In Written Expression you write a demanding, differentiated text on a topic. 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 C2 exam where you produce a demanding text yourself. You write a coherent, well-structured and differentiated text on a given topic – usually an essay, a statement or a commentary. You have 90 minutes and can earn 40 points.
It tests whether you can express yourself in writing in a differentiated, precise and stylistically assured way at C2 level. You should treat the topic comprehensively, weigh different perspectives, develop a clear position and justify it convincingly. At C2 it’s not only correctness and structure that count, but also stylistic range, nuance and near-native expression.
It is assessed by three criteria: task fulfillment (do you treat the topic comprehensively and in a differentiated way?), communicative design (clear structure, thread, appropriate style) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, stylistic assurance). Work in three steps: plan, write, check.
C2 demands near-native, stylistically assured expression. Demanding are the differentiated argumentation, the nuance and the linguistic range.
| Part | Task type | Focus | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write a demanding text | Essay / statement | Written Expression | 1 | 40 |
Take time to grasp the topic in depth. Consider different perspectives before developing a position.
Plan arguments, counter-arguments, examples and the structure. At C2 a well-thought-out outline is the basis of a convincing text.
Weigh different positions, name qualifications and develop a nuanced stance – not just “for” or “against”.
Show linguistic range: varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, demanding connectors. Avoid repetition.
Connect your thoughts into a coherent whole. Each paragraph builds on the previous one and carries the argument forward.
Check structure, argument, style and accuracy. At C2 even small mistakes and stylistic weaknesses carry weight.
Try this section in the real exam format and find out how confident you are before exam day.
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Learn a demanding set of phrases for the essay/statement:
The writing task is usually one of these forms:
Read this guide and look at an official practice test: what does the task look like and what is assessed?
Learn the structure of an essay and a demanding set of phrases for arguing and weighing up.
Practice developing different perspectives on a thesis and justifying a nuanced position.
Practice varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary and demanding connectors.
Write a complete text on a topic with a clear structure and differentiated argumentation.
Write a text in 90 minutes and plan time for planning and checking.
Have your text assessed – by a teacher or via a Prepliq mock that scores task fulfillment, design and language.
Usually an essay, statement or commentary on a demanding topic. You open up the topic, weigh perspectives and develop a reasoned position.
You have 90 minutes – a separate block. Plan time to open up the topic, to plan, to write and to check.
By three criteria: task fulfillment (topic treated comprehensively and in a differentiated way), communicative design (structure, thread, style) and accuracy (grammar, vocabulary, stylistic assurance). There are 40 points in total.
At C2, besides correctness and structure, what counts above all is stylistic range, nuance and near-native expression. The argument has to be deeper and more differentiated.
Long enough to treat the topic comprehensively and in a differentiated way. Depth, structure and stylistic assurance matter more than an exact word count.
Write essays on demanding 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 C2 exam.
Practice this exam section in the official format and see what needs more attention before the real test.
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