Study English level C1

Level descriptors & Study targets (CEFR C1).

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English level C1 • CEFR

At the end of English level C1, you can:
  • understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, with controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
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C1 study targets

Our English level C1 (Advanced) study targets express the most relevant components for a C1 learner. These language points can be used to set “Can do” targets for self-study or to develop your study programme in an English course with a qualified trainer.

We also provide some free online English lessons, which include descriptions of each language point, examples and quizzes.

English communication

C1 CEFR

  • Expressing feelings and attitudes
  • Emphasising an issue or a feeling
  • Expressing opinions tentatively
  • Developing an argument systematically
  • Negotiating and conceding
  • Describing cause and effect
  • Expressing empathy and sympathy
  • Expressing reservations
  • Speculating about events in past, present, future
  • Discussing complex subjects in detail

English vocabulary

C1 CEFR

  • Life experiences and lifestyles
  • Books and literature
  • Money and business
  • News and current affairs
  • Global issues
  • Technology
  • Scientific developments
  • Vague language
  • Colloquial expressions
  • Idiomatic expressions

English grammar

C1 CEFR

  • Futures (revision)
  • Passives (all forms)
  • Compound adjectives and modifying gradable adjectives
  • Adverbs and adverbial phrases: degree
  • Modals in the past
  • Mixed conditionals
  • Ellipsis and substitution
  • Adding emphasis – cleft sentences
  • Adding emphasis – inversion with negative adverbials
  • Multiword verbs

Our English level descriptors are adapted from the international CEFR framework. This is set out by the Council of Europe (2001) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment.

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Other CEFR English levels

Check our overview of all CEFR English levels, or visit the study targets for each level.

English test candidate
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Free online English test

Our free online test assesses your English level of proficiency.

Take one of the most detailed free English tests online with instant results that match the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) which standardises assessment of languages.

You can order your English level of proficiency certificate after taking our free online English level test. The certificate gives a breakdown of your results and includes the CEFR descriptors for each English level.