B1 English Speaking Scenarios — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You need to register with a new GP surgery. The receptionist asks about your medical history. Which response is most appropriate at B1 level?
- 'I am ill. Doctor please.'
- 'I'd like to register as a new patient. I have a few ongoing conditions — I take medication for high blood pressure and I'm allergic to penicillin.' (Correct answer)
- 'I have previously been diagnosed with hypertension and have a documented anaphylactic reaction to penicillin-based antibiotics.'
- 'My old doctor was better. Do I have to give you all this information?'
Correct answer: 'I'd like to register as a new patient. I have a few ongoing conditions — I take medication for high blood pressure and I'm allergic to penicillin.'
This response demonstrates B1-level competence: it states the purpose clearly, provides relevant medical details, and uses appropriate everyday vocabulary without being too basic or overly technical.
Question 2: Your landlord wants to increase your rent. You need to discuss this. Which response best demonstrates B1 speaking ability?
- 'No. Too much money.'
- 'I understand you'd like to increase the rent, but I'm concerned because my income hasn't changed. Could we perhaps discuss a smaller increase or a longer notice period?' (Correct answer)
- 'I refuse. I'll get a solicitor.'
- 'I acquiesce to your proposed rental increment, though I would appreciate a protracted transitional period.'
Correct answer: 'I understand you'd like to increase the rent, but I'm concerned because my income hasn't changed. Could we perhaps discuss a smaller increase or a longer notice period?'
This response shows B1 competence by acknowledging the landlord's position, expressing concern with reasons, and suggesting alternatives — all using clear, natural English.
Question 3: At a job centre, you are asked: 'Can you tell me about your previous work experience?' Which is the best B1-level response?
- 'I worked.'
- 'In my last job, I worked as a warehouse assistant for three years. I was responsible for checking deliveries and organising stock. Before that, I did some cleaning work part-time.' (Correct answer)
- 'I have an extensive portfolio of logistical experience spanning multiple years within the supply chain sector.'
- 'I don't want to talk about it.'
Correct answer: 'In my last job, I worked as a warehouse assistant for three years. I was responsible for checking deliveries and organising stock. Before that, I did some cleaning work part-time.'
This response provides specific details about job roles, duration, and responsibilities in clear, well-structured sentences — typical of B1 level speaking ability.
Question 4: You need to explain to your child's teacher why your child was absent. Which response is most appropriate?
- 'Child sick. Sorry.'
- 'I'm sorry my son was away last week. He had a stomach bug and the doctor advised keeping him at home for 48 hours. He's feeling much better now and ready to come back.' (Correct answer)
- 'It is none of your concern why my child was not present.'
- 'My offspring was incapacitated with a gastrointestinal affliction necessitating a period of domestic convalescence.'
Correct answer: 'I'm sorry my son was away last week. He had a stomach bug and the doctor advised keeping him at home for 48 hours. He's feeling much better now and ready to come back.'
This response apologises, gives a clear medical reason, mentions professional advice, provides an update, and confirms readiness to return — all hallmarks of competent B1 communication.
Question 5: You want to open a bank account. The bank staff asks why you chose their bank. Which is the best B1-level response?
- 'My friend said this bank is good.'
- 'I chose your bank because my colleague recommended it. I've also looked at your savings accounts online and the interest rates seem competitive compared to other banks.' (Correct answer)
- 'I require a fiscal repository with competitive APR yields.'
- 'I don't know, I just walked in.'
Correct answer: 'I chose your bank because my colleague recommended it. I've also looked at your savings accounts online and the interest rates seem competitive compared to other banks.'
This response gives a personal reason (colleague's recommendation), shows research (looked online), and makes a comparison — demonstrating the analytical and communicative skills expected at B1.
Question 6: During the speaking component of the B1 test, the examiner asks: 'What do you enjoy doing in your free time?' Which response would best demonstrate B1 competence?
- 'I like football.'
- 'In my free time, I enjoy cooking — especially dishes from my home country. I also like going for walks in the park near my house, particularly at weekends when it's not too busy. Sometimes I watch documentaries about nature.' (Correct answer)
- 'I partake in various recreational endeavours encompassing culinary arts and perambulatory excursions.'
- 'I don't have free time because I'm always working.'
Correct answer: 'In my free time, I enjoy cooking — especially dishes from my home country. I also like going for walks in the park near my house, particularly at weekends when it's not too busy. Sometimes I watch documentaries about nature.'
This response lists multiple activities with detail and personal context, uses linking words naturally, and shows the ability to expand on a topic — all key B1 speaking descriptors.
