Free Practice Questions for Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2)

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Welsh Language Proficiency Exams (WJEC)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Exam Review

Key Facts: Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2) Exam

The WJEC Uwch qualification certifies Welsh at CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate to advanced), the highest active Welsh for Adults level.

Uwch is regulated by Qualifications Wales at Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework, equivalent to an A Level.

The exam body is WJEC/CBAC; the 2026 examination is scheduled for June.

Five components are assessed: Reading, Listening, Language Knowledge, Writing, and Speaking — all components must be passed.

Many Welsh public-sector employers require B2 Welsh proficiency, making Uwch widely sought for jobs in local government, NHS Wales, education, and the Welsh Government.

The Language Knowledge gap-fill component tests B2 grammar including impersonal verb forms (-ir/-wyd), the pe + subjunctive conditional, all three mutation patterns, and advanced formal connectors.

The Speaking assessment is a recorded conversation of approximately 25-30 minutes with a person who is not the candidate's course tutor, often discussing a Welsh-language book or film.

Most candidates complete approximately 120 or more guided learning hours at Uwch level before sitting the exam, typically over one full academic year.

Dictionary use is not permitted in the Reading component; candidates must demonstrate comprehension of literary and formal Welsh texts without assistance.

WJEC provides video examples of Uwch Speaking assessments, including models from both South Wales and North Wales candidates, on the Advanced Welsh for Adults qualification page.

The WJEC Uwch B2 is Wales's highest active adult Welsh learner qualification, required for many public-sector roles. It tests formal/literary Welsh in reading, listening, grammar, writing, and speaking.

Sample Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Pa frawddeg sy'n dangos y treiglad meddal cywir ar ôl 'am'? (Which sentence shows the correct soft mutation after 'am'?)

A.Roeddwn i'n meddwl am Cymru

B.Roeddwn i'n meddwl am Gymru

C.Roeddwn i'n meddwl am Ngymru

D.Roeddwn i'n meddwl am Chymru

Explanation: The preposition 'am' triggers the soft mutation (treiglad meddal) in Welsh. 'Cymru' begins with 'C', which mutates to 'G' under the soft mutation, giving 'Gymru'. Nasal mutation ('Ngymru') follows 'yn', not 'am'. Aspirate mutation ('Chymru') follows 'â/ag', 'a', 'tua', 'gyda', or 'na'.

2Dewiswch y ffurf amodol gywir: 'Pe ___ amser gyda fi, byddwn i'n dysgu Cymraeg.' (Choose the correct conditional form: 'If ___ time with me, I would learn Welsh.')

A.bydd

B.mae

C.bai

D.fydd

Explanation: After 'pe' (if, contrary to fact), Welsh uses the imperfect subjunctive/conditional of 'bod'. The correct form is 'pe bai' (if there were / if ... had). 'Pe bai amser gyda fi' means 'If I had time'. 'Bydd' and 'fydd' are future tense forms, and 'mae' is the present indicative, none of which are used in hypothetical 'pe' clauses.

3Beth yw ystyr 'cael eu trafod' yn y frawddeg hon? (What is the meaning of 'cael eu trafod' in this sentence: 'Bydd y materion hyn yn cael eu trafod yn y cyfarfod.')

A.will discuss these matters

B.these matters will be discussed

C.these matters are being discussed

D.these matters had been discussed

Explanation: 'Cael' + possessive pronoun + verb-noun forms the Welsh periphrastic passive. 'Cael eu trafod' literally means 'to get their discussing', i.e., 'to be discussed'. With 'bydd' (will be) as the auxiliary, the full meaning is 'these matters will be discussed'. This construction is a key B2-level passive structure.

4Llenwch y bwlch: 'Mae hi'n bwysig ___ ni ddeall y sefyllfa.' (Fill the gap: 'It is important ___ we understand the situation.')

A.bo

B.fod

C.i

D.am

Explanation: 'Mae hi'n bwysig i ni ddeall' uses 'i' + personal pronoun + soft-mutated verb-noun to express obligation/importance in Welsh. This 'i + subject + VN' structure is the standard B2 complement for impersonal expressions like 'mae hi'n bwysig', 'mae hi'n angenrheidiol'. The verb 'deall' undergoes soft mutation after 'ni'.

5Dewiswch yr ymadrodd cywir i gwblhau'r frawddeg: 'Yn dilyn y ddamwain, roedd rhaid iddyn nhw ___ y gwaith.' (Choose the correct phrase: 'Following the accident, they had to ___ the work.')

A.atal

B.stopio

C.dod i ben â

D.rhoi gorau i

Explanation: 'Rhoi gorau i' is the natural Welsh idiom (priod-ddull) for 'to give up / abandon / stop doing something'. In a formal/literary register, this is the preferred B2 expression. While 'atal' (halt/prevent) and 'stopio' (stop) are grammatically possible, 'rhoi gorau i rywbeth' specifically means permanently ceasing an activity, fitting the context of abandoning ongoing work after an accident.

