Advanced (C1)


The Advanced level (C1) exam consists of two parts: an Oral part (A) and a Written part (B). The two parts test the four language skills and the use of English.

Oral part (A):
  1. Listening Test
  2. Speaking Test

The requirements of DExam conform to the language proficiency levels specified in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEF).
The structure of the Advanced (C1) exam

  Test Task type Duration (mns) Score  
  Oral part (A) Listening
True / False statements
40-45 25  
Completion
Multiple choice questions
Multiple matching
Speaking
Presentation
18-23 25  
Interview
Paired debate
  Written part (B) Reading and Use of English
Matching headings to paragraphs
110 25  
Multiple choice questions
Matching clauses to text
Banked gap-filling / Multiple choice gap-filling
Error spotting
Word formation
Writing
Letter
100 25
Composition

The choice of modules is a distinctive feature of DExam. The number of module tasks varies in the four tests.
The module tasks do not test encyclopedic knowledge. They consist of tasks relating to candidates' narrower or broader fields of interest. We recommend taking the Arts module if candidates are interested in arts and social sciences, whereas the Science module is suggested if they feel more comfortable in the field of sciences and technology.

I. Listening Test

Requirements
Candidates can understand a wide variety of text types. They can process detailed and specific information and implied content. Understanding of the texts is not hindered by background noise. Candidates can extract information from recordings of poor quality and they can also understand different dialects of English.
Description
Candidates listen to the recordings through loudspeakers. The instructions for the tasks are specified in English on the task sheets and on the recordings as well. The test consists of the following four tasks, each of which is based on a different recording:
  1. true / false statements,
  2. completion,
  3. multiple choice questions,
  4. multiple matching.
The test contains two module tasks and two tasks of general interest.
Candidates can listen to the true/false statement task once, whereas they can listen to the other tasks twice.
Assessment
In the tasks each question carries 1 score. The total score of the test is calculated as a percentage of the total score of 25 points.

II. Speaking Test

Requirements
Candidates have a wide vocabulary and can express their views in fluent English using grammatically correct structures in appropriate style. They can give clear, well-structured presentations in a range of contexts. They can support their views with arguments and suitable examples.
Description
Candidates take the test in pairs before a board of two examiners. Candidates can indicate who they would like to take the exam with on the Registration form.
Candidates are given 10 minutes for preparation before the test. During this time they have to prepare for a short presentation in the first task. They are not allowed to use a dictionary or any other auxiliary device.
The test starts with a general introduction, which helps candidates get used to the atmosphere of the test. The introduction does not form an integral part of the test. Therefore, it is not assessed.
  1. presentation,
  2. interview,
  3. debate between candidates.
The first two tasks are to be accomplished individually. The third task is a paired activity.
The first task is an individual presentation. Candidates are provided with two short texts written for well-educated lay people in their field of interest. Of the two they choose one on the basis of their individual preference. The task is to answer a question related to the text in 3-4 minutes. The text serves as a thought-provoking source for the presentation.
The second task is an interview with the interlocutor about everyday topics, cf. List of topics.
In the third task the candidates engage in a debate that is aimed at a solution to a problem. During the debate they represent different viewpoints but have to agree on solutions in order of importance.
Assessment
The total score is calculated on the basis of the candidate's overall performance in all three tasks. The total score is 28, which corresponds to 25 test points.

III. Reading and Use of English Test

Requirements
Candidates show understanding of detail and specific information in a wide variety of texts, such as literary works and scientific texts that correspond to their special fields of interest. Candidates can comprehend implied content and attitude differences.
Owing to their thorough language knowledge, candidates can use a wide variety of grammatical and lexical structures in context.
Description
The Reading and Use of English test consists of the following 6 tasks based on 6 different authentic texts:
  1. matching headings to paragraphs,
  2. multiple choice questions,
  3. matching clauses to text,
  4. banked gap-filling / multiple choice gap-filling,
  5. error spotting,
  6. word formation.
Four out of the six tasks are module tasks. The other two tasks are of general interest.
Three tasks test reading skills, and the other three assess the use of English.
Assessment
In the tasks each correct answer is worth 1 point. Candidates' maximum score of the Reading and Use of English test is compared to the total score of 25 points on the basis of percentage calculations.

IV. Writing Test

Requirements
Candidates show flexibility in writing formal letters effectively. They can elaborate on complex matters in a well-organised manner focusing the main points. They can express and support their views with the help of relevant examples.
Description
The test consists of two tasks of different genre. The first task is one of the following formal letters/e-mails:
  • application letter,
  • enquiry letter,
  • reader's letter,
  • transactional letter.
The second task is a discursive composition.
The letters in the first task are of general interest, while the discursive composition in the second task is a module task.
The required number of words in the first task is between 220 and 270, whereas in the second task it is between 230 and 280.
Similarly to the other tests, candidates are not allowed to use a dictionary in the Writing test, either.
Assessment
The total score is 56, which corresponds to 25 test points.