In the Writing module you write an argumentative forum post (Part 1) and a formal message (Part 2). Here’s the structure, useful phrases, examples and all the tips for both parts.
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Key takeaways
Writing is the module of the Goethe-Zertifikat C1 exam where you produce text yourself. It has two parts: in Part 1 you write an argumentative discussion post for an internet forum (around 230 words) covering four guide points, in Part 2 a formal message, for example a complaint (around 100 words). You have 75 minutes for it.
In Part 1 you take a stance on a topic, cover all guide points, argue in a differentiated way and support with examples. In Part 2 you write politely and formally, present your concern clearly and formulate a concrete expectation. In both parts a clear structure, demanding language and the right register matter.
You’re graded on whether you complete the task (all guide points, on topic), how well your text is structured and connected (communicative design) and how correct and differentiated your language is (accuracy). Part 1 counts more than Part 2 (about 60/40 points).
Part 1 requires differentiated argument and demanding language at C1 level. The most common hurdle: staying superficial, forgetting a guide point or mixing up the register.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Discussion post | Discussion post | Differentiated argument | 1 | 60 |
| Part 2 – Formal message | Formal message | Writing formally | 1 | 40 |
In Part 1 there are four guide points you must all treat in depth. A missing or too-brief point costs marks.
Plan briefly: introduction, treatment of the guide points with arguments, conclusion. A clear structure and good transitions earn points.
Don’t just name arguments, weigh up, support with examples and draw conclusions. Use demanding connectors.
Part 1 (forum) is factual and neutral. Part 2 (formal message) is polite and formal (Sie, Sehr geehrte …).
Plan about 50 minutes for Part 1 and 25 for Part 2. Leave time at the end to check.
Check structure, guide points, connectors, register and grammar. Fix obvious errors.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Learn a fixed set of phrases for both parts:
The writing tasks are usually these:
Read this guide and look at the official Modellsatz: what do the discussion post and the formal message look like?
Learn demanding phrases for opinion, weighing up, supporting and formal concerns.
Practice treating the four guide points with arguments and examples.
Write complete posts (~230 words) on various topics.
Practice formal messages with greeting, a clear concern and the right register.
Work through both parts in 75 minutes and check structure, guide points, register and grammar at the end.
Have your writing graded – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores your text automatically.
Two parts: Part 1 (argumentative discussion post for a forum, ~230 words, with four guide points) and Part 2 (formal message, e.g. a complaint, ~100 words).
In Part 1 around 230 words, in Part 2 around 100 words. What matters is that in Part 1 you treat all four guide points.
The Writing module lasts 75 minutes for both parts. Plan about 50 minutes for Part 1 and 25 for Part 2.
By the criteria task completion (all guide points, on topic), communicative design (structure, connectors, register) and linguistic accuracy. Part 1 counts more than Part 2 (about 60/40).
At C1 a high degree of accuracy and linguistic sophistication is expected. Some errors are allowed, but the text should be demanding and clear.
Write discussion posts and formal messages on various topics and have them graded. At Prepliq a mock exam scores your text automatically – because the PDF answer key does not cover writing.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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