6Darllen y darn: 'Er gwaethaf y trafferthion ariannol, llwyddodd y cwmni i gadw ei weithwyr.' Pa ystyr sydd i 'er gwaethaf'? (Despite the financial difficulties, the company managed to keep its workers. What does 'er gwaethaf' mean?)

A.because of

B.in spite of

C.as a result of

D.according to

Explanation: 'Er gwaethaf' is a formal Welsh connector meaning 'in spite of / despite'. It introduces a contrasting circumstance that did not prevent the main action. This concessive connector is a key B2 formal writing and reading feature. Compare 'er gwaethaf' (despite) with 'oherwydd' (because of) and 'o ganlyniad i' (as a result of).

7Sut mae mynegi'r amser gorffennol amherffaith yn Gymraeg? (How is the Welsh imperfect past tense expressed in 'Roeddwn i'n arfer byw yng Nghaerdydd'?)

A.a completed one-off action in the past

B.a habitual or ongoing action in the past

C.an action about to happen in the past

D.an action completed before another past action

Explanation: 'Roeddwn i'n arfer byw' uses the imperfect tense of 'bod' + 'arfer' + verb-noun to describe a habitual past action ('I used to live'). The imperfect aspect in Welsh ('roeddwn i'n') covers ongoing states and repeated/habitual actions in the past, contrasting with the preterite/perfect ('bues i'n byw' or 'fe fues i'n byw') for completed events.

8Dewiswch y treiglad cywir: 'Cafodd y ddogfen ___ (cyhoeddi) gan y llywodraeth.' (Choose the correct mutation: 'The document was published by the government.')

A.cyhoeddi

B.gyhoeddi

C.chyhoeddi

D.nyhoeddi

Explanation: In the 'cael' passive construction, the verb-noun follows a possessive pronoun which causes soft mutation. 'Cafodd y ddogfen ei chyhoeddi' normally uses the aspirate mutation after feminine 'ei'. However, in this reduced passive 'cafodd ... gyhoeddi', the verb-noun undergoes soft mutation after the passive auxiliary. 'Cyhoeddi' (c→g) = 'gyhoeddi'.

9Darllen: 'Cynigiodd y Gweinidog ymateb cynhwysfawr i'r argyfwng, ond mynegodd rhai aelodau o'r Senedd eu pryder o hyd.' Beth wnaeth yr aelodau Senedd? (The Minister offered a comprehensive response to the crisis, but some Senedd members still expressed their concern. What did the Senedd members do?)

A.They welcomed the Minister's comprehensive response

B.They continued to express concern despite the response

C.They refused to listen to the Minister's reply

D.They offered their own comprehensive solutions

Explanation: The conjunction 'ond' (but) signals contrast between the Minister's comprehensive response and the Senedd members' continued concern. 'O hyd' means 'still / yet', indicating the concern persisted despite the response. The sentence shows that a satisfactory response did not fully allay the members' worries.

10Pa air sy'n golygu 'to emphasise / to stress' mewn Cymraeg ffurfiol? (Which word means 'to emphasise / to stress' in formal Welsh?)

A.pwysleisio

B.crybwyll

C.canmol

D.trafod

Explanation: 'Pwysleisio' means 'to emphasise / to stress (a point)' in Welsh. It derives from 'pwysig' (important/weighty). This is a key B2 academic and formal vocabulary item frequently appearing in political speeches, reports, and formal discussions. It is distinct from 'crybwyll' (to mention), 'canmol' (to praise), and 'trafod' (to discuss).

About the Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2) Exam

The Uwch (Advanced) qualification is the highest active level in the WJEC/CBAC Defnyddio'r Gymraeg — Welsh for Adults suite, certifying CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate to advanced) Welsh proficiency. It is set at the same level as GCE A Level and is widely required for public-sector roles in Wales, particularly in local government, the National Health Service, education, and the Welsh Government. The qualification tests formal and literary Welsh across five components: Reading, Listening, Language Knowledge (grammar), Writing, and Speaking. Successful candidates can engage confidently in complex written and spoken Welsh in professional and social contexts, read Welsh fiction and formal documents, and produce accurate formal Welsh in correspondence and reports.

Exam sponsor: WJEC/CBAC, regulated by Qualifications Wales.. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

100 questions

Time Limit

Reading: ~45-60 min; Language Knowledge: ~45-60 min; Listening: ~30-40 min; Speaking: ~25-30 min.

Passing Score

All components must be passed at the WJEC threshold. Component pass marks are published annually by WJEC/CBAC.

Exam / Certification Fees

Typically included in Welsh for Adults course tuition fees; varies by provider. Contact your local Welsh for Adults provider for 2026 costs.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

WJEC/CBAC, regulated by Qualifications Wales.: official exam information

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Reading (Darllen)

Formal, journalistic, and literary Welsh texts — MCQ testing comprehension and inference at B2.

