In Part 1 you read a demanding commentary and answer multiple-choice questions. Here’s how to grasp the fine statements.
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Key takeaways
Part 1 tests whether you understand a long, stylistically demanding commentary or essay precisely. You answer ten tasks with four options each (a, b, c or d). Only one is correct.
The tasks follow the order of the text. At C2 the correct answer is almost never literal. You must grasp stance, irony, allusions and fine judgements – that is, read between the lines.
Wrong options are often very close to the right one but don’t quite hit the nuance. Read carefully and check each option against the sense of the text. Every correct answer scores points; wrong answers are not penalized.
Read the commentary once in full and grasp the author’s stance.
Read each question and look for the matching spot in the text.
Grasp what the text really means – also ironically or implicitly.
Compare the four options carefully and choose the most precise nuance.
Back up your answer with the sense of the text spot.
A short example in the same format: read the extract and choose the right option.
Es ist schon bemerkenswert, dass wir Lehrer, die wir ständig andere beurteilen, mit Kritik an uns selbst so wenig souverän umgehen.
What does the author criticize about her own profession?
Why? The author finds it remarkable that teachers “mit Kritik an uns selbst so wenig souverän umgehen” (handle criticism of themselves so poorly) – that’s b. a, c and d miss the point.
Aus einem Kommentar (sinngemäß): „Wenn ich sage „Ich bin Lehrerin", klingt das in meinen Ohren manchmal wie ein Geständnis – fast so, als müsste ich mich für etwas entschuldigen."
What does the author feel when she states her profession?
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At C2 the answer is almost never literal. Grasp the implicit statement.
An ironic spot often means the opposite. Watch the tone.
Several options are similar. Choose the exact nuance, not the approximate one.
No answer means a guaranteed zero. Guess an option if you have to.
Ten multiple-choice tasks (a/b/c/d) on a demanding commentary.
Almost never. At C2 you must grasp stance, irony and fine nuances – that is, read between the lines.
No. There is no penalty – answer every task.
Read demanding commentaries and practice grasping stance and nuances. With a Prepliq mock you get the answer explained after each task.
Learn 600+ of the most important Goethe-Zertifikat C2 words interactively with flashcards.
Preview and download the official Goethe-Zertifikat C2 practice test – with answers and study material.
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