C1 is an advanced English level. C1 users can speak English with ease, and understand the language in (almost!) all of its complexity. By this point, you will be able to have longer conversations, even about unfamiliar topics. You’ll also comprehend longer English texts. At this stage, you can use English day-to-day for business and academic purposes. If B2 is what many consider “fluent,” then C1 is fluency with increased nuance and understanding. At C1, you can understand subtle jokes in the language, and express yourself with colorful native phrases.
When you reach C1, you should have a working vocabulary of about 8000 words – almost double that of B2! It takes approximately 700-800 hours with the language to pass the C1 Cambridge examination.
C2 proficiency is the highest English level there is, and therefore earns the title of “mastery.” It implies that the English user is on a similar level to a native speaker (but not quite “native”), with full confidence and control of the language. C2 English users are comfortable writing or speaking about any type of subject, with nuanced expression and coherent delivery. You can also read and comprehend speech without any barriers. C2 means that you’ll find very few (if any) restrictions to conducting your daily life in English, and you are extremely comfortable using it in an academic or professional setting.
When you reach C2, you should have a working vocabulary of about 16000 words. It takes approximately 1,000—1,200 hours with the language to pass the C2 Cambridge examination.
I’ve divided my C1-C2 Business English lessons into two 30-minute sessions.
