C2 Proficiency Module 1: Introduction to C2 Proficiency
Description of Each Part of the Exam
The C2 Proficiency exam is designed to assess a wide range of language skills. It consists of four main parts: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each part tests specific language abilities and together they provide a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s proficiency in English.
Reading and Use of English:
- Part 1: Multiple Choice Cloze
- A text with gaps, each gap followed by four options (A, B, C, D). Students select the correct word to fill each gap.
- Part 2: Open Cloze
- A text with gaps that students fill with one word.
- Part 3: Word Formation
- A text with gaps, where students must form the correct word from a given root word.
- Part 4: Key Word Transformations
- Sentences that must be rewritten using a given key word, without changing the meaning.
- Part 5: Multiple Choice
- A text followed by multiple-choice questions.
- Part 6: Gapped Text
- A text with paragraphs removed and placed in a jumbled order. Students must reorder them correctly.
- Part 7: Multiple Matching
- Several short texts or sections of a text followed by questions. Students match the questions to the appropriate text or section.
- Part 1: Multiple Choice Cloze
Writing:
- Part 1: Essay
- A compulsory essay on a given topic, requiring a well-structured argument and use of examples.
- Part 2: Choice of Tasks
- Students choose one task from a selection of options, which could include writing a report, review, article, or letter.
- Part 1: Essay
Listening:
- Part 1: Multiple Choice
- Short extracts followed by multiple-choice questions.
- Part 2: Sentence Completion
- A longer monologue or interview where students complete sentences with information from the recording.
- Part 3: Multiple Choice
- A longer conversation or discussion followed by multiple-choice questions.
- Part 4: Multiple Matching
- Short extracts grouped together. Students match each speaker to a statement.
- Part 1: Multiple Choice
Speaking:
- Part 1: Interview
- Personal questions to warm up and introduce the candidates.
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Each candidate speaks about a visual prompt, comparing and discussing it for about one minute.
- Part 3: Collaborative Task
- Candidates work together on a task, discussing and making decisions based on a set of written prompts.
- Part 4: Discussion
- A broader discussion on topics related to the collaborative task.
- Part 1: Interview
Exam Format and Timing
The C2 Proficiency exam is divided into four papers, each focusing on different skills. The total time for the exam is approximately 4 hours.
- Reading and Use of English:
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Number of Parts: 7
- Number of Questions: 53
- Writing:
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Number of Parts: 2
- Number of Questions: 2
- Listening:
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
- Number of Parts: 4
- Number of Questions: 30
- Speaking:
- Duration: 16 minutes per pair of candidates
- Number of Parts: 4
Scoring Criteria
The C2 Proficiency exam is scored out of a total of 230 marks, with each paper contributing to the final grade. The overall score is converted to the Cambridge English Scale, and each component is weighted equally.
- Reading and Use of English:
- Weighting: 40% of the total score
- Scoring: Each correct answer contributes to the final score.
- Writing:
- Weighting: 20% of the total score
- Scoring: Each task is marked by trained examiners according to set criteria, including content, communicative achievement, organization, and language.
- Listening:
- Weighting: 20% of the total score
- Scoring: Each correct answer contributes to the final score.
- Speaking:
- Weighting: 20% of the total score
- Scoring: Examiners assess candidates based on grammar and vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, and interactive communication.
Grading Scale:
- Grade A (C2): 220–230
- Grade B (C2): 213–219
- Grade C (C2): 200–212
- Grade B2: 180–199
Certification:
- C2 Proficiency Certificate: Awarded to candidates scoring 200 and above.
- C1 Level Certificate: Awarded to candidates scoring between 180 and 199.
Tips for Success:
- Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with each part of the exam and the types of questions asked.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice using past papers and sample questions.
- Develop Test Strategies: Learn techniques for time management, guessing intelligently, and handling difficult questions.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly review your practice answers with a teacher or study partner to identify areas for improvement.
Diagnostic Test
The diagnostic test serves as an initial assessment to gauge the your current proficiency level and identify areas for improvement. It is a shortened test you give you an undestanding of the reading and writing skills necessary to do well on the exam.
C2 Proficiency Writing: Part 1: Essay
Instructions:
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 240-280 words in an appropriate style.
Question:
Your class has attended a panel discussion on the importance of learning languages. You have made the notes below:
Benefits of learning languages:
- Communication
- Employment
- Cultural understanding
Some opinions expressed in the discussion:
- “Learning languages helps you communicate better with people when you travel.”
- “Knowing more than one language can increase your job opportunities.”
- “Learning languages can help you understand and appreciate different cultures.”
Write an essay discussing two of the benefits mentioned for learning languages. You should explain which benefit you think is more important, giving reasons to support your argument.