C1 English Level (Advanced)

Many people do not formally study languages, so they are not aware of the additional effort required to become proficient in any language. To ensure uniformity in assessing the English skills of English users, the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for languages is used extensively worldwide. All English skills, such as reading, listening, writing and speaking, are graded on three main levels: A for basic users, B for intermediate and independent users, and C for advanced and proficient English users. C1 English users are advanced users of English; they can read and write in complex English at their workplaces or while studying.

C1 English Level Skills

Typically C1-level English users are able to read and understand difficult, longer articles and other text content, and also understand the implicit message conveyed in the text. They are fluent in English and have a large English vocabulary, which allows them to express themselves verbally and in writing easily, without wasting time in finding the right phrase or words. The user can communicate in English for professional, educational and social purposes. They can write articles, essays, reports and other text content which is properly structured, detailed and easy to read and understand.

While native English speakers are usually proficient in all aspects of the language, especially if they are well educated, the proficiency of non-native English speakers depends on the level of practice, effort and time spent. So if the English learner does not listen to others speaking in English regularly, he or she may not achieve C1-level proficiency in English listening. Hence there are separate tests for evaluating English listening, reading and writing skills at the C1 level. These are discussed below.

Exercises and Courses

For improving C1-level English skills, self-study and live courses are available, and students can also get help from English experts. Some of the sample courses and exercises for C1-level listening, reading and written English are described below.

Listening

C1-level listeners can understand longer speeches on topics which are complex, which they are not familiar with, or which are summaries. Tests and sample exercises for this skill consist of listening to recordings and then answering relevant questions. Typically the recordings are of meetings, talks, lectures, job interviews, conversations about parties, business podcasts or speeches.

Reading

Level C1 English readers can read and understand articles and other text on a wide range of subjects, including some subjects with which they are not familiar. For testing reading skills, the student is asked to read summaries, articles or other text and then answer related questions. The text he or she reads may be book summaries, biographies, business reports, magazine articles, political manifestos, reviews, scientific articles or research studies.

Writing

Lessons for CEFR C1-level written English include practicing writing text which is well structured and easy to understand on a variety of subjects, including complex topics. In addition to emails used extensively for online communication, the practice exercises also include writing essays, articles, reviews, reports, proposals and other text content on various themes. Usually a model text is provided, and the student is assigned related writing tasks as part of the exercise.