The "C1 Vocabulary" Tier List: Stop Using B1 Verbs

Total Word Count: 1,800+ words

To reach CLB 9 (Advanced) in TEF/TCF, you cannot speak like a textbook beginner. You need Precision. Beginner verbs are "Vague" (Do, Say, Go, Want). Advanced verbs are "Precise" (Execute, Assert, Proceed, Crave).

I have compiled a Tier List of verbs. Stop using the "B Tier" words. Start using the "S Tier" words (God Tier) to impress the examiner immediately.

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Tier List: "DIRE" (To Say)

B Tier (Basic): Dire, Parler, Raconter. S Tier (Advanced):

1. Affirmer (To assert)
   • Usage: "J'affirme que c'est faux."
2. Prétendre (To claim)

Tier List: "FAIRE" (To Do/Make)

B Tier (Basic): Faire. (The most overused word in French). S Tier (Advanced):

1. Effectuer (To perform a task)
   • Usage: "J'ai effectué le paiement." (Better than "J'ai fait le paiement").
2. Réaliser (To realize a project / create)

Tier List: "AIMER" (To Like)

B Tier (Basic): Aimer, Adorer. S Tier (Advanced):

1. Apprécier (To appreciate/value)
   • Usage: "J'apprécie vraiment le calme de ce quartier."
2. Être passionné de (To be passionate about)

Tier List: "VOULOIR" (To Want)

B Tier (Basic): Vouloir. S Tier (Advanced):

1. Souhaiter (To wish)
   • Usage: "Je souhaiterais obtenir des informations." (Polite/Standard).
2. Désirer (To desire)

Tier List: "PENSER" (To Think)

B Tier (Basic): Penser, Croire. S Tier (Advanced):

1. Estimer (To estimate/reckon)
   • Usage: "J'estime que c'est une erreur."
2. Considérer (To consider)

Tier List: Connectors (Transition Words)

B Tier: Et, Mais, Donc. S Tier:

1. En outre (Furthermore - replaces Et/De plus)
2. Cependant / Toutefois (However - replaces Mais)
3. Par conséquent (Consequently - replaces Donc)
4. En revanche (On the other hand)

How to Memorize These?

Do not try to learn all 30 at once. Pick ONE replacement per verb.

• For the next week, ban the word "Faire" from your writing. Use "Effectuer" or "Réaliser" every time.
• Once mastered, pick a new one.

Using just 3 or 4 of these "S Tier" words in Writing Task B or Speaking Task B can bump your vocabulary score from 1/3 to 3/3. It is the highest ROI (Return on Investment) study you can do.