B2 English level (upper intermediate)

English level B2 describes independent users of the language. Learners at this level can communicate without effort 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, including 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 B2 English level (upper intermediate)

What can a B2-level learner of English do?

  • They can understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete or abstract topics, including some technical discussions.
  • They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously enough to comfortably communicate with other English speakers. 
  • They can produce clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain a complex viewpoint on a topic, including expressing advantages and disadvantages.

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.

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Choose content at this level

'enough'

Do you know how to use the word enough?

'so' and 'such'

Do you know how to use the words so and such?

'used to' + infinitive and 'be' or 'get used to' + '-ing'

Do you know the difference between I used to drive on the left and I'm used to driving on the left?

'wish' and 'if only'

Do you know how to use wish and if only to talk about things you would like to change?

A business interview

Listen to the business interview to practise and improve your listening skills.

A covering email

Learn how to write a covering email to accompany a job application.

A CV

Learn how to write a curriculum vitae, often called a CV in the UK or résumé in American English. 

A design presentation

Listen to the presentation about a new product design to practise and improve your listening skills.

A digital detox podcast

Listen to the podcast about doing a digital detox to practise and improve your listening skills.

A lecture about an experiment

Listen to the lecture about a science experiment to practise and improve your listening skills.

A letter of complaint

Learn how to write a letter of complaint.

A limb from Lego

It's amazing what you can build out of Lego. But … an arm?! This video shows us that anything is possible …

A Plastic Ocean: a film review

Read a review of the film 'A Plastic Ocean' to practise and improve your reading skills.

A rare cheese

Are you adventurous when it comes to food? Watch this video about a famous Italian food – would you be brave enough to try it?

A report on working abroad

Learn how to write a report on working abroad.

A short story extract

Read a section from a short story to practise and improve your reading skills.

A special restaurant

Listen to Jo talking about a very special restaurant she visited recently in Catalonia.

A summary of a line graph

Learn how to describe a line graph.

A talk about motivation

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

Video zone - Amazing DIY orang-utans

Amazing DIY orang-utans

Orang-utans use sticks to catch insects, but do you think they would use human tools? Watch this video and find out!

An advert

Learn how to write an advert.

An email from a friend

Read an email from a friend you haven't heard from for a long time to practise and improve your reading skills.

An email to request time off

Learn how to write an email to request time off work.

An email to your professor

Learn how to write an email to your university professor.

An informal email to a friend

Learn how to write an informal email to a friend.

An opinion essay

Learn how to write an opinion essay.

Animals Scene 1

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

Animals Scene 1 Language Focus

Rob and Stephen get stressed, and Rob talks about will, could and might.

Animals Scene 2

This time, Stephen's left 'holding the baby'... or the dog, anyway!

Animals Scene 2 Language Focus

Rob and Ashlie have a great time looking into the future...