General Tips for Mediation C1 & C2

This is the definitive strategy guide for the Mediation (Mediación) component of the EOI (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) exams for levels C1 and C2.

Mediation is often the most misunderstood part of the exam. It is not translation; it is processing information to make it accessible to someone else.

🧠 The Core Philosophy: "The Filter"

Imagine you are a filter. You receive a complex input (Source Text), and you must filter out the "noise" to give the recipient exactly what they need (Target Text).

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1. The "Holy Trinity" of Mediation

Before you write a single word, you must identify these three elements from the instructions. If you miss one, you fail the task.

• WHO is the receiver? (A friend? A boss? A general audience?)

  • Determines: Register (Formal vs. Informal).

• WHY do they need it? (To make a decision? To be warned? To be entertained?)

  • Determines: Tone and Selection of information.

• WHAT points are required? (The bullet points in the instructions).

  • Determines: Content. Do not include information that is not requested, even if it is in the text.

    
    

2. Strategy: Select, Don't Translate

The biggest mistake students make is translating the text sentence by sentence.

• Selection: Read the source text and underline only the parts that answer the bullet points in the instructions. Ignore the rest.

• Synthesis: Group related ideas together. If the text mentions "cost" in paragraph 1 and "price" in paragraph 4, combine them into one sentence in your output.

• Reformulation: Never copy chunks of text. You must change the vocabulary and grammar.

  • Source: "El precio es desorbitado."

  • Mediated: "The costs are significantly high."

    
    

3. Level Differences: C1 vs. C2

Feature	Level C1 (Advanced)	Level C2 (Proficiency)
Focus	Efficiency and Clarity. Can you explain complex ideas simply?	Nuance and Style. Can you handle abstract concepts and implied meanings?
Grammar	Accurate complex structures (Passives, Conditionals).	Sophisticated structures (Inversion, Nominalization, Cleft sentences).
Vocabulary	Wide range of synonyms to avoid repetition.	Precise, idiomatic, and specific terminology.
Tone	Appropriately formal or informal.	Highly adaptable; captures the mood or intent of the original text perfectly.

4. How to Handle Specific Text Types

A. Infographics & Charts

• Don't list numbers: Avoid "In 2010 it was 10% and in 2020 it was 20%."

• Do describe trends: "The data indicates a sharp increase over the last decade, doubling in volume."

• Interpret: Explain what the numbers mean for the reader.

B. Legal/Administrative Texts (Manifestos, Laws)

• Simplify: The source text will be dense and bureaucratic. Your job is to make it readable.

• Use Functional Language: "The document stipulates that..." / "The core requirement is..."

C. Brochures/Advertisements

• Change the Perspective: The source is "selling" (We offer...). You are usually "advising" (They offer...).

• Filter the "Fluff": Remove adjectives like "wonderful," "amazing," "incredible" unless the tone requires enthusiastic recommendation.

  
  

5. Essential Phrases for Mediation

Introducing the Topic:

• C1: "I’m writing to tell you about the article I read..."

• C2: "The purpose of this report is to outline the key findings regarding..."

Referencing the Source:

• C1: "According to the text..." / "The author suggests that..."

• C2: "The text posits that..." / "As outlined in the manifesto..."

Summarizing/Synthesizing:

• C1: "Basically, it boils down to..." / "The main point is..."

• C2: "The crux of the argument is..." / "In essence, the document advocates for..."

Concluding:

• C1: "Hope this helps you decide."

• C2: "I trust this summary provides a clear overview of the situation."

  
  

⚠️ The "Fatal Errors" (Avoid these!)

1. Adding your opinion: Unless the task asks "What do you think?", do not give your opinion. Stick to the source text.

2. External Knowledge: Even if you are an expert on Climate Change, do not add facts that are not in the source text.

3. The "Word Count" Trap: Mediation tasks are short (usually 150-170 words for C1, 180-200 for C2). Being concise is part of the skill. If you write 300 words, you have failed to mediate; you have just rambled.

   
   

📝 Final Exam Tip

Use "Linking" words to glue the ideas together. Instead of writing three separate sentences, combine them:

• Bad: "Solar panels are cheap. They are easy to install. You save money."

• Good: "Not only are solar panels cost-effective and easy to install, but they also offer significant long-term savings."