In Written Expression you choose one of two topics and write a structured, argumentative text (around 250 words). Here are the structure, useful phrases, an example and all the assessment criteria.
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Key takeaways
Written Expression is the part of the telc C1 exam where you produce a longer text yourself. You choose between two topics and write a coherent, well-structured text of around 250 words. You have 70 minutes and can earn 48 points.
It tests whether you can deal with a demanding topic in writing – usually a statement or argumentative essay on a thesis, a question or a short prompt. At C1 you should introduce the topic, weigh arguments (advantages and disadvantages, different viewpoints), justify your own opinion and draw a conclusion. A clear structure, precise vocabulary and correct, formal German are important.
It is assessed by three criteria: task fulfillment (do you treat the topic fully and in a differentiated way?), communicative design (clear structure, connectors, a thread) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, register at C1 level). Work in three steps: plan, write, check.
Very doable with a clear structure and fixed phrases. Demanding are differentiated argumentation, precise vocabulary and a consistently formal register.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write a structured text | Statement / essay | Written Expression | 1 | 48 |
You have two topics to choose from. Read both briefly and pick the one you have more arguments and vocabulary for.
Take five minutes: collect arguments for and against, order them and plan the introduction, body and conclusion. Then you write in a structured way.
Introduction (topic and thesis) – body (weigh arguments) – conclusion (your opinion, summary). A clear structure is half the battle.
Weigh up: einerseits/andererseits, advantages and disadvantages, different viewpoints. Justify your opinion and use examples.
Use demanding connectors (zudem, allerdings, folglich, gleichwohl) and precise vocabulary – not just “und” and “aber”.
Quickly check: around 250 words, clear structure, all task parts covered, formal register, correct grammar. Correct obvious mistakes.
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Learn a fixed set of phrases for the statement/essay:
The writing task is usually one of these forms:
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what do the two topics look like, and what is assessed?
Learn the structure of a statement (introduction, body, conclusion) and a set of phrases for arguing and weighing up.
Practice quickly collecting and ordering arguments for and against a thesis.
Practice demanding connectors and precise, formal vocabulary instead of simple connections.
Write a complete text on a thesis with a clear structure and differentiated argumentation.
Choose one of two topics and write a text in 70 minutes; count the words at the end (around 250).
Have your text assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores task fulfillment, design and language automatically.
Around 250 words. More important than the exact number is that you treat the topic fully and in a differentiated way.
Yes. You get two topics to choose from and write on one. Pick the one you have more arguments and vocabulary for.
By three criteria: task fulfillment (topic treated fully and in a differentiated way), communicative design (clear structure, connectors) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, register). There are 48 points in total.
Usually a statement or argumentative essay on a thesis or question – sometimes an argumentative letter. You introduce the topic, weigh arguments and justify your opinion.
You have 70 minutes – a separate block. Plan a few minutes for collecting arguments and planning, plus time to check at the end.
Write statements on various topics regularly and have them assessed. At Prepliq a mock scores your text automatically against the official criteria – the PDF answer key doesn’t cover writing.
No. No aids such as dictionaries are allowed in the telc German C1 exam.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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