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SpanishB1 is a major turning point in your English learning journey. It’s the threshold where learners begin to move from basic communication to more flexible, independent language use. But what exactly do you need to finish B1 level in English according to the CEFR?
This guide walks you through what’s expected at B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You’ll get real examples, common mistakes, grammar requirements, and tips to help you move confidently into B2.
What Does B1 Mean on the CEFR Scale?
At B1 (intermediate level), learners can:
Understand the main points of clear speech and text on familiar topics
Deal with most situations that arise during travel or work
Produce simple connected text on familiar matters
Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and give brief reasons or explanations
To finish B1 level in English, you need to be comfortable handling everyday conversations, both social and work-related, with some ability to express opinions and explain things in more depth.
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Reading Skills to Finish B1 Level in English
✅ What you should be able to do:
Read and understand longer texts like news articles, emails, blog posts
Identify the main idea and details
Follow instructions and written explanations
Understand opinions and arguments in everyday language
Example B1 Reading Task:
Text:
“Many people now work from home, which allows for more flexibility and better work-life balance. However, it can also lead to isolation and a lack of social contact.”
Question:
What is one disadvantage of working from home?
✅ Correct Answer:
Isolation / lack of social contact
❌ Common Mistake:
Flexibility (That’s a benefit, not a disadvantage)
Tip:
Practice with magazine articles, company emails, social media posts with opinions, and short non-fiction.
What to learn at the B1 Level of English
✍️ Writing Skills to Finish B1 Level in English
✅ What you should be able to do:
Write connected paragraphs with proper structure
Express opinions, describe events, and explain plans or experiences
Use linking words like although, because, however, first, finally
Write formal and informal emails, stories, and short reports
Example B1 Writing Task:
Write about a job you would like to have and explain why.
✅ Correct Example:
“I would like to be a teacher because I enjoy helping others learn. I think it’s important to support students and create a positive learning environment. Although it can be difficult, it’s a very rewarding job.”
❌ Common Mistake:
“I want job teacher. Is good. I like help people.”
Tip:
At B1, focus on writing clearly in paragraphs, using connectors and full sentences. Show structure and logic.
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️ Speaking Skills to Finish B1 Level in English
✅ What you should be able to do:
Hold conversations about work, travel, daily life, opinions
Talk about past experiences, plans, and preferences
Use a range of vocabulary and link ideas
Manage longer turns and respond with follow-up questions
️ Example Speaking Questions and Answers:
Q: What do you usually do on the weekend?
✅ Correct Answer: “On weekends, I usually meet friends or go to the gym. I also like to cook and sometimes watch movies. It depends on how tired I am.”
❌ Common Mistake:
“I meet friend. Gym. Movie sometime.”
Q: What’s your opinion about working from home?
✅ Correct Answer: “I think working from home is convenient because it saves time. However, I miss talking to my coworkers in person.”
❌ Common Mistake:
“Home work is good. But alone.”
Tip:
Practice building your answers with “because,” “but,” and “so.” Always aim for at least two full sentences per answer.
Listening Skills to Finish B1 Level in English
✅ What you should be able to do:
Understand main points in clear, standard speech
Follow everyday conversations, interviews, and instructions
Pick up on tone, mood, and intent
Understand recordings on topics like health, work, or hobbies
Example B1 Listening Task:
Audio:
“Mark’s train was delayed, so he arrived 30 minutes late to the meeting. He apologized to everyone and promised to send the slides by the end of the day.”
Question:
Why was Mark late?
✅ Correct Answer:
The train was delayed
❌ Common Mistake:
He forgot the meeting (this detail wasn’t mentioned)
Tip:
Listen to news clips, interviews, and TED-Ed videos. Focus on listening for context and meaning, not just single words.
Grammar You Need to Finish B1 Level in English
Here’s a checklist of grammar topics expected at B1:
| Grammar Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Past simple & continuous | I was reading when she called. |
| Present perfect | I have visited London twice. |
| First conditional | If it rains, I’ll stay home. |
| Comparatives & superlatives | This hotel is cheaper than the last one. |
| Modals (should, must, might) | You should try this place. It might be open. |
| Reported speech | She said she was tired. |
| Linking expressions | However, although, because, therefore |
Common Mistakes at B1
❌ Mixing tenses
“I was go to the shop.” → ✅ “I went to the shop.”
❌ Poor structure in writing or speech
“Job is good because like help.” → ✅ “I want this job because I like helping people.”
❌ Overusing basic vocabulary
“Nice, good, very good…” → Learn new words like enjoyable, challenging, exciting
❌ Avoiding conversation details
Short answers stop the conversation. Try to expand ideas and ask follow-ups.
How to Know You’re Ready to Finish B1 Level in English
You’re ready to move into B2 when you can:
✅ Talk about your life, plans, and opinions in full sentences
✅ Understand longer texts and summarize the main points
✅ Write structured paragraphs or emails using formal and informal tone
✅ Use various tenses with reasonable accuracy
✅ Understand the general idea in interviews, meetings, and phone calls
Final Thoughts on How to finish B1 level in English
To finish B1 level in English, you need to go beyond survival communication. This level is about confidence, fluency, and flexibility in familiar situations. You’re not expected to be perfect — but you should be able to keep a conversation going, explain your ideas, and express yourself clearly in speaking and writing.
Once you complete B1, you’ll be ready to handle more complex topics and faster, less structured conversation — the world of B2 English.
Key Takeaways on How to finish B1 level in English
✅ B1 is an intermediate level focused on independence and flexibility
✅ You need to express yourself clearly in speaking and writing
✅ Grammar at this level includes present perfect, conditionals, modals, and connectors
✅ Finish B1 when you can talk about your opinions, explain ideas, and understand main points in real conversations
✅ Consistent practice is the key to reaching B2