What Are Good Books to Learn C1/C2 English?

You’ve worked so hard and, finally, found a way to reach the C2 level in English.

The point when you reach C1 or C2 level of proficiency in English is like a dream come true.

But, the story doesn’t end here.

To be in good shape and pass this level, and to maintain it as well, you need to practice a lot.

There are so many materials available, but what are good books to learn C1/C2 English?

That’s what we’re going to share in this article.

Keep in mind that when you’ve reached an advanced level of proficiency, the most important thing for you is to practice. Improve your vocabulary, use English slang words, learn new phrases with English tutors on Justlearn.

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

One of the essential parts C1/C2 English learners must be perfect at is vocabulary. Not that you have to know all the words in English, but when you are near to your advanced level, you have to use every chance you have to boost your vocabulary. 

A good dictionary is like your best friend. You want to hang out with them and work on improving your ‘relationship.’

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary is ideal for advanced English students.

The 4th edition is currently available on CD, and as an app for mobile devices.

Around 140.000 words and phrases available, this dictionary contains pictures and clear explanations of the words and phrases.

CD and app provide audio pronunciation, especially words that are hard to pronounce, in British English and American English, as well as flashcard quiz to help you memorize.

The app is available on Google Play and the App Store.

Complete Advanced by Cambridge English

One of the official Cambridge books that can prepare you for the advanced English proficiency level is Complete Advanced by Cambridge English.

It is an ideal book to get you started with and embellish your skills.

There are a lot of exercises that don’t allow you to make typical mistakes over and over again.

Each unit contains part of the grammar, vocabulary, and exercises, so in this book, you have all in one place.

With the book, you get a CD as well, which can help you not only with your listening skills, but you can find your own way of learning.

Objective Advanced 

Here is one more study book by Cambridge English. Objective Advanced is made to improve learners’ overall English knowledge. The book is ideal for further learning and practice since it is the topic-based book with tests and exams available after every topic.

So, with a variety of topics, you can practice grammar and vocabulary, and with a CD available together with the book, you can master your listening skills.

The last updated 4th edition of the book is available, and it is the most popular for CAE exam preparation.

Exam Boosters

Cambridge English gathered all the appealing exercises in this book. The book is designed to be used for self-study at home as well as in classrooms.

The book also gives you explanations and tips on how to approach different exercises and correct mistakes you often make.

Using it with the coursebook will surely give you intense practice.

But nothing to worry about; With audio available as well as key answers at the end of the book, you’ll be well-equipped.

Proficiency Expert Coursebook

When you reach an advanced level in English, practicing and improving your overall English is never enough.

That’s why the Proficiency Expert Coursebook is good to have and use. All in one place. You can practice grammar, vocabulary, and not forget even the basic terms you don’t use often.

With audio available, you can simply listen to units and then to exercises and tests.

Correct answers are also available. You can find an explanation of why particular answers are correct but also details on why other answers aren’t.

Advanced Trainer

The Advanced Trainer is a book that helps advanced learners to understand exams better. It contains six full tests for practice, which cover all the necessary skills for C1/C2 English- vocabulary, reading, listening, and writing.

In the first two tests, there are explanations on how it should be done, while the other four don’t have it.

Audio is available for improving listening skills, and it can be downloaded as well.

What makes this book ‘a must’ when talking about C1/C2 English preparation, are examples of acceptable writing answers. With the help of the book, you can improve your writing skills.

C1 Speaking Skills: Simple Tools for Advanced English Albert Bowkett

C1 Speaking Skills is a great book to help you gain the confidence you need to speak like a native English speaker.

There are five short units, masterfully represented by an EFL teacher Albert Bowkett who guides you through pronunciation, picture-related exam tasks, improvised conversation, and interviews. What makes this book unique is its application of critical thinking skills, as well as performance techniques. 

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Fiction books such as this one are great for helping your reach C2 and C1 level in English. Arthur Conan Doyle is known for his natural style of writing so you'll be sure to get a good read. In general, fiction is very useful for expanding your vocabulary.

Dale Carnegie’s Books

Dale Carnegie has a collection of personality development books that are great for advanced English learners. Here are our recommendations: How to Stop worrying and start living, How to make friends and influence people and The Quick and easy way to effective speaking.

Now you have all the necessary books to achieve high proficiency in English.

C1/C2 English learners can talk about any topic that comes to their mind, so read, read, and read. Keep in mind that you have to read a lot since you are already a master of grammar and pronunciation. However, you keep that score with the tests and exercises from the mentioned books.

Don’t forget about audiobooks. That way, you can master your listening skills as well. And to gain more confidence and practice as well, you can always turn to English tutors on Justlearn. Maybe they can recommend some entertaining book you haven’t read, or talk about something more abstract than you practiced.