B1 English Speaking Scenarios 2

Question 1

You need to call in sick to work. Which message is most appropriate for a B1 speaker to leave on your manager's voicemail?

Accepted Answer

'Hello, this is a message for Sarah. I'm afraid I won't be able to come in today as I've woken up with a bad cold and a temperature. I'll keep you updated, and I hope to be back tomorrow. Sorry for the short notice.'

Answer

'Hi, I'm sick. Bye.'

Answer

'I am telephoning to formally notify you of my incapacity to fulfil my contractual obligations today.'

Answer

'Not coming in. Feel terrible.'

Question 2

At a parent's evening, you want to ask about your child's progress in English. Which question demonstrates B1 speaking ability?

Accepted Answer

'I'd like to know how my daughter is getting on with her reading and writing. Are there any areas where she needs extra support, and is there anything we can do at home to help?'

Answer

'Is my child OK?'

Answer

'Please furnish me with a comprehensive assessment of my child's linguistic development.'

Answer

'She says she doesn't like English. What are you doing about it?'

Question 3

You're at a Citizens Advice Bureau explaining a problem with a faulty product. Which explanation best demonstrates B1 ability?

Accepted Answer

'I bought a washing machine two weeks ago and it's already stopped working. I've contacted the shop but they say the warranty doesn't cover this fault. I'd like to know what my consumer rights are.'

Answer

'Thing broken. Want money back.'

Answer

'The appliance I procured has ceased functioning within the statutory cooling-off period and the retailer is repudiating liability.'

Answer

'The shop is useless. They never help anyone.'

Question 4

Your neighbour's music is too loud late at night. How should a B1 speaker address this?

Accepted Answer

'Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but the music has been quite loud for the last couple of hours and it's difficult for my children to sleep. Would you mind turning it down after 10pm?'

Answer

'Music loud. Stop please.'

Answer

'I shall be compelled to lodge a formal noise abatement complaint with the local authority.'

Answer

'If you don't stop, I'm calling the police.'

Question 5

During the B1 speaking test, the examiner asks you to describe a memorable journey. Which response shows B1 competence?

Accepted Answer

'Last summer, I took the train from Manchester to London with my family. The journey took about two hours and we saw some beautiful countryside on the way. When we arrived, we visited the Natural History Museum, which my children really enjoyed. It was a great day out.'

Answer

'I went to London. It was nice.'

Answer

'My most indelible peregrination was an odyssey to the nation's capital via rail conveyance.'

Answer

'I don't really travel much so I can't answer that.'

Question 6

You need to make a complaint at a restaurant because your food order is wrong. Which response is most appropriate at B1 level?

Accepted Answer

'Excuse me, I'm sorry but I think there's been a mix-up with my order. I asked for the chicken salad but I've been given the pasta instead. Would it be possible to change it, please?'

Answer

'Wrong food. Change it.'

Answer

'This is wholly unacceptable and I demand immediate rectification of this culinary error.'

Answer

'It doesn't matter, I'll just eat whatever this is.'