Mixed Deck — All B1 ENGLISH Topics Flashcards

You hear on a radio traffic report: 'There are long delays on the M25 clockwise between junctions 8 and 10 due to a multi-vehicle collision. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes. Current delay is approximately 90 minutes.' How long is the delay?

Answer: 90 minutes

The traffic report specifically states the current delay is approximately 90 minutes (one and a half hours).

Choose the correct option: 'She asked me ___ I was feeling better.'

Answer: if

In reported speech, yes/no questions are introduced with 'if' or 'whether'. Both are correct but 'if' is the most natural here.

Could you ______ me a favour and check this letter for errors?

Answer: do

'Do someone a favour' is the standard collocation; 'do' is used when performing an act of kindness for someone.

What does 'Equality Act 2010' protect against in the UK?

Answer: It protects people from discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, race, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination in the workplace, education, and public services. There are nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Choose the correct sentence.

Answer: You should take an umbrella in case it rains.

'In case' is followed by the present simple (or past simple in reported speech). It refers to a future possibility but uses the present tense form.

You overhear a conversation at a community centre: 'The council has agreed to fund the new playground equipment, but only if we can demonstrate sufficient community interest. We need at least 200 signatures on the petition by the end of the month.' What is needed for the playground to be funded?

Answer: 200 or more petition signatures before the month ends

The speaker clearly states that 200 signatures on a petition are needed by month's end to demonstrate community interest and secure council funding.

You need to write an email to your landlord about a broken boiler. Which opening is most appropriate for a B1-level formal email?

Answer: 'Dear Mr Thompson, I am writing to let you know that the boiler in my flat stopped working yesterday evening and there is currently no heating or hot water.'

This opening uses an appropriate formal greeting (Dear Mr Thompson), clearly states the purpose (boiler stopped working), gives relevant details (when it happened and the impact), and maintains a polite, professional tone suitable for B1.

During a parent-teacher evening, the teacher says: 'Your daughter is performing above expected levels in maths and reading, but she needs to develop her confidence in speaking in front of the class. I'd suggest encouraging her to share stories at home.' What area needs improvement?

Answer: Her confidence in speaking publicly

The teacher specifically identifies speaking in front of the class as the area needing development, while praising her maths and reading performance.

A colleague says: 'Can you cover my shift on Thursday evening? I have a hospital appointment. I can swap with you — I'll do your Friday morning instead.' What does your colleague offer in return?

Answer: To cover your Friday morning shift

The colleague offers to cover your Friday morning shift in exchange.

In the UK, what is the NHS and how is it funded?

Answer: The National Health Service, funded mainly through taxation, providing healthcare free at the point of use

The NHS (National Health Service) is the UK's publicly funded healthcare system. It is primarily funded through general taxation and National Insurance contributions, and most services are free at the point of use.

She ______ an appointment with the immigration office for Monday morning.

Answer: made

'Make an appointment' is the standard collocation; 'make' is used when arranging or scheduling a meeting.

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'The weather ___ will be warm and sunny this weekend.'

Answer: Forecast

A weather forecast is the standard term for a prediction about future weather conditions. This is a fixed collocation in English.

What is the correct plural of 'child' in English?

Answer: Children

'Children' is an irregular plural noun. Unlike regular nouns that add -s or -es, irregular plurals change form entirely (child → children, man → men, woman → women, tooth → teeth).

You hear an announcement at a train station: 'The 14:32 service to Edinburgh Waverley is delayed by approximately 25 minutes. This is due to a points failure at York. We apologise for the inconvenience.' When should you now expect the train?

Answer: At approximately 14:57

The original departure time of 14:32 plus a 25-minute delay gives an expected time of approximately 14:57.

Which sentence is correct?

Answer: Despite the rain, they enjoyed the trip.

'Despite' is followed directly by a noun or noun phrase — not 'of'. 'Despite the rain' is correct. 'Despite of' is a common error.

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'She was ___ that she had passed her driving test.'

Answer: Delighted

'Delighted' is the adjective used to describe a person's feeling of great pleasure. 'Delightful' describes something that causes delight, not a person's feeling.

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?

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.

Which sentence is correct?

Answer: He doesn't know where the keys are.

In embedded questions (questions within sentences), we use the normal word order: subject + verb. 'Where the keys are' is correct, not 'where are the keys'.

Which of the following correctly describes the system of government in the UK?

Answer: A constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy

The UK is a constitutional monarchy — the monarch is head of state — and a parliamentary democracy, where the elected Parliament holds legislative power.

He ______ a mistake on his visa application form and had to resubmit it.

Answer: made

'Make a mistake' is the correct collocation; 'make' is always paired with 'mistake' when referring to an error.