C1 Vocabulary Masterclass: The "V-O-C-A-B" Substitution Framework

When aiming for a CLB 9 (NCLC 9) or higher on the TCF and TEF Canada exams, candidates often hit a frustrating plateau. They master the grammar, they speak fluently, yet they remain stuck at a B2 score.

Why? Because their vocabulary is too predictable.

Examiners are trained to penalize candidates who rely on "safety words"—basic, high-frequency verbs and adjectives like faire, dire, bon, mauvais, important, and beaucoup. If you use the word important three times in a 4-minute speaking task, your score will plummet.

To achieve a C1/C2 rating, you must actively demonstrate lexical richness. You need to upgrade your basic vocabulary using our .