C2 Proficiency case studies
C2 Proficiency · Put your knowledge to work in context.
C2 Proficiency is the highest-level Cambridge English Qualification, targeted at Level C2 of the CEFR and reported on the Cambridge English Scale from 200 to 230. Cambridge English describes it as proof that a learner has "mastered English to an exceptional level" and can communicate with fluency and sophistication. The C2 Proficiency case studies are 5 cases and about 2,179 words.
1Part 4 transformation: the word limit versus the inversion
A CPE candidate in a timed mock sits Reading and Use of English Part 4. Item 4 reads: He only realised how serious the leak was when the floor began to buckle.
456 words, about 2 min2Part 1 essay: summarising two texts versus evaluating them
A CPE candidate plans the compulsory Writing Part 1 essay under exam conditions: 45 minutes, 240-280 words. The question asks candidates to summarise and evaluate the key points in two short texts and include their own ideas.
452 words, about 2 min3Part 2 review: genre drift into report
A CPE candidate chooses the Part 2 option: write a review of a newly opened co-working space for a local business magazine. The task says the review should be 280-320 words and should help readers decide whether to use the space.
411 words, about 2 min4Listening Part 4: emotional keyword versus final stance
In a CPE Listening Part 4 task, five questions match five speakers to options A-F. Speaker 2 says: We lost eighteen months waiting for the grant.
434 words, about 2 min5Speaking Part 3: monopolising the collaborative task
In CPE Speaking Part 3, two candidates have two minutes to discuss a prompt: ways to encourage young people to volunteer, with the ideas school schemes, social media campaigns and family example. Candidate A speaks for about 100 of the 120 seconds.
426 words, about 2 min