
Common items target subject-verb agreement with collective nouns, conditionals (third conditional for unreal past), inversion after negative adverbials ("Not only did he..."), and gerund/infinitive distinctions ("stop to smoke" vs "stop smoking"). Watch false friends: "actually" = in fact, not currently; "eventually" = finally.
Writing register
Know formal connectors (however, nevertheless, whereas, thereby) and avoid informal ones (besides, plus). Distinguish although (concession) from because (cause).
Worked example
"Had the treaty been ratified, trade would have expanded." This is a third conditional: past unreal condition + would have + participle. An item offering "would expand" is wrong because the condition is counterfactual.
Rule of thumb
For inference items, choose the option that is supported but not stated verbatim; extreme words (always, never) usually signal a wrong option.