Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test 2026 - Free CPE Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the Reading and Use of English section of the CPE, candidates can expect a variety of text types that are commonly found in everyday life and professional contexts, which are represented by articles, letters, and reports. These text types are designed to assess the candidate's ability to understand and analyze information, arguments, and opinions in different formats.

Articles often present factual information or opinions on various topics, allowing candidates to demonstrate comprehension of main ideas and supporting details. Letters may include formal and informal correspondence, which helps in evaluating the ability to understand tone and context. Reports provide structured information, typically summarizing findings or analyses, requiring candidates to interpret data and draw conclusions.

The other text types mentioned—narratives, poems, textbooks, manuals, advertisements, and brochures—are less likely to appear in this section. While narratives and poems focus more on creative writing and literary analysis, and textbooks and manuals provide instructional content, they do not align with the primary goal of assessing reading comprehension in practical contexts. Advertisements and brochures are typically more promotional and less informational, making them less relevant for the type of evaluative skills the CPE focuses on in this section.