C1 Vocabulary Worksheets
84 printable vocabulary worksheets · C1 (Advanced)
Start here — 12 free samples
Free to try: open, print and play them — no account needed.
C1 vocabulary worksheets
The 48 most used of 84, most used first.
About C1 vocabulary worksheets
At C1 learners need vocabulary that is both precise and appropriate in register. The worksheets cover academic and formal vocabulary, strong collocations, idiomatic and metaphorical language, fixed phrases, complex word formation, near-synonyms, and topic vocabulary for areas such as science, the economy and culture.
Exercise types include word formation texts, multiple-choice cloze, collocation matching, rewriting informal sentences in a formal register and choosing between near-synonyms. These reflect the Reading and Use of English paper of Cambridge C1 Advanced and the demands of academic writing.
Answer keys and teacher copies are included. Print on A4 or US Letter, save as PDF, or share a class link for online work without accounts.
Teaching tips: C1 vocabulary worksheets
- Ask learners to compare near-synonyms using a corpus or learner dictionary before they choose between them on the sheet.
- Use formal register sheets before essay and report writing so learners replace informal phrasal verbs with more formal equivalents.
- Teach collocations in families, for example verbs that go with 'a decision' or 'an impact'.
- Encourage learners to collect useful phrases from authentic articles in a shared class document.
Questions teachers ask
What vocabulary is needed for C1 Advanced?
Learners need a wide range of collocations, fixed phrases, idioms and word formation, as well as the ability to choose words by register. The Reading and Use of English paper tests all of these.
How do I teach register?
Show pairs of informal and formal equivalents, such as 'find out' and 'ascertain', and practice rewriting sentences for a specific audience.
Are the sheets suitable for university preparation?
Yes. Much of the C1 vocabulary overlaps with academic English, so the sheets are useful for IELTS and university preparation as well as Cambridge exams.