Goethe C1 Writing Part 1 – Discussion Post
In Part 1 you write an argumentative discussion post for a forum. Here’s how to treat the guide points and argue convincingly.
As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format
Key takeaways
- You write an argumentative discussion post for a forum (~230 words) covering four guide points.
- Cover all guide points, argue in a differentiated way and structure clearly.
What this part tests
In Part 1 you produce a connected, argumentative text: a discussion post for an internet forum (around 230 words). You get a topic and four guide points, all of which you must treat.
What’s decisive is that you introduce the topic factually, treat each of the four guide points in depth, argue in a differentiated way (weigh up, justify, examples) and draw a conclusion. The text must be clearly structured, well connected and linguistically demanding.
The most common losses of marks: forgetting or treating a guide point too briefly, staying superficial or writing without structure. Whoever treats all guide points in depth and argues in a differentiated way convinces.
How to approach it
- 1
Grasp the topic and the four guide points exactly.
- 2
Plan your structure briefly: introduction, four guide points, conclusion.
- 3
Introduce the topic factually.
- 4
Treat each guide point in depth with an argument and an example.
- 5
Connect the parts with demanding connectors and draw a conclusion.
- 6
Check: all guide points treated, structure, register, grammar?
Example task with answer
A short example in the same format: the task and a shortened model post.
Für das Forum „Karriere & Beruf" schreiben Sie einen Diskussionsbeitrag zum Thema „Studieren – aber was?". Leitpunkte: (1) Nach welchen Kriterien sollte man das Studienfach wählen? (2) Argumentieren Sie anhand eines Beispiels für ein Fach. (3) Nennen Sie Gründe gegen ein Studium. (4) Erläutern Sie eine Alternative. Schreiben Sie circa 230 Wörter.
Model post (shortened extract):
Why? The post introduces the topic factually and treats all four guide points (criteria, example of computer science, reasons against studying, alternative dual training), argues in a differentiated way with “allerdings”, “während” and closes with a conclusion – exactly what Part 1 expects.
Practice: test yourself
In einem Internetforum geht es um das Thema „Studieren – aber was?". Es gibt vier Leitpunkte, darunter: „Nennen Sie Gründe, die gegen ein Studium sprechen könnten."
Which sentence treats this guide point well?
Common mistakes
All four guide points must appear and be treated in depth. Tick them off.
At C1 a brief opinion isn’t enough. Argue in a differentiated way and support with examples.
Without introduction, body and conclusion the text feels disordered. Structure clearly.
Around 230 words are needed to treat all guide points in depth.
Tips
- Plan before writing: introduction, four guide points, conclusion.
- Treat each guide point with an argument and an example.
- Use demanding connectors to weigh up and connect.
Frequently asked questions
How long should the discussion post be?
Around 230 words. What matters is that you treat all four guide points in depth and in a differentiated way.
Do I have to treat all guide points?
Yes. All four guide points must appear and be treated in depth. A missing point costs marks.
Which register is right?
A factual, neutral register. The post is neither private and casual nor strictly formal, but linguistically demanding.
How do I get feedback on my post?
The official PDF answer key does not grade writing. At Prepliq a mock exam grades your post automatically against the official criteria.
Other parts
Useful resources
Learn 800+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C1 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C1 practice test – with answers and study material.