Reading C1/C2. Model 4. Picking out specific information about texts

🧭 C1

Topic: “Germany and the Netherlands – So Close, So Different”

You are going to read four articles in which different people compare Germany and the Netherlands.For questions 1–10, choose from reviews A–D.The reviews may be chosen more than once.

Texts

A

I grew up near the German border, and I’ve always been struck by how different the atmosphere feels when you cross it. Germany seems more formal, structured, and rule-oriented, while the Netherlands feels relaxed, spontaneous, even slightly chaotic at times. Yet these contrasts are deceptive: both societies value efficiency and responsibility, just in different ways. In Germany, people follow systems; in the Netherlands, they trust discussion and consensus. What fascinates me is how such close neighbours can express shared values through such different cultural styles.

B

As a Dutch student who spent a year in Berlin, I was surprised by how much communication styles vary. Germans tend to speak directly but formally, carefully choosing words and following clear procedures. In the Netherlands, we also value directness, but ours is often informal, almost teasing. This can lead to misunderstandings: what a Dutch person considers open and friendly might sound blunt or rude to a German. After some time, I learned to appreciate German precision — it reflects a respect for clarity that we sometimes underestimate.

C

From an economic point of view, Germany and the Netherlands have long depended on one another. Germany is the Netherlands’ largest trading partner, and the two economies are deeply intertwined through logistics, technology, and agriculture. Yet the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit contrasts with Germany’s cautious long-term planning. I think this combination explains why both countries are so successful: Germany provides stability, the Netherlands flexibility. It’s like a partnership between an engineer and an inventor — different temperaments, same purpose.

D

People often assume that because Dutch and German languages sound similar, speakers can easily understand each other. In fact, it’s rarely that simple. While the two languages share roots, their intonation, pronunciation, and rhythm differ significantly. I speak both, and I’ve noticed that Dutch sounds lighter, quicker, almost musical, while German feels more deliberate and precise. The way each language shapes thought is also interesting. Dutch often relies on idioms and humour; German tends to build long, logical sentences. To me, that mirrors the mental architecture of both cultures.

Questions

Which speaker…

1. draws a connection between language structure and ways of thinking?

2. suggests that differences between the two cultures may be overstated?

3. emphasises that the two nations’ economies complement one another?

4. notes that speech patterns can cause misunderstandings?

5. says that both cultures value efficiency, but express it differently?

6. explains how the sound and rhythm of speech differ between the two languages?

7. believes that contrast in national temperaments leads to shared success?

8. describes how linguistic similarity hides deeper differences?

9. comments on how formality affects communication?

10. mentions that each country’s culture reflects its approach to collaboration or rules?

✅ Answer Key

Q	Text	Explanation
1	D	“Language shapes thought… mirrors mental architecture.”
2	A	“Contrasts are deceptive; shared values.”
3	C	“Economies deeply intertwined; complementary roles.”
4	B	“Misunderstandings between German and Dutch directness.”
5	A	“Both value efficiency but express it differently.”
6	D	“Dutch sounds lighter, German more deliberate.”
7	C	“Stability vs flexibility = success.”
8	D	“Languages sound similar but differ significantly.”
9	B	“Germans speak directly but formally.”
10	A	“Systems vs discussion and consensus.”

🧠 C1 Tips

Strategy	Focus	Example
Group by theme	A = cultural values, B = communication, C = economy, D = language	Helps match faster
Watch for synonyms	“Efficiency” = productivity, “flexibility” = adaptability	Cambridge loves paraphrasing
Tone clues	“Surprised,” “fascinated,” “depend on one another” → personal vs analytical	Useful for elimination
Remember overlaps	Some mention culture AND language — focus on main topic

🧠 C2

Topic: “German Precision, Dutch Pragmatism – A Tale of Two Cultures”

You are going to read four extracts from essays discussing cultural differences between Germany and the Netherlands.For questions 1–10, choose from critics A–D.The extracts may be chosen more than once.

