B1 English Test (SELT) – UK Visa & Citizenship — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An email from your child's school reads: 'Please note that the school will be closed on Friday 21st March for an INSET day. Normal service resumes on Monday 24th March.' What is an INSET day?

A day for parents to visit the school
A teacher training day when pupils do not attend (Correct answer)
A day when the school building is being inspected
An extra bank holiday for schools only

Correct answer: A teacher training day when pupils do not attend

INSET (In-Service Education and Training) days are designated for teacher professional development. Pupils do not attend school on these days.

Question 2: You hear a voicemail: 'Hi, this is a message for James. It's Dr Ahmed's surgery calling. Your appointment has been changed to Friday at half past ten. Please call us if this doesn't suit you.' What day is the new appointment?

Friday (Correct answer)
Wednesday
Monday
Thursday

Correct answer: Friday

The voicemail clearly states the appointment has been moved to Friday.

Question 3: Which of the following is the correct way to end a formal letter when you began with 'Dear Mr Smith'?

Yours faithfully
Kind regards
Best wishes
Yours sincerely (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yours sincerely

When you know the person's name and use it (Dear Mr Smith), you close with 'Yours sincerely'. 'Yours faithfully' is used when you write 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Question 4: A friend asks you to write a short note explaining you will be 30 minutes late to meet them. Which note is most appropriate?

Dear Maria, I regret to inform you I shall be delayed by approximately thirty minutes.
Hi Maria, I'm so sorry but I'm going to be about 30 minutes late. I'll explain when I get there. See you soon! (Correct answer)
Maria, late. 30 min.
Maria — can't make it on time, might be late, not sure how long.

Correct answer: Hi Maria, I'm so sorry but I'm going to be about 30 minutes late. I'll explain when I get there. See you soon!

An informal note to a friend should be friendly, clear and give the key information. The first option is appropriately informal but still clear.

Question 5: Which word means the same as 'to choose'?

Correct
Collect
Select (Correct answer)
Connect

Correct answer: Select

'Select' means to carefully choose from a range of options. It is a synonym of 'choose'.

Question 6: What is a National Insurance (NI) number used for in the UK?

To open a bank account
To prove your identity when travelling abroad
To register your car with the DVLA
To track your tax and National Insurance contributions and access government services like benefits and pensions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To track your tax and National Insurance contributions and access government services like benefits and pensions

Your NI number is a unique personal reference used by HMRC and the DWP to track your tax payments, National Insurance contributions, and eligibility for state benefits and the state pension.

Question 7: Choose the best word: 'Could you please ___ this parcel for me while I am away?'

Look into
Look for
Look after (Correct answer)
Look up

Correct answer: Look after

'Look after' means to take care of something. 'Look for' means to search. 'Look into' means to investigate. 'Look up' means to search for information.

Question 8: Choose the correct sentence: Which option uses the present perfect tense correctly?

'I am living in London since three years.'
'I live in London for three years ago.'
'I have lived in London since three years.'
'I have lived in London for three years.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'I have lived in London for three years.'

'For' is used with the present perfect to indicate duration (for three years), while 'since' is used with a specific point in time (since 2023). 'For three years' is the correct form here.

Question 9: She ______ an appointment with the immigration office for Monday morning.

did
made (Correct answer)
had
took

Correct answer: made

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

Question 10: What should you do if you experience or witness a hate crime in the UK?

Ignore it as nothing can be done
Only report it if physical violence is involved
Report it to the police by calling 101 for non-emergency or 999 in an emergency, or report online through True Vision (Correct answer)
Post about it on social media to raise awareness

Correct answer: Report it to the police by calling 101 for non-emergency or 999 in an emergency, or report online through True Vision

Hate crimes should be reported to the police (101 non-emergency, 999 emergency) or through third-party reporting services like True Vision. All hate crimes are taken seriously, whether verbal, physical, or online.

Question 11: 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.'
'I don't have free time because I'm always working.'
'I partake in various recreational endeavours encompassing culinary arts and perambulatory excursions.'
'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)

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.

Question 12: During a phone call with your energy supplier, you hear: 'Your current tariff ends on the 15th of next month. If you don't switch, you'll be moved to our standard variable rate, which is currently 28p per kWh.' What will happen if you take no action?

You will be placed on a more expensive standard rate (Correct answer)
You will automatically get a cheaper deal
Your energy supply will be cut off
Your tariff will continue at the same price

Correct answer: You will be placed on a more expensive standard rate

Standard variable rates are typically more expensive than fixed tariffs. The supplier is warning that without action, you'll move to this higher rate automatically.

Question 13: You need to make a complaint at a restaurant because your food order is wrong. Which response is most appropriate at B1 level?

'Wrong food. Change it.'
'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?' (Correct answer)
'This is wholly unacceptable and I demand immediate rectification of this culinary error.'
'It doesn't matter, I'll just eat whatever this is.'

Correct 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?'

This complaint is polite but clear, identifies the specific error, references the original order, and makes a reasonable request — demonstrating confident B1 communication in everyday situations.

Question 14: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'The weather ___ will be warm and sunny this weekend.'

