Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

The selection of a diverse range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and articles, is highly beneficial for developing reading skills for the CPE. This approach allows learners to engage with different writing styles, perspectives, and genres, which enhances their overall comprehension and critical thinking abilities.

Fiction often introduces readers to narrative structures, character development, and thematic exploration, which can improve inferential reading skills. Non-fiction, including essays and reports, provides exposure to factual content, argument structures, and clear exposition, aiding in the understanding of real-world topics and ideas. Articles, especially those from reputable sources, help familiarize learners with current events, trends, and general knowledge while practicing skimming and scanning techniques.

On the other hand, focusing solely on academic texts, newspapers and magazines, or textbooks limits exposure to the variety of language and contexts that are necessary for proficiency at the CPE level. Engaging with a mix of materials not only prepares students for the kinds of texts they will encounter but also builds a more robust vocabulary and understanding of different discourses, which is essential for achieving success in the exam.