C1 Advanced study materials
C1 Advanced study resources

C1 Advanced flashcards

C1 Advanced · Build recall with a focused review session.

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Part 1 multiple-choice cloze
Eight gaps in a short text; for each gap choose A, B, C or D. It tests vocabulary, collocation and fixed expressions rather than grammar rules.
Part 2 open cloze
Eight gaps, each filled with one word you supply, with no options given. The missing words are usually grammar words such as prepositions, articles, conjunctions or pronouns.
Part 3 word formation
Eight items where a base word in capitals must be changed to fit a gap. Changes can include prefixes, suffixes or internal vowel changes, and a negative prefix is often needed.
Part 4 key word transformations
Six sentences to rewrite using a given key word unchanged. The answer must be two to five words and keep the same meaning; each item scores two marks.
Part 5 multiple choice
Six reading questions with four options each, worth two marks. Questions follow the order of the text, so locate the relevant section before comparing options.
Part 6 cross-text matching
Four questions worth two marks each, matching statements to opinions in four short texts A-D. Questions are not in text order and one text may answer more than one question.
Part 7 gapped text
Six paragraphs removed from a long text and seven paragraphs offered, one extra. Two marks per gap; clues include pronouns, linking words and topic continuity across the gap.
Part 8 multiple matching
Ten statements worth one mark each, matched to sections or people in a long text. Each section may be used more than once, and questions do not follow text order.
C1 Advanced Writing timing
The Writing paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and contains two tasks, each 220-260 words. Each task is worth 20 marks, giving a total of 40 marks.
Compulsory Part 1 essay
Candidates discuss two of three bullet points from notes and add one idea of their own. The essay must present a coherent argument, not a list of points.
Part 2 task types
Candidates choose one of three options, typically a letter or email, a proposal, a report or a review. Each option states the target reader and the purpose.
Content assessment scale
One of four Writing criteria, marked 0-5 per task. It rewards addressing all content points and giving the target reader the information required.
Communicative Achievement scale
A Writing criterion marked 0-5 per task. It judges whether the format, register and conventions of the genre are appropriate for the target reader.
Organisation assessment scale
A Writing criterion marked 0-5 per task. It assesses paragraphing, sequencing of ideas, use of linking devices and overall coherence.
Language assessment scale
A Writing criterion marked 0-5 per task. It rewards range of vocabulary and grammar plus accuracy, with C1 expecting good control of complex structures.
Report versus proposal
A report presents and analyses factual information with headings and may end with a recommendation. A proposal argues for a course of action and aims to persuade the reader.
Listening paper structure
About 40 minutes, four parts and 30 questions, each worth one mark. Paper-based candidates get five extra minutes to transfer answers.
Listening Part 1
Three short extracts from different speakers, with two three-option questions on each extract. It tests gist, attitude, purpose and detail.
Listening Part 2 completion
Eight sentences with gaps to complete using a word or short phrase heard in a monologue. Correct spelling is required and answers usually stay within three words.
Listening Part 3
Six multiple-choice questions with three options, based on a conversation or interview. The questions follow the order of the recording.
Listening Part 4 matching
Ten questions matched to five speakers or options. Each option may be used more than once, and the questions are not in recording order.
Distractor technique
Wrong options are often mentioned and then rejected through contrast words such as however or actually, or through negation, so the speaker's final position is the answer.
Listening mark scheme
Each correct answer earns one mark and there is no negative marking, so candidates answer every question even when unsure.
Listening Part 2 spelling
Answers must be spelled correctly and fit the grammar of the sentence; errors that make the word unrecognisable are marked wrong.
Speaking test format
About 15 minutes with two candidates and two examiners. One examiner asks questions while the other assesses performance against five criteria.
Speaking Part 1
A two-minute interview where each candidate answers questions about personal experience, studies, work, interests and daily life.
Speaking Part 2 long turn
Each candidate speaks for one minute about two photographs, comparing them and answering the question above. The partner then responds for about 30 seconds.
Speaking Part 3
A two-minute collaborative discussion based on a mind map or prompt, followed by one minute to reach a decision together.
Speaking Part 4
A four-minute discussion of general questions linked to the Part 3 topic, requiring opinions, justification and development of ideas.
Interactive Communication criterion
A Speaking criterion marked 0-5. It assesses turn-taking, initiating and responding, developing the interaction and maintaining the conversation with the partner.
Discourse Management criterion
A Speaking criterion marked 0-5. It covers coherence, relevance of contributions and the length and complexity of spoken utterances.
Pronunciation criterion
A Speaking criterion marked 0-5. It assesses individual sounds, word and sentence stress, intonation and overall intelligibility rather than accent.