B1 English level (intermediate)

English level B1 describes independent users of the language. Learners at this level can communicate with other English speakers. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the system that defines and explains the different levels of oral and written expression and comprehension for languages such as English. There are six levels of reference, divided into three blocks: basic user for levels A1 and A2, independent user for B1 and B2 and proficient user for C1 and C2.

Skills at B1 English level (intermediate)

What can a B1-level learner of English do?

  • They can understand the main points of clear texts on familiar topics in standard language.
  • They can manage most situations on a trip to places where English is used.
  • They can produce simple, organised texts about familiar topics.
  • They can describe experiences, events, wishes and aspirations, and explain opinions and plans.

Online courses at this level

Our online self-study, live classes and one-to-one courses with personal tutors are designed by some of the world's English teaching experts. They offer a safe and inclusive learning environment to help you improve your English and achieve your ambitions.

Find out more

Choose content at this level

'as' and 'like'

Do you know how to use as and like correctly?

'in spite of', 'despite', 'although', 'even though' and 'though'

Do you know how to connect two contrasting ideas?

'it' and 'there' as dummy subjects

'just', 'yet', 'still' and 'already'

Do you know how to use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect?

'one' and 'ones'

A class forum

Learn how to write a post on a class forum.

A conference programme

Read the programme for a management conference to practise and improve your reading skills.

A flyer for a gym

Read a flyer promoting a new gym to practise and improve your reading skills.

A phone call from a customer

Listen to the phone call from a customer to practise and improve your listening skills.

A professional profile

Learn how to write a professional profile.

A report on a student meeting

Learn how to write a report.

A restaurant review

Learn how to write a restaurant review.

A student discussion

Listen to two students comparing Mars and Earth to practise and improve your listening skills.

A study trip to the UK

Listen to Ella talking about some of the most memorable moments from a study trip to the UK.

A team meeting about diversity

Listen to a team meeting about diversity to practise and improve your listening skills.

A thank-you message

Learn how to write a thank-you message to a colleague.

A travel guide

Read a travel guide about Bangkok to practise and improve your reading skills.

A weather forecast

Listen to a weather forecast and answer the questions to practise and improve your listening skills.

Adjectives – gradable and non-gradable

Do you know how to use adjectives in phrases like a bit cold, really cold and absolutely freezing?

Adverbials of time

Agile working

What is agile working and why is it important? Read about how new ways of working are helping companies adapt to change.

Agreeing and disagreeing

In this video, Emir and Paul discuss a design for a client. Listen to the language they use for agreeing and disagreeing and practise saying the useful phrases.

Vocabulary Games – Air travel

Air travel

Do the exercises to improve your vocabulary for air travel.

An email giving holiday advice

Learn how to write an email to give holiday advice.

An email request for help

Read an email asking for help from another department to practise and improve your reading skills.

An email to explain an accommodation problem

Learn how to write an email to explain a problem with your accommodation.

An email to invite someone to a job interview

Learn how to write an email to invite someone to a job interview.

An interview about listening skills

Listen to the English teacher talk about listening to practise and improve your listening skills.

An introduction to a lecture

Listen to the introduction of a psychology lecture to practise and improve your listening skills.

Animals Scene 1

Ashlie goes for an interview - but her interviewer is more interested in someone else!