This post offers a free Michigan ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English) vocabulary test with 30 exam-style questions. It’s a perfect practice test for anyone preparing for ECPE vocabulary which will help build advanced English skills and understand how C2-level words are used in real contexts.
The vocabulary section in the Michigan ECPE test can seem a bit tough at first, especially if you’re not used to questions that demand very precise word choices. But doing well isn’t about memorizing long lists of words. It’s about understanding how words actually work in real sentences and situations.
In this post, you’ll get a ECPE vocabulary quiz with 30 questions designed to feel just like the real exam. The ECPE doesn’t ask direct questions like “choose the synonym” or “find the meaning.” Instead, it uses fill-in-the-blank questions. That means you need to know not just what a word means, but how it fits naturally in a sentence.
The vocabulary used in the ECPE is at the C2 level of the CEFR scale, which is quite advanced. So you can’t expect to score well just by memorizing definitions—you need to understand usage and tone, too.
Whether you’re preparing on your own or working with a tutor, this practice test will help you build confidence, increase your speed, and get used to the kind of vocabulary that appears most often in the ECPE.
Also read: ECPE Vocabulary List of 215 Words (Printable pdf)
You can take the test online right here, or download the printable PDF if you’d rather do it later or even share it with your friends so they can try it too.
This is what it looks like:
You can download the full pdf by clicking on the below link (no signup required).
Let’s now get to the actual vocabulary practice quiz.
ECPE Vocabulary Test
Choose the correct option in the following 30 questions.
1. The journalist’s _______ reporting on the scandal eventually led to the minister’s resignation.
A. tenacious
B. cordial
C. benign
D. nominal
2. Despite the team’s initial enthusiasm, their efforts to complete the project began to _______ as deadlines approached.
A. proliferate
B. expedite
C. wane
D. burgeon
3. The committee decided to _______ the outdated policy that had been causing confusion among employees.
A. abrogate
B. perpetuate
C. vindicate
D. advocate
4. Her _______ nature made her the perfect candidate for the diplomatic position in the volatile region.
A. volatile
B. sanguine
C. caustic
D. mercurial
5. The author’s use of _______ language throughout the novel created an atmosphere of foreboding.
A. lucid
B. prosaic
C. euphoric
D. ominous
6. The scientist’s theory was met with _______ from the academic community, who questioned its validity.
A. incredulity
B. veneration
C. alacrity
D. compliance
7. The CEO’s _______ spending habits eventually bankrupted the company.
A. frugal
B. judicious
C. prudent
D. profligate
8. The defendant’s lawyer argued that the evidence was merely _______ and insufficient for conviction.
A. substantive
B. compelling
C. irrefutable
D. circumstantial
9. The politician’s _______ remarks during the debate alienated many potential voters.
A. diplomatic
B. incendiary
C. conciliatory
D. measured
10. After years of neglect, the mansion had fallen into a state of _______.
A. opulence
B. prosperity
C. dilapidation
D. refinement
11. The professor’s lecture was so _______ that several students struggled to stay awake.
A. riveting
B. soporific
C. stimulating
D. provocative
12. The lawyer attempted to _______ her client’s reputation by presenting evidence of his charitable work.
A. tarnish
B. besmirch
C. malign
D. rehabilitate
13. The researcher’s findings served to _______ the long-held theory about climate patterns.
A. refute
B. contradict
C. challenge
D. corroborate
14. His _______ lifestyle, filled with excess and indulgence, eventually took a toll on his health.
A. ascetic
B. hedonistic
C. austere
D. spartan
15. The company’s new policy was designed to _______ productivity across all departments.
A. hinder
B. stifle
C. impede
D. enhance
16. The archaeologist made a _______ discovery that challenged existing theories about ancient civilizations.
A. trivial
B. mundane
C. groundbreaking
D. inconsequential
17. The witness’s testimony was _______ by video evidence from security cameras.
A. contradicted
B. substantiated
C. disputed
D. undermined
18. The artist’s work was considered _______ by critics who appreciated its bold departure from tradition.
A. conventional
B. derivative
C. orthodox
D. avant-garde
19. The manager’s _______ approach to problem-solving helped resolve the conflict between team members.
A. pragmatic
B. dogmatic
C. idealistic
D. rigid
20. The novel’s protagonist exhibited _______ behavior, constantly changing his mind about his goals.
A. capricious
B. steadfast
C. resolute
D. unwavering
21. The government’s decision to _______ funding for education sparked widespread protests.
A. augment
B. boost
C. curtail
D. amplify
22. The speaker’s _______ manner made the complex topic accessible to the general audience.
A. pompous
B. pretentious
C. obscure
D. affable
23. The defendant showed no _______ for his actions, which influenced the judge’s sentencing decision.
A. remorse
B. pride
C. satisfaction
D. defiance
24. The historian worked to _______ the myth that had persisted for generations about the battle.
A. propagate
B. debunk
C. promote
D. endorse
25. The committee’s recommendations were largely _______, offering little practical guidance.
A. concrete
B. nebulous
C. specific
D. explicit
26. The athlete’s _______ recovery from injury surprised medical professionals.
A. phenomenal
B. sluggish
C. gradual
D. typical
27. The writer’s _______ prose style made her essays particularly engaging to read.
A. turgid
B. eloquent
C. labored
D. convoluted
28. The company decided to _______ its partnership with the supplier after discovering quality issues.
A. strengthen
B. renew
C. terminate
D. extend
29. The politician’s speech was filled with _______ statements designed to appeal to emotions rather than logic.
A. analytical
B. rational
C. inflammatory
D. objective
30. The museum’s new exhibit aims to _______ awareness about environmental conservation.
A. diminish
B. galvanize
C. suppress
D. undermine
Answer key
- A. tenacious
- C. wane
- A. abrogate
- B. sanguine
- D. ominous
- A. incredulity
- D. profligate
- D. circumstantial
- B. incendiary
- C. dilapidation
- B. soporific
- D. rehabilitate
- D. corroborate
- B. hedonistic
- D. enhance
- C. groundbreaking
- B. substantiated
- D. avant-garde
- A. pragmatic
- A. capricious
- C. curtail
- D. affable
- A. remorse
- B. debunk
- B. nebulous
- A. phenomenal
- B. eloquent
- C. terminate
- C. inflammatory
- B. galvanize
Takeaway
Preparing for the Michigan ECPE Vocabulary Test is less about rote memorization and more about real understanding. The exam checks how naturally you can use advanced words in context, not just whether you know their meanings.
With consistent practice, especially through realistic fill-in-the-blank exercises like the ones in this post, you’ll start to recognize patterns, improve your word sense, and feel more confident handling C2-level English.
Download the free ECPE vocabulary PDF, take the test, and track your progress. The more you practise using words in real sentences, the closer you’ll get to mastering the kind of language fluency the ECPE looks for.
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