25%

Listening (Gwrando)

News, interviews, and announcements — MCQ testing vocabulary and understanding of formal spoken Welsh.

25%

Language Knowledge (Gwybodaeth Iaith)

Gap-fill grammar: mutations, conditionals (pe bawn), impersonal forms, reported speech, and advanced prepositions.

25%

Writing and Speaking (Ysgrifennu a Siarad)

Formal writing tasks and a recorded speaking assessment on a chosen book, film, or topic.

Preparing for the Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: All components must be passed at the WJEC threshold. Component pass marks are published annually by WJEC/CBAC.
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: Reading: ~45-60 min; Language Knowledge: ~45-60 min; Listening: ~30-40 min; Speaking: ~25-30 min.
Exam / certification fees: Typically included in Welsh for Adults course tuition fees; varies by provider. Contact your local Welsh for Adults provider for 2026 costs. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Welsh Uwch (Advanced, B2): Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the literary impersonal forms: present (-ir: 'cynhelir', 'siaredir') and past (-wyd: 'cynhaliwyd', 'gwelwyd'). These appear in formal Welsh reading passages, news reports, and the Language Knowledge gap-fill at every exam sitting.

2Practise the full 'pe bawn/bai/baem' conditional system: 'Pe bawn i'n gyfoethog, teithiwn i o gwmpas y byd' (If I were rich, I would travel the world). This B2 subjunctive-after-pe construction is one of the highest-frequency Uwch grammar targets.

3Learn the formal concessive connectors as a set: 'er gwaethaf' (despite), 'serch hynny' (nevertheless), 'er hynny' (even so), 'yn wahanol i'r hyn a dybiwyd' (contrary to expectations). These connectors appear in both the Reading texts and the Writing component.

4Read Welsh-language journalism weekly: BBC Cymru Fyw (bbc.co.uk/cymrufyw) and Y Cymro online provide authentic B2 formal Welsh with impersonal forms, complex mutation patterns, and policy vocabulary — the exact register tested in Reading and Language Knowledge.

5Expand your formal register vocabulary systematically: key B2 pairs to master include ariannu/buddsoddi (fund/invest), sefydlu/agor (establish/open), mynegi/datgan (express/state), cynhaliadwy/cyfyngedig (sustainable/limited), amlinellu/crynhoi (outline/summarise). These distinctions are tested in gap-fill and reading tasks.

6Practise Welsh speaking every week, even informally. The Speaking component tests naturalness, fluency, and accuracy with formal grammar. Listening to Radio Cymru news bulletins and S4C programmes daily will help you internalise the formal spoken register expected at B2 level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Welsh Uwch qualification?

Uwch (Advanced) is the highest active level in the WJEC/CBAC Welsh for Adults (Defnyddio'r Gymraeg) qualification suite, certified at CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate to advanced). It is set at the same level as A Level and is widely required for public-sector employment in Wales. The exam has five components: Reading, Listening, Language Knowledge, Writing, and Speaking.

Is the Uwch qualification required for public-sector jobs in Wales?

Many Welsh public-sector employers — including local councils, the NHS in Wales, Welsh Government, and education bodies — require evidence of CEFR B2 Welsh proficiency. The WJEC Uwch qualification is one of the most commonly accepted proofs of this standard. Requirements vary by employer and role; candidates should check specific job advertisements.

What CEFR level is Welsh Uwch?

The WJEC Welsh for Adults Uwch qualification is certified at CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate). It is regulated by Qualifications Wales at Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework — the same level as an A Level. It represents the highest active Welsh for Adults examination available through WJEC.

What grammar is tested in the Uwch Language Knowledge component?

Key B2 grammar topics include: all three mutation patterns (treiglad meddal, llaes, trwynol) in context; conditional and subjunctive forms with pe (pe bawn, pe bai); impersonal verb forms in present and past (-ir, -wyd); the cael passive construction; reported speech with bod/fod; formal connectors (er gwaethaf, yn sgil, serch hynny); and advanced prepositions (ers, ar yr amod, yn rhinwedd).

What Welsh texts appear in the Uwch Reading component?

The Reading component includes literary texts (extracts from Welsh-language novels, short stories, or poetry) and formal non-literary texts (newspaper articles, official announcements, policy documents, biographical texts). Dictionary use is not permitted. Questions test comprehension, inference, idiomatic meaning, and awareness of formal versus literary register at B2 level.

How should I prepare for the Uwch Speaking component?

The Speaking test is a recorded conversation of approximately 25-30 minutes with a person who is not your course tutor. Candidates typically prepare to discuss a Welsh-language book or film from a GCSE Welsh reading list, and may discuss current affairs, personal interests, or social topics. WJEC publishes video examples of Speaking assessments on their qualification page.