What is B2 English?
B2 is the upper-intermediate CEFR English level. A B2 learner can understand the main ideas of complex texts, interact with native speakers with reasonable fluency and spontaneity, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects — communicating comfortably across many professional and everyday situations.
What you can do at B2
- ✓Interact with native speakers fairly fluently and spontaneously
- ✓Understand the main ideas of complex and abstract texts
- ✓Present clear, detailed arguments on many subjects
- ✓Take an active part in discussions and explain your viewpoint
- ✓Write detailed text and adapt your style to the reader
Skills at B2
Listening
Understand extended speech, lectures and most TV news and current-affairs programmes.
Speaking
Interact with fluency and spontaneity and present clear, detailed descriptions and arguments.
Reading
Read articles and reports on contemporary issues and understand contemporary prose.
Writing
Write clear, detailed text and essays, passing on information and giving reasons for or against.
Grammar & vocabulary at B2
Key grammar
- Passive voice across tenses
- Reported speech (full)
- Relative clauses (defining and non-defining)
- Third and mixed conditionals
- Wide range of modal verbs
- Collocations and more advanced phrasal verbs
Vocabulary
Around 4,000–5,000 words, including collocations, connotation, and topic-specific and professional vocabulary.
Are you at B2? Quick self-check
If you can confidently do most of these, you are likely around B2.
- □I can take part in a discussion and defend my views
- □I can understand most news and current-affairs content
- □I can write a clear, structured essay or report
- □I can talk to native speakers without much strain
How to move from B2 to C1
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 C1 (Advanced), you'll be able to use english flexibly and precisely for professional and academic life.