Goethe-Zertifikat C2 · Schreiben
Longer textWriting demandingly & with assured style

Goethe C2 Writing Part 2 – Longer Text

In Part 2 you choose one of four topics and write a longer text in a particular text type. Here’s how to hit the text type, content and style.

As of 2026 · Built to the official exam format

1
Tasks
80
Points

Key takeaways

  • You choose one of four topics and write a longer text of around 350 words.
  • Hit the text type (reader’s letter, email, review), treat all aspects and write with assured style.

What this part tests

In Part 2 you produce a demanding text of around 350 words. You choose one of four topics: usually a reader’s letter to an editorial team (responding to given statements), an email (responding to discussion contributions) or a book review of a work from the reading list (with several content aspects).

Three things are decisive: you hit the text type (greeting, structure, conventions), you treat all given aspects or statements appropriately, and you write with assured style at C2 level – with differentiated vocabulary, complex structures and clear structure.

The most common losses of marks: omitting an aspect, missing the text type or style, or arguing too undifferentiatedly. Whoever hits all aspects, masters the text type and writes elegantly convinces.

What you practice:Mastering text typesDifferentiated argumentWriting with assured style

How to approach it

  1. 1

    Choose the topic you have most to say about.

  2. 2

    Grasp the text type and all given aspects or statements.

  3. 3

    Plan a clear structure: introduction, body (all aspects), conclusion.

  4. 4

    Begin with the suitable greeting/opening of the text type.

  5. 5

    Treat each aspect in a differentiated way and with examples.

  6. 6

    Check at the end: all aspects, text type, style, length, grammar?

Example task with answer

A short example in the same format: the task and a shortened model reader’s letter.

Aufgabe

Sie haben in einer Zeitung eine Artikelserie zum Thema „Mobilität in der modernen Arbeitswelt" gelesen. Schreiben Sie einen ausführlichen Leserbrief (~350 Wörter) an die Redaktion, in dem Sie sich auf drei Aussagen beziehen und Ihre Meinung äußern.

Model reader’s letter (shortened extract):

Answer: Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, mit großem Interesse habe ich Ihre Artikelserie zur Mobilität in der modernen Arbeitswelt verfolgt. Dass rund zwei Drittel der Berufstätigen unter dem täglichen Pendeln leiden, deckt sich mit meinen eigenen Beobachtungen: Lange Arbeitswege zehren an Zeit und Nerven. Gleichwohl möchte ich der These widersprechen, Mobilität sei stets von Vorteil, weil sie zur kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit Gewohntem zwinge. Zwar mag ein Ortswechsel den Horizont erweitern, doch ebenso oft führt ständige Beweglichkeit zu Erschöpfung und dem Verlust sozialer Wurzeln. Dass nur der Bewegliche im Beruf nicht „auf der Strecke" bleibe, halte ich daher für zu pauschal: Wertvoll ist nicht die Mobilität an sich, sondern ein kluges Maß. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, …

Why? The reader’s letter hits the text type (greeting, reference to the series, sign-off), addresses all three statements in a differentiated way, weighs up (“Zwar … doch”) and writes with assured style at C2 level – exactly what Part 2 expects.

Practice: test yourself

In einem Leserbrief zum Thema „Mobilität in der Arbeitswelt" sollst du auf die Aussage eingehen: „Wer beweglich ist, bleibt im Beruf nicht auf der Strecke."

Which sentence addresses this statement appropriately?

Common mistakes

1
Omitting an aspect

All given aspects or statements must appear. Tick them off.

2
Missing the text type

Reader’s letter, email and review have their own conventions. Choose greeting and structure to fit.

3
Arguing undifferentiatedly

At C2 a brief opinion isn’t enough. Weigh up and justify in a differentiated way.

4
Missing the style

Watch for differentiated vocabulary, complex structures and a clear, elegant style.

Tips

  • Learn the conventions of each text type (greeting, structure, style).
  • Treat each aspect in a differentiated way and with examples.
  • Vary vocabulary and sentence structure for a stylistically assured C2 text.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the text be?

Around 350 words. What matters is that you treat all aspects appropriately and hit the text type.

Which text types can I choose?

From four topics: usually a reader’s letter, an email to an editorial team or a book review of a work from the reading list.

What does the grading watch for?

The treatment of all aspects, a clear, coherent structure and word choice and style that fit the text type.

How do I get feedback on my text?

The official PDF answer key does not grade writing. At Prepliq a mock exam grades your text automatically against the official criteria.

Other parts

Useful resources

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