B1 English Level (Intermediate)

What are the B1 Level Skills?

Level B1 is part of the Independent User Level, which is divided into two sublevels: First and Second Independent User Level (B1 and B2). Level B1 has two main features: the first is the ability to maintain interaction and to make oneself understood in a variety of situations. The second characteristic is the ability to know how to deal flexibly with everyday problems. Most of the descriptors that are used in social functions are found at this level, such as, for example:

Can describe experiences, events, desires and aspirations, as well as briefly justify their opinions or explain their plans

What will I be able to do after completing the B1 English Level?

Writing

Written Expression

• Write simple and well linked texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest
• Write personal letters describing experiences and impressions

Achieving CEFR Level B1

At level B1 students are able to maintain interaction and get across what they want to express in a range of contexts and follow the main points of extended discussion around them, provided that speech is clearly articulated in standard dialect. They can express the main point they want to make comprehensibly and keep going comprehensibly, even though they may have to pause for grammatical and lexical planning and repair, especially in longer stretches of free production. The second feature is the ability to cope flexibly with problems in everyday life, for example coping with less routine situations on public transport; dealing with most situations likely to arise when making travel arrangements through an agent or when actually travelling; entering unprepared into conversations on familiar topics.

B1 Writing

Students at this level can write simple texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence. They can write personal letters describing events, experiences and impressions.

B1 Grammar

B1 grammar includes more complex structures that allow learners to communicate with greater accuracy and detail. Key aspects of B1 grammar are:

• Passive voice
• Conditional sentences: Zero conditional
• First conditional, unless
• Second conditional
• Third conditional
• Wishes
• Reflexive pronouns
• Reported speech
• The causative
• Clauses of purpose
• Clauses of contrast

B1 Vocabulary

B1 vocabulary includes a wider range of words and phrases that enable learners to handle more complex and varied situations. At this level, learners can understand and use vocabulary related to everyday life, work, school, and personal interests. Examples of B1 vocabulary include:

– Work and School: job titles, responsibilities, subjects, courses, exams, projects
– Travel and Leisure: booking tickets, accommodations, sightseeing, hobbies, sports
– Health and Fitness: parts of the body, common illnesses, exercises, healthy habits
– Shopping and Services: types of stores, products, services, prices, transactions
– Food and Drink: types of cuisine, cooking methods, recipes, restaurant phrases
– Environment and Nature: weather, natural disasters, animals, plants, conservation
– Technology: devices, internet terms, social media, software, technical issues
– Relationships and Social Issues: family dynamics, friendships, cultural differences, social problems
– Adjectives: complex, detailed, creative, responsible, reliable, efficient
– Verbs: recommend, suggest, agree, disagree, describe, explain
– Adverbs: quickly, slowly, carefully, easily, frequently, rarely
– Phrasal Verbs: give up, look after, take off, turn on, find out
– Idiomatic Expressions: break the ice, hit the nail on the head, a piece of cake, under the weather

This vocabulary allows learners to discuss more abstract topics, express opinions, and understand more detailed information in various contexts.

What are your options if your English language B1 level?

For conversations with English speakers about common subjects, a B1 level of English would be appropriate. People with a B1 level of English are able to read basic reports on well-known themes and send basic e-mails on issues relevant to their line of work. A B1 level, however, is insufficient to completely communicate in English at work.

The official CEFR rules state that someone has an English language proficiency of B1:

1. able to comprehend the key ideas of plain standard input on well-known topics frequently met at work, in school, at leisure, etc.
2. able to handle most scenarios that may arise when traveling
3. can write straightforward, coherent text about familiar or interesting topics.
4. can briefly explain the causes and justifications behind beliefs and goals while describing experiences, events, dreams, desires, and objectives.

Detailed B1 English proficiency

For instructional purposes, the official can-do statements are divided into smaller sections. You can evaluate your own English proficiency using this more thorough skill breakdown, or a teacher can use it to evaluate a student’s proficiency.

A student at level B1 in English, for instance, will be able to perform everything that a student at level A2 can do in addition to:

• Talk about your future goals, both personal and professional.
• Set up a job interview and apply for a position in your field of expertise.
• Talk about your favorite shows and television habits.
• Describe your education and future training goals.
• Plan a night out to hear live music and discuss your favorite songs and current musical trends.
• Discuss maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seek and give advise on good practices.
• discuss about dating and relationships, including meeting people online.
• visit a restaurant, place an order, have a civilized dinner discussion, and then pay for your meal.
• if you require assistance in comprehending some topics, take part in discussions in your area of competence.
• talk about workplace safety issues, report an injury, and clarify the laws.
• Discuss how to behave politely and how to deal with rude behavior.