Exam structure
(C2 Proficiency exam format | Cambridge English, o. J.)
In the C2 exam, Use of English and Reading are combined into one exam. Parts 1-4 are explained on this page; the rest can be found on the Reading page.
Use of English
This category is divided into two broader categories: grammar and vocabulary.
Part 1
Includes a text with eight gaps where you must choose one word or phrase from four options to test idioms, collocations, fixed phrases, and semantic precision.
Part 3
Contains a text with eight gaps where you must adjust or combine words to test word formation and internal changes.
Part 2
Consists of a text with eight gaps in which you must fill in the correct word based on your grammar and vocabulary knowledge.
Part 4
Includes six tasks in which you must rewrite sentences with a given keyword into 3-8 words to assess grammar, vocabulary, and collocations.
Learning
Base
Grammar is not the central aspect of the C2 exam; you will have already learned the foundation for it during your school years. Instead, the focus is on skillful and fluent use of the language at the highest level. Nevertheless, you must ensure that you have a clear understanding of all grammar topics. Roughly test yourself on all grammar topics and refine your knowledge if you are still lacking in certain areas.
To give you the missing knowledge, I can recommend the following YouTube videos .
So what do you need to learn?
-
Vocabulary: This focuses on recognizing idiomatic expressions and using them correctly in C2 exam contexts.
-
Collocations: This refers to understanding and using words that commonly occur together.
-
Fixed expressions: This involves mastering set phrases that sound precise and natural.
-
Phrasal verbs: This focuses on understanding and using verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs that create new meanings.
-
Semantic precision: This refers to the ability to use words with the highest level of accuracy and appropriate meaning.
How do you learn?
To effectively learn and consolidate the topics mentioned, a multifaceted approach is recommended. For each topic, I'll link you to a helpful YouTube video on the theory, and depending on the topic, you can either complete exercises online or use the pre-programmed Grok window below.
Use the Grok window to ask questions about grammar and vocabulary, or create exercises for the C2 exam that you can solve right away. Choose a part (1-4), submit your answers, and receive precise feedback.
For this part, you can watch various videos, each of which will improve your vocabulary step by step. If you're more old-school, you can also read vocabulary lists, like this 1,000-page one (not recommended).
It's similar to vocabulary: watch videos and memorize the words as best you can. Here are a few recommendations:
Here again, it's the same: watch the videos and use the phrases as often as possible to practice them.
Phrasal verbs are an important building block for fluent and professional speaking. Try to memorize as many as possible.
The best way to practice semantic precision is to read English texts. You will then automatically memorize the language and sentence style and can then recognize and use them.
There are mistakes you can only avoid once you've thoroughly examined the rules. Once you understand them, you'll find it easier to avoid them. These mistakes can help you distinguish between a fluent speaker and one that's still struggling, so practice paying attention to the small details and mistakes.
(Common mistakes at proficiency and how to avoid them, Julie Moore, 2005)
Common mistakes
"Will" is used to talk about future actions or decisions that are spontaneous or planned, e.g., "I will call you later." "Would" is used in hypothetical situations, polite requests, or indirect speech, such as "Would you help me?" or "She said she would come." So pay close attention to the context and then choose the correct form.
Here is another video on the topic.
This topic is so complicated and multifaceted that even native English speakers sometimes make mistakes. The easiest way to master this topic is to watch a good YouTube video . If you still don't understand it after that, watch some more, and don't hesitate to ask an AI questions!
"The" is used when something specific or familiar is meant, e.g., "The dog on the street" or "the sun." It's omitted for general phrases like "Dogs are fun" or for countries ("Germany"), but it's used for superlatives ("the best") and for specific phrases like "the first try." There are even more specific rules; be sure to check out this great video on the topic !
Put "be + quite" before an adjective to express a moderate state, e.g., "I am quite tired" (tired, but not extremely). Combine "be + very" for a strong statement, such as "She is very happy," and use "be + really" for intense emphasis, such as "He is really excited." Note that "quite" can also work with "a" before nouns, e.g., "quite a challenge," and practice these structures to use them fluently. If you're looking for videos on this topic, search for "intensifiers."
Use "less" before uncountable nouns or to express a lesser degree, such as "less water" or "less effort." Use "fewer" before countable plural nouns, such as "fewer books," and practice using both correctly and naturally.
Here you can watch a video on both topics and internalize the important rules as best you can. You'll need to use prepositions again and again, and the more precisely you use them, the more professional you'll sound.
This video summarizes the topic very well, but be sure to check out more.
"By the time" is used to describe a point in time when something is completed, e.g., "By the time I arrived, they had left." "At the time" refers to a specific moment when something happened, e.g., "At the time, I was studying." If you want to learn more about this topic, check out the prepositions of work and time.
"Everyday" is an adjective and describes something everyday, e.g., "everyday tasks." "Every day" is a time reference and means every day, as in "I walk every day." This mistake is still common, but once you know the difference, you can avoid it.
"Work" refers to activities or occupations in general, e.g., "I enjoy my work." "Job" refers to a specific job or occupation, as in "She has a new job." Use them appropriately for the context to better utilize your vocabulary.
Grammar and Vocabulary AI