Texts

A

To understand the contrast between Germany and the Netherlands, one must look beyond stereotypes. German order and Dutch informality are not opposites but two strategies for managing complexity. In Germany, rules create predictability; in the Netherlands, discussion creates participation. Both aim at social harmony, but approach it through different paths. German structure is rooted in a moral sense of duty — Ordnung as ethics — while Dutch flexibility comes from a belief in negotiation and compromise. Where Germans trust systems, the Dutch trust dialogue. Each approach reveals a different concept of freedom: one disciplined, the other conversational.

B

Language reveals more than just sound; it reveals worldview. German’s grammatical precision encourages analytical thinking, while Dutch, with its idioms and playfulness, reflects a culture that values irony and understatement. In Dutch, disagreement is often disguised as humour; in German, clarity demands confrontation. Even their word formation reflects mentality: German compounds strive for exactness; Dutch phrases allow ambiguity. To speak each language fluently is to inhabit a different rhythm of thought — one that prizes structure, and one that celebrates balance.

C

Economically, the two nations represent complementary archetypes of success. Germany’s strength lies in its engineering discipline and long-term planning, while the Netherlands excels in trade, adaptability, and global openness. Together they form Europe’s most resilient partnership. Historically, this combination of precision and innovation has been vital: the Dutch manage to internationalise what the Germans perfect. Yet, this interdependence hides subtle tensions — the Dutch find Germans slow to change, while Germans see the Dutch as pragmatic to the point of impatience. Their alliance works because of, not despite, these differences.

D

Culturally, the Dutch and Germans share a complicated intimacy. Centuries of border interaction have produced both affection and rivalry. The Netherlands’ culture of debate contrasts with Germany’s culture of consensus, but each depends on mutual recognition. The Dutch admire German thoroughness; the Germans envy Dutch ease. In art and philosophy, too, this contrast appears: Kant’s rigorous logic versus Spinoza’s fluid rationalism, Dürer’s symmetry versus Rembrandt’s light. These are not just aesthetic preferences — they are reflections of how two neighbouring nations have defined individuality and order across time.

Questions

Which writer…

1. connects linguistic differences to ways of perceiving the world?

2. compares philosophical or artistic traditions of the two cultures?

3. says that both nations use different means to achieve the same social goal?

4. mentions mutual admiration and rivalry between neighbours?

5. analyses how contrasting economic mentalities produce cooperation?

6. refers to humour and irony as typical of Dutch communication?

7. links rules and discussion to different concepts of freedom?

8. identifies hidden tensions within their economic partnership?

9. discusses how language structure reflects cultural priorities?

10. claims that national contrasts strengthen rather than weaken unity?

✅ Answer Key

Q	Text	Explanation
1	B	“Language reveals worldview… different rhythm of thought.”
2	D	“Kant vs Spinoza, Dürer vs Rembrandt.”
3	A	“Both aim at harmony through different paths.”
4	D	“Affection and rivalry; mutual recognition.”
5	C	“Complementary archetypes; partnership.”
6	B	“Disagreement disguised as humour.”
7	A	“Each approach reveals a different concept of freedom.”
8	C	“Interdependence hides subtle tensions.”
9	B	“Word formation reflects mentality.”
10	C	“Alliance works because of differences.”

🧠 C2 Tips

Focus	Strategy	Example
Follow abstract nouns	“Freedom,” “harmony,” “structure,” “irony.”	Indicate conceptual ideas.
Note dual structures	Many sentences contrast: “while,” “where,” “although.”	Shows comparative logic.
Identify tone	A = philosophical, B = linguistic, C = economic, D = cultural/artistic.	Helps match quickly.
Look for metaphor	“Two strategies for managing complexity” → not literal.	Recognise figurative speech.

🌍 Summary

Level	Style	Focus	Complexity
C1 Advanced	Factual, comparative, personal	Communication, culture, economy	Medium
C2 Proficiency	Abstract, interpretative	Philosophy, language, social theory	High