---
title: "English C-Test C1: The decline of handwriting · C-Test Prep"
description: "Free English C-Test at C1 level: \"The decline of handwriting\", 25 gaps to fill in and check online, with the answer and an explanation for every gap."
canonical: https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/c1-the-decline-of-handwriting
last_updated: 2026-10-31
---

# English C-Test C1: The decline of handwriting

An English C-Test at C1 level: academic style, abstract nouns and less common words.

Last checked: 31 October 2026

25 gaps: 12 on grammar, 13 on vocabulary. Complete the second half of each word, then check; every answer with its explanation is under the text.

## The decline of handwriting

C1

For many adults today, writing by hand has become an occasional activity, reserved for shopping lists and birthday cards. Schools i___ many coun___ now sp___ less ti___ on joined-up wri___, arguing th___ typing i___ the mo___ relevant sk___ in a dig___ economy. Y___ a growing bo___ of rese___ suggests th___ the sh___ may ca___ hidden co___. Unlike typ___, forming let___ by ha___ appears t___ activate br___ regions th___ are al___ involved i___ reading. Among university students, those who take notes by hand are forced to summarise rather than transcribe, although later studies have not always confirmed that this improves what they remember.

### Answers and explanations: The decline of handwriting

1. in Grammar
   "in many countries"; "involved in" = taking part in.
2. countries Grammar
   Plural of "country": consonant + y becomes -ies.
3. spend Vocabulary
   "spend time on" = use time for.
4. time Vocabulary
   "time" (uncountable here).
5. writing Vocabulary
   "joined-up writing" = handwriting with connected letters.
6. that Grammar
   After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
7. is Grammar
   "typing is": a gerund subject takes a singular verb.
8. more Grammar
   "the more relevant skill": comparative, as two skills are compared; "the most relevant" is also possible.
   Also correct: most
9. skill Vocabulary
   "skill" = an ability you learn.
10. digital Vocabulary
    "a digital economy" = an economy based on computers.
11. Yet Grammar
    "Yet" at the start of a sentence = however; it introduces a contrast.
12. body Vocabulary
    "a growing body of research" = more and more studies.
13. research Vocabulary
    "research" (uncountable, no -s).
14. that Grammar
    After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
15. shift Vocabulary
    "shift" = a change in direction.
16. carry Vocabulary
    "carry costs" = bring disadvantages; infinitive after "may".
17. costs Vocabulary
    "hidden costs" = disadvantages that are not obvious.
18. typing Grammar
    "Unlike typing": after the preposition "unlike", use the -ing form.
19. letters Vocabulary
    "letters" = the signs of the alphabet.
20. hand Vocabulary
    "by hand" = with a pen, not a keyboard.
21. to Grammar
    "appears to activate": "appear to" + infinitive.
22. brain Vocabulary
    "brain regions" = areas of the brain.
23. that Grammar
    After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
24. also Grammar
    "also" goes between "are" and the participle "involved".
25. in Grammar
    "in many countries"; "involved in" = taking part in.

## Tips for C1

- At C1 the gaps are often nominalisations and fixed phrases; read on until the meaning is clear.
- Only the exact word counts here: two letters swapped is marked wrong. So practise the spelling too.
- If you stay under 15 gaps here, practise B2 texts first; that is where most points are.

## More practice texts

**B1:** [The semester ticket](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b1-the-semester-ticket) · [Volunteering in your free time](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b1-volunteering-in-your-free-time) · [Food waste in the canteen](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b1-food-waste-in-the-canteen)

**B2:** [How vaccines are tested](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b2-how-vaccines-are-tested) · [Citizen science](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b2-citizen-science) · [Artificial light at night](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/b2-artificial-light-at-night)

**C1:** [The printing press](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/c1-the-printing-press) · [The economics of streaming](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises/c1-the-economics-of-streaming)

[Three more texts (B1, B2, C1) on one page →](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english-exercises)

**Ready for the real test?** The English Pass (€12) has 10 more texts and a simulation in the Münster format: 4 texts, 100 gaps, 25 minutes, with an estimated level. [See the Pass →](https://ctestprep.de/en/pricing)

[The C-Test at universities compared →](https://ctestprep.de/en/c-test-english)