This session will explore the vocabulary and grammar structures required to describe a daily routine at a C1 advanced English level. Drawing directly from the subtitles, we’ll dissect the language used and understand how to elevate everyday descriptions into something truly impressive.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only learn advanced vocabulary but also master grammar structures like non-finite clauses, negative inversions, compound adjectives, and cleft sentences. Buckle up—this lesson is going to be intense, informative, and fun!
Introduction to the Lesson – C1 Advanced English Level
Let’s begin by reflecting on the way we typically describe our daily routines in English. At the beginner level, we often stick to basic structures such as:
- “I wake up.”
- “I get up.”
- “I eat breakfast.”
Simple and effective, but what happens when you need to take your descriptions to the next level? What if you were asked to write or speak at an advanced level? This lesson will answer that question by presenting you with a daily routine on steroids.
On steroids means an extreme or amplified version of something, and this daily routine pushes vocabulary and grammar to its limits. While most native speakers don’t communicate like this in everyday life, this lesson is designed to show you how far you can go with advanced English structures. Let’s dive into the first section.
1. Morning Routine: Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar
“Upon waking up to the melodious chimes of my alarm clock, I embark on my well-established morning routine that I’ve perfected over the years. First and foremost, I indulge in a brief meditation session, allowing me to clear my mind and start the day with a sense of calm. In addition to my mental exercise, I dive into a challenging 30-minute workout session, but I guess it isn’t so much challenging as it is invigorating. After freshening up, I pamper myself with my nourishing skincare regimen, ensuring a well-hydrated and glowing complexion.”
Vocabulary Highlights
- Melodious chimes – Describes a pleasant, musical alarm tone.
- Embark on – A sophisticated way of saying “begin.”
- Well-established – A compound adjective meaning something developed and practiced over time.
- Indulge in – Engage in something enjoyable, often a treat.
- Pamper – Treat yourself with special care.
- Nourishing – Providing essential nutrients or care.
- Glowing complexion – Healthy, radiant skin.
Grammar Analysis
Non-finite Clauses
The paragraph uses multiple non-finite clauses, such as:
- “Upon waking up to the melodious chimes of my alarm clock…”
- “Allowing me to clear my mind and start the day with a sense of calm.”
- “Ensuring a well-hydrated and glowing complexion.”
Definition:
Non-finite clauses are incomplete sentences that do not have a subject and a finite verb. Instead, they use base verbs, infinitives, or present participles to provide context or additional details.
Practice Activity:
Transform the following sentences into non-finite clauses:
- I opened the door and greeted my friend.
- She took her keys and left the house.
- He drank coffee and started his workday.
Answers:
- Opening the door, I greeted my friend.
- Taking her keys, she left the house.
- Drinking coffee, he started his workday.
Advanced Comparative Structure
“It isn’t so much challenging as it is invigorating.”
This construction is a unique way of comparing two qualities. Instead of simply saying, “It’s more invigorating than challenging,” this advanced structure offers a nuanced comparison.
Practice Activity:
Write sentences using this structure:
- Learning grammar isn’t so much tedious as it is rewarding.
- This book isn’t so much informative as it is entertaining.
Also Read: 10 C1 English Expressions | Emotions English Vocabulary
Compound Adjectives
Examples from the text include:
- Well-established
- 30-minute
- Well-hydrated
Definition:
Compound adjectives combine two or more words to describe a noun. These are often hyphenated to clarify their unity.
Practice Activity:
Create your own compound adjectives for the following:
- A meal that takes 10 minutes to cook: 10-minute meal
- A road that is 5 miles long: 5-mile road
2. Midday Routine: Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar
“No sooner have I got dressed in my most casual yet professional attire than I am wolfing down a hearty breakfast to fuel my day ahead. With a steaming cup of herbal tea in hand, I scan the morning headlines to stay informed on the happenings of the world. Meanwhile, as I commute to work, I immerse myself in an audiobook, relishing the well-written prose and captivating storytelling. Thus, I arrive at work ready to tackle the day ahead.”
Grammar Analysis
Negative Inversion
“No sooner have I got dressed…than I am wolfing down a hearty breakfast.”
Definition:
Negative inversion flips the usual word order to emphasize immediacy or sequence.
Practice Activity:
Rewrite these sentences using negative inversion:
- I finished my meal and immediately left the house.
- She called me the moment she arrived.
Answers:
- No sooner had I finished my meal than I left the house.
- No sooner had she arrived than she called me.
Signposting Language
“Meanwhile…” and “Thus…”
Signposting words help organize thoughts and guide the reader through a narrative.
Examples:
- Meanwhile: It indicates simultaneous actions.
- Thus: It shows cause and effect.
Practice Activity:
Use signposting words in your own sentences:
- Write a sentence starting with “Meanwhile.”
- Write a sentence ending with “thus.”
3. Afternoon Routine: Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar
“Upon arriving at the office, I buckle down and get on with my work, meticulously completing my tasks in the most efficient way possible. It is knowing that I’m contributing in a meaningful way that I thrive on, and I actively seek opportunities to enhance my skillset. Throughout the day, I engage in productive dialogues with colleagues, synergizing ideas and learning from their unique perspectives.”
Grammar Analysis
Cleft Sentences
“It is knowing that I’m contributing in a meaningful way that I thrive on.”
Definition:
Cleft sentences emphasize a particular part of a sentence by splitting it into two clauses.
Practice Activity:
Emphasize different parts of these sentences using cleft structures:
- She loves traveling.
- They enjoyed the party.
Answers:
- It is traveling that she loves.
- It was the party that they enjoyed.
Also Read: C1 Vocabulary Words To Sound Smarter
Post-Modified Superlative Adjectives
“Meticulously completing my tasks in the most efficient way possible.”
Definition:
A superlative adjective is modified after the noun for added emphasis.
Examples:
- “The most beautiful view imaginable.”
- “The most creative solution conceivable.”
Practice Activity:
Write sentences using this structure.
4. Evening Routine: Advanced Vocabulary and Grammar
“As the day draws to a close, I reflect on my achievements, striving to be the best version of myself both personally and professionally. All I hope is that I outdo my previous accomplishments each day as I embrace life with unwavering determination. By adopting this disciplined and purposeful routine, I feel confident that I can continue on a path of self-improvement and well-being.”
Grammar Analysis
Participial Clauses
“Striving to be the best version of myself…”
Participial clauses, a type of non-finite clause, provide additional information about the main action.
Cleft Sentences
“All I hope is that I outdo my previous accomplishments.”
Practice Activity:
Write cleft sentences emphasizing these:
- My goal is to improve my English.
- Her passion is painting.
Answers:
- All I hope is that I improve my English.
- It is painting that is her passion.
Summary & Conclusion
We’ve explored how to describe a daily routine at the C1 level using advanced vocabulary and grammar structures. From non-finite clauses to negative inversion, we’ve packed this lesson with tools to elevate your English.
Practice Tip:
Write your own detailed daily routine using the structures and vocabulary we’ve covered.
Keep practicing!
Also Read:
6 Stages of Learning Second Language – A1 to C2