The English exam that accredits the B1 level is one of the most taken year after year in order to gain access to some universities or even to obtain certain jobs. This is a fairly basic and affordable level that, with hard work and dedication, you will be able to obtain in a short time. In this article we tell you everything you need to know to take and pass this exam. Let’s get started!
Types of examinations
The first thing you should bear in mind is that there are different types of exams and that, therefore, the syllabus and characteristics of the exams may vary:
Cambridge: it is one of the best known exams due to its worldwide recognition and its syllabus is divided into listening, reading, writing, speaking and use of english. There are different levels (PET, FCE, CAE and CPE) that are equivalent to B1, B2, C1 and C2, which can be failed or passed and, in those cases where the student obtains a high score, the higher level at which he/she has taken the exam can be recognized.- Trinity College: unlike the Cambridge exams, this modality focuses more specifically on oral comprehension. You can obtain a qualification in this area, known as Grade Examinations in Spoken English (GESE) or one that includes the other areas of language proficiency, known as Integrated Skills in English (ISE).
- TOEFL: this test differs from the others in that it is explicitly focused on academics. In addition, you can neither pass nor fail, but you acquire a grade that certifies a certain level. If you wish to enter a university or obtain a job that requires this qualification, you will most likely be required to have obtained a certain score.
- TOEIC: if the TOEFL was focused on the academic environment, the TOEIC is specific to the workplace. This is a multiple-choice test that assesses the candidate’s English language skills.
- IETLS: this modality evaluates the student in the areas of reading, listening, speaking and writing. Two different qualifications can also be obtained, depending on whether it is needed for work or academic purposes.
Cambridge: it is one of the best known exams due to its worldwide recognition and its syllabus is divided into listening, reading, writing, speaking and use of english. There are different levels (PET, FCE, CAE and CPE) that are equivalent to B1, B2, C1 and C2, which can be failed or passed and, in those cases where the student obtains a high score, the higher level at which he/she has taken the exam can be recognized.The most common exam both in Spain and in Europe is the Cambridge exam, known as PET (Preliminary English Test).
Evaluation areas B1
- Grammar:
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- Present simple, continuous and perfect
- Past simple, continuous and perfect
- Future simple: will and be going to
- Comparatives and superlatives
- Adjectives and adverbs
- Modal verbs
- Saxon genitive
- Be used to, get used to and used to
- Connectors
- Pronouns
- Passive sentence
- Indirect style
- Indirect questions
- Prepositions: at, in and on
- For, since, yet and still
- Present simple, continuous and perfect
- Vocabulary: in this test, the topics will be limited and related to everyday life, such as education, work, vacations and free time, sports, etc. On the Cambridge website, you will find a list of all the words that are subject to enter the exam.
