Is the struggle for C1 or C2 worth it?

How much effort is too much?

Putting in that much effort? But why?

I think I know the answer...

Have you decided to strive for C1? Or even C2?

✤ What’s the point of pushing your English beyond what’s necessary for daily life or work?

✤ Isn’t being able to hold a conversation, send emails, and watch Netflix enough to get by?

✤ Why dive into abstract grammar structures, sophisticated or simply quirky expressions, and endlessly complex sentence patterns?

Why pursue proficiency?

My C2 students invest time and energy to master the finer shades of meaning, the subtleties of tone, the layers of complexity that advanced English demands.

But why?

C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency – the highest levels on the CEFR scale – represent more than just a piece of paper. Cambridge C1 and C2 qualifications open academic doors, boost professional credibility, and offer recognition at an international level.

But they’re not just certificates for your CV. (Even though they’re an undeniable asset.)

What truly matters is the transformation that happens along the way.

• It’s the struggle of trying to understand a speaker who talks way too fast in a business meeting.

• It’s the demanding effort to study specialised courses in English while adapting to an academic system abroad.

• It’s the tough assignment to write detailed texts for reports or presentations that clearly present accurate and well-structured facts and findings.

• It’s expressing yourself clearly and accurately while still sounding natural – especially when pitching a product to clients.

Most of all, it’s the exposure to complex topics that challenge your thinking: neuroscience, sustainability, shifting cultural norms, digital ethics, leadership, resilience, identity, and language itself.

Reaching C1 or C2 means more than acquiring vocabulary or grammar – it means rewiring how you process, interpret, and express ideas. It reshapes your communication into a powerful tool.

In the end, the certificate stands as proof of your ability to operate at the level of highly articulate, globally minded individuals – people who negotiate, write, and speak with authority.

And that isn’t just about English – it’s about stepping into spaces where precision matters, complexity is the norm, and your voice holds weight.

CHECK OUT MY LIVE C1 PREP OR MY RECORDED ONLINE C1 VIDEO COURSE.

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Have a look at this simple example about Gen Z to see the difference between English levels:

B2

Generation Z is changing their idea of wealth. They put well-being and independence before money. Recent research shows that almost two-thirds of Gen Z choose feeling safe and having time for themselves instead of trying to get rich. This change shows a generation, born from 1997 to 2012, who face more and more financial problems and care more about mental health. 

C1

Generation Z seems to be challenging the concept of wealth by focusing on well-being and independence rather than financial success. Recent research indicates that nearly two-thirds of Gen Zers value peace of mind and personal time instead of pursuing wealth. This shift represents a generation, born from 1997 to 2012, dealing with rising financial pressures and paying more attention to mental health.

C2

Generation Z appears to be redefining the concept of prosperity by prioritizing well-being and autonomy over financial gain. According to recent surveys, nearly two-thirds of Gen Zers say they prioritize peace of mind and personal time over accumulating wealth. This shift reflects a generation, born from 1997 to 2012, grappling with mounting financial pressures, combined with increased awareness of mental health.

JOIN MY NEXT C2 GROUP - WE ARE STARTING SOON!

Cambridge C2 Proficiency Course