What is B1 English?
B1 is the intermediate CEFR English level. A B1 learner can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling, produce simple connected text on familiar topics, and describe experiences, events, hopes and ambitions while giving brief reasons and explanations.
What you can do at B1
- ✓Hold conversations on familiar topics and express opinions
- ✓Handle most situations while travelling or at work
- ✓Explain your reasons, plans and ambitions
- ✓Understand the main points of clear standard speech
- ✓Write connected text on topics you know well
Skills at B1
Listening
Understand the main points of clear speech on familiar work, school and leisure topics.
Speaking
Deal with most travel situations, join conversations on familiar topics and give opinions.
Reading
Understand texts with everyday or job-related language and follow the main argument.
Writing
Write connected text on familiar topics and describe experiences and impressions.
Grammar & vocabulary at B1
Key grammar
- Present perfect vs past simple
- Zero, first and second conditionals
- Modal verbs for obligation and advice
- Passive voice (basic)
- Reported speech (basic)
- Phrasal verbs (common)
Vocabulary
Around 2,000–3,000 words, including more abstract topics, opinions, feelings and everyday idiomatic phrases.
Are you at B1? Quick self-check
If you can confidently do most of these, you are likely around B1.
- □I can express and explain my opinion on familiar topics
- □I can manage most situations while travelling
- □I can understand the main points of a clear conversation
- □I can write a connected text about my experiences
How to move from B1 to B2
The fastest way to progress is regular speaking practice with a teacher who corrects you and a clear plan for the grammar and vocabulary of the next level. At B2 (Upper-intermediate), you'll be able to communicate clearly and fluently across many topics.