C2 English Grammar Test

If you’re aiming to prove your mastery of the English language, the C2 English Grammar Test is one of the most advanced assessments you can take. Whether you’re preparing for an exam like the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) or simply want to test your grammar skills at the highest level, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover what the test is, how to prepare, 20 sample questions with answers and explanations, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What is the C2 English Grammar Test?

The C2 English Grammar Test is designed for advanced learners who have near-native fluency in English. It assesses your ability to use complex grammatical structures accurately and appropriately in various contexts. The test is often part of the Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam, which is recognized globally by universities, employers, and governments as proof of exceptional English language skills.

At the C2 level, you’re expected to:

• Understand and use advanced grammar structures effortlessly.
• Communicate with precision, fluency, and spontaneity.
• Handle complex texts and abstract topics with ease.

How to Prepare for the C2 English Grammar Test

1. Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test. The grammar section typically includes multiple-choice questions, gap-fill exercises, and error correction tasks.
2. Study Advanced Grammar Topics: Focus on advanced grammar areas such as:
   • Inversion (e.g., “Not only did he arrive late, but he also forgot his notes.”)
   • Mixed conditionals (e.g., “If I had studied harder, I would be working at my dream job now.”)
   • Cleft sentences (e.g., “What I need is a good night’s sleep.”)
   • Modal verbs in the past (e.g., “She might have forgotten to call.”)
3. Practice Regularly: Use advanced grammar books like “Advanced Grammar in Use” by Martin Hewings or online resources tailored for C2 learners.
4. Take Mock Tests: Simulate real exam conditions by taking practice tests. This will help you manage time and identify areas for improvement.
5. Read and Listen to Advanced English: Engage with complex texts, podcasts, and videos to see grammar in context.

20 C2 English Grammar Test Questions with Answers

Here are 20 sample C2-level grammar questions to test your skills:

1. Inversion

Question: No sooner ___ the meeting started than the fire alarm went off.
Answer: had
Explanation: “No sooner” requires inversion and the past perfect tense: “No sooner had the meeting started…”

2. Mixed Conditionals

Question: If I ___ more careful, I wouldn’t be in this mess now.
Answer: had been
Explanation: This is a mixed conditional (past condition, present result).

3. Cleft Sentences

Question: ___ I really need is a long vacation.
Answer: What
Explanation: Cleft sentences emphasize specific information. “What” is used to highlight “a long vacation.”

4. Modal Verbs in the Past

Question: She ___ forgotten to lock the door; it’s wide open.
Answer: must have
Explanation: “Must have” is used to express a logical conclusion about the past.

5. Relative Clause

Question: The book, ___ was published last year, has already won several awards.
Answer: which
Explanation: Non-defining relative clauses use “which” to add extra information.

6. Gerunds and Infinitives

Question: He avoided ___ (tell) her the truth.
Answer: telling
Explanation: “Avoid” is followed by a gerund.

7. Passive Voic

Question: The project ___ (complete) by the end of next week.
Answer: will have been completed
Explanation: This is a future perfect passive construction.

8. Reported Speech

Question: She said she ___ (call) me later.
Answer: would call
Explanation: In reported speech, “will” changes to “would.”

9. Inversio

Question: Rarely ___ such a breathtaking performance.
Answer: have I seen
Explanation: “Rarely” at the beginning of a sentence requires inversion.

10. Prepositions

Question: She’s allergic ___ cats.
Answer: to
Explanation: “Allergic to” is the correct prepositional phrase.

11. Phrasal Verbs

Question: We need to ___ (put) the meeting until next week.
Answer: put off
Explanation: “Put off” means to postpone.

12. Articles

Question: He’s ___ only person who can solve this problem.
Answer: the
Explanation: “The” is used to specify a unique person.

13. Quantifiers

Question: There’s ___ (little/few) chance of rain today.
Answer: little
Explanation: “Little” is used with uncountable nouns like “chance.”

14. Conjunctions

Question: ___ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.
Answer: Although
Explanation: “Although” introduces a contrast.

15. Comparatives

Question: This is ___ (interesting) book I’ve ever read.
Answer: the most interesting
Explanation: Superlative form is used for comparison.

16. Idiomatic Expressions

Question: He’s ___ (cloud) nine after hearing the good news.
Answer: on
Explanation: “On cloud nine” means extremely happy.

17. Ellipsis

Question: She can speak French, and ___ can I.
Answer: so
Explanation: “So” is used to avoid repetition in ellipsis.

18. Adverbs

Question: She sings ___ (beautiful) than anyone I know.
Answer: more beautifully
Explanation: Comparative form of the adverb “beautifully.”

19. Conditionals

Question: If I ___ (know) earlier, I would have helped.
Answer: had known
Explanation: Third conditional structure for unreal past situations.

20. Word Formation

Question: His ___ (decide) to quit surprised everyone.
Answer: decision
Explanation: The noun form of “decide” is “decision.”

FAQs About the C2 English Grammar Test

1. What is the passing score for the C2 English Grammar Test?

The passing score varies by exam. For GET (Global English Test) 85 out of 100, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, you need at least 200 out of 230.

2. How long does it take to prepare for the C2 test?

It depends on your current level. If you’re already at a C1 level, 3-6 months of consistent study should suffice.

3. Can I take the C2 test online?

Yes, many institutions offer online versions of the C2 Proficiency exam.

4. What’s the difference between C1 and C2 grammar?

C2 grammar involves more complex structures, nuanced usage, and greater precision than C1.

5. Is the C2 test recognized globally?

Yes, GET, TOEFL and the Cambridge C2 Proficiency is widely recognized by universities, employers, and governments.

Final Tips for Success

• Focus on understanding the nuances of advanced grammar.
• Practice writing and speaking to apply grammar in real-life contexts.
• Use authentic materials like newspapers, academic journals, and podcasts to see grammar in action.

By following this guide and practicing consistently, you’ll be well-prepared to ace the C2 English Grammar Test. Good luck!