C2 Proficiency flashcards

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

Part 4 key word transformation

Six items worth 2 marks each. The second sentence must mean the same as the first, use the given key word unchanged, and contain two to five words including that key word.

Multiple-choice cloze focus

Part 1 tests lexical precision: collocation, fixed phrases, phrasal verbs, and idiom. Grammar alone rarely decides the answer, so check which option naturally combines with surrounding words.

Open cloze one-word rule

Part 2 requires exactly one word per gap. Contractions and hyphenated compounds are not allowed; if two words seem necessary, the answer is probably a different single word.

Word formation spelling changes

Part 3 often requires internal spelling changes as well as affixes, for example long to length, high to height, or strong to strength. Check the grammatical slot before adding a suffix.

Gapped text cohesion clues

In Part 6, link the missing paragraph to its surroundings through pronouns, demonstratives, lexical chains, time markers, and contrast or consequence connectors that cross sentence boundaries.

Reading paraphrase principle

In Parts 5 and 7, the correct answer usually paraphrases the text. Options that repeat exact wording from the passage are often distractors designed to mislead.

Reading and Use of English timing

The paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Parts 1–4 carry 28 marks and Parts 5–7 carry 22 marks, so a roughly equal time split between the two halves is sensible.

Part 4 partial credit

Each key word transformation earns 2 marks for a fully correct answer and 1 mark when half the transformation is right, for example when the meaning is correct but one word is wrong.

CPE Writing task structure

Part 1 is a compulsory essay based on two of three input texts. Part 2 offers a choice among article, letter or email, report, review, and story tasks.

Writing word count

Each Writing task requires 220–260 words. Significantly shorter answers may lose content marks, and much longer answers risk penalties for organization and language control.

Writing assessment subscales

Each task is scored 0–5 on four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation, and Language. Content checks task fulfilment and awareness of the target reader.

Essay input integration

The Part 1 essay must use ideas from two of the three short texts, develop a clear position, and add a relevant idea of your own. Summarizing the inputs alone is insufficient.

Report conventions

A report uses headings, a factual and impersonal tone, and often recommendations. It is written for a specified reader such as a manager or committee, so register stays formal.

Review purpose

A review describes and evaluates something for a target audience, such as a book, film, or event. It combines factual description with a clear opinion and a recommendation.

Register and target reader

The prompt names the reader. Formal letters and reports avoid contractions and slang, while informal letters, emails, and articles may use a conversational tone and direct address.

Writing time allocation

In 1 hour 30 minutes for two tasks, plan for about 10 minutes, write for about 35 minutes, and reserve about 5 minutes per task to check agreement, tense, and spelling.

Listening paper format

The Listening paper has four parts and 30 questions, lasts about 40 minutes, and includes 6 minutes to transfer answers. Each recording is heard twice.

Listening Part 2 word limit

Sentence-completion answers must be one to three words taken from the recording. Spelling must be correct, and the word limit must not be exceeded even if the meaning is clear.

Listening Part 4 multiple matching

Ten questions are matched to five short monologues on a related theme. Each speaker may be chosen more than once, and questions target main points or attitudes rather than small details.

Listening distractor pattern

In Parts 1 and 3, all three options are usually mentioned or implied. The correct option matches the speaker's overall or final meaning, not a single word overheard.

Listening Part 3 speakers

Part 3 is a discussion among two or three speakers with six multiple-choice questions. Questions test opinion, agreement, disagreement, and attitude rather than simple factual recall.

Answer sheet capitals

Write Listening answers in capital letters on the answer sheet to avoid ambiguity in handwriting. The six-minute transfer period is the time to do this carefully.

Listening Part 1 recordings

Part 1 consists of six short unrelated recordings, each with one three-option question. They may be monologues or dialogues and test gist, purpose, attitude, or detail.

Spelling in Listening Part 2

Answers must be orthographically correct. Do not change the word form heard: if the recording says improved, write improved, not improve or improvement.

Speaking test format

The Speaking test lasts about 16 minutes with two candidates and two examiners: an interlocutor who manages the test and an assessor who scores performance.

Speaking Part 2 long turn

Each candidate compares two photographs for one minute, then the partner answers a short question about the same photos for about 30 seconds. Compare and speculate rather than describe.

Speaking Part 3 collaborative task

Candidates discuss a mind-map or set of options together for about four minutes and then reach a decision. Language of suggestion, negotiation, and agreement or disagreement is expected.

Speaking assessment criteria

The assessor scores four subscales from 0–5: Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, and Interactive Communication. The interlocutor gives a separate holistic score.

Interactive Communication

This subscale assesses turn-taking, initiating, responding, and maintaining interaction. Candidates should neither dominate nor leave long silences, and each is assessed individually.

Discourse Management

This subscale covers coherence, cohesion, and relevance. Use a range of connectives and discourse markers, and avoid repetitive or memorized responses that do not answer the question.

Speaking Part 1 interview

About two minutes of questions on personal background, interests, and daily life. Answers should be extended to two or three sentences rather than one-word responses.

Pronunciation assessment

Pronunciation is judged on intelligibility, stress, rhythm, and intonation. Individual sounds matter less than overall clarity and appropriate pausing during extended speech.