At the Intermediate B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), learners have moved beyond the elementary stage and are considered to have an independent proficiency in the language. At this level, pupils work on further expanding their language skills and becoming more proficient communicators. Here are some of the topics and language skills commonly we teach to B1 students
Expanding Vocabulary: Learning more specialized and abstract vocabulary related to various topics such as education, work, health, leisure activities, and current events.
Grammar Complexity: Introducing more complex grammar structures, including compound tenses (e.g., present perfect, past perfect), conditional sentences (e.g., first and second conditional), reported speech, passive voice, and more advanced uses of modal verbs.
Expressing Opinions and Arguments: Developing the ability to express opinions, preferences, and arguments in a more nuanced and structured way, using linking words and expressions to connect ideas.
Describing Processes and Experiences: Describing and narrating events, processes, and experiences in more detail, using appropriate vocabulary, verb tenses, and cohesive devices.
Discussing Abstract Topics: Engaging in discussions and debates on abstract topics such as social issues, politics, environmental concerns, and cultural diversity.
Listening Comprehension: Improving listening skills through a variety of authentic materials, including news broadcasts, podcasts, interviews, and presentations, focusing on understanding main ideas, specific details, and implied meanings.
Speaking Fluency and Accuracy: Practicing speaking fluently and accurately in various contexts, such as giving presentations, participating in group discussions, and expressing opinions and arguments spontaneously.
Reading Comprehension: Reading and understanding longer and more complex texts, including articles, essays, and literary texts, and analyzing the main ideas, arguments, and literary devices used by the author.
Writing Development: Writing longer and more coherent texts, such as essays, reports, and reviews, expressing opinions, analyzing arguments, and providing supporting evidence.
Cultural Awareness and Intercultural Communication: Exploring cultural aspects related to the language, such as customs, traditions, and values, and developing intercultural communication skills to interact effectively with speakers of the target language from different cultural backgrounds.
Overall, at the B1 level, we engage students to develop their language proficiency with a focus on expanding vocabulary, mastering more complex grammar structures, and becoming more fluent and confident communicators in the English language