Prediction
Forecast (Correct answer)
News
Report

Correct answer: Forecast

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

Question 15: The training session was extremely ______ for developing new workplace skills.

benefit
benefited
benefiting
beneficial (Correct answer)

Correct answer: beneficial

'Beneficial' is the adjective form of 'benefit,' meaning producing positive effects or advantages.

Question 16: You need to call in sick to work. Which message is most appropriate for a B1 speaker to leave on your manager's voicemail?

'Not coming in. Feel terrible.'
'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.' (Correct answer)
'Hi, I'm sick. Bye.'
'I am telephoning to formally notify you of my incapacity to fulfil my contractual obligations today.'

Correct 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.'

This voicemail identifies who it's for, explains the reason clearly, gives an expected return date, and apologises — a well-structured B1-level communication.

Question 17: 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.'
'I don't want to talk about it.'
'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.'

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 18: Choose the correct word: 'The shop assistant was very ___ and helped me find what I needed.'

Helpful (Correct answer)
Helping
Helpfully
Help

Correct answer: Helpful

After 'was very', an adjective is needed. 'Helpful' is the correct adjective form. 'Helping' and 'help' are verb forms; 'helpfully' is an adverb.

Question 19: 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.'
'My old doctor was better. Do I have to give you all this information?'
'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.'

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 20: I need to ______ a decision about which English course to enrol on.

do
make (Correct answer)
have
take

Correct answer: make

'Make a decision' is the correct collocation; 'make' is typically paired with nouns describing choices or conclusions.

Question 21: A workplace memo states: 'All staff must complete the mandatory fire safety training by 31st March. Failure to complete the training may result in disciplinary action.' What does 'mandatory' mean here?

The training replaces the fire drill this year
The training is compulsory and must be completed (Correct answer)
Only managers need to complete the training
The training is optional but recommended

Correct answer: The training is compulsory and must be completed

'Mandatory' means required or compulsory. The memo reinforces this by warning of disciplinary action for non-completion, confirming it is not optional.

Question 22: In the B1 writing exam, you must write about 'A place you enjoy visiting.' Which paragraph structure is most appropriate?

List bullet points about the place
Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought (Correct answer)
Write everything in one long paragraph without any breaks
Write three unconnected sentences about different places

Correct answer: Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought

B1 writing should demonstrate the ability to organise text logically with an introduction, development, and conclusion. This shows coherent, connected writing at the expected level.

Question 23: A recorded message at your dentist says: 'If you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment, please give at least 24 hours' notice. A charge of £25 may apply for missed appointments or late cancellations.' What could happen if you don't attend without calling?

Nothing, dental appointments are always free
You will be permanently removed from the dental register
You might be charged £25 for missing the appointment (Correct answer)
Your next appointment will be free as compensation

Correct answer: You might be charged £25 for missing the appointment

The message clearly states a £25 charge may apply for missed appointments or late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice).

Question 24: You hear at a station: 'We apologise for the disruption to services on the Northern line this evening due to a signal failure at Euston. We expect services to resume at around seven thirty.' What caused the delays?

Staff shortage
A signal failure (Correct answer)
Engineering works
An accident

Correct answer: A signal failure

The announcement states the disruption is due to a signal failure at Euston.

Question 25: A leaflet from the NHS states: 'If you have symptoms of flu, do not visit your GP surgery. Instead, contact NHS 111 for advice or visit www.nhs.uk. Call 999 only in a life-threatening emergency.' According to this leaflet, what should you do first if you have flu symptoms?

Contact NHS 111 by phone or check the NHS website (Correct answer)
Call 999 for an ambulance
Go directly to A&E at your nearest hospital
Visit your GP surgery for an appointment

Correct answer: Contact NHS 111 by phone or check the NHS website

The leaflet explicitly states not to visit your GP and instead to contact NHS 111 or the NHS website. 999 is reserved for life-threatening emergencies only.

Question 26: At a parent's evening, you want to ask about your child's progress in English. Which question demonstrates B1 speaking ability?

'Is my child OK?'
'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?' (Correct answer)
'She says she doesn't like English. What are you doing about it?'
'Please furnish me with a comprehensive assessment of my child's linguistic development.'

Correct 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?'

This question asks about specific skills (reading and writing), requests actionable advice, and offers parental involvement — showing the structured, purposeful communication expected at B1.

Question 27: Which word best completes this sentence? 'You must show a valid ___ to enter the building.'

Identifying
Identification (Correct answer)
Identity
Identified

Correct answer: Identification

'Identification' (often shortened to ID) is the noun used to describe documents that prove who you are. The other forms are grammatically incorrect in this context.

Question 28: You're at a Citizens Advice Bureau explaining a problem with a faulty product. Which explanation best demonstrates B1 ability?

'The appliance I procured has ceased functioning within the statutory cooling-off period and the retailer is repudiating liability.'
'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.' (Correct answer)
'Thing broken. Want money back.'
'The shop is useless. They never help anyone.'

Correct 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.'

This explanation describes the problem chronologically, states what action was taken, what the response was, and what help is needed — clear B1-level narration and problem-solving.

Question 29: Which of the following correctly describes the system of government in the UK?

A federal state with a written constitution
An absolute monarchy governed by the Crown alone
A constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy (Correct answer)
A republic with a directly elected president

Correct 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.

Question 30: Which word is the opposite of 'expensive'?

Cheap (Correct answer)
Reasonable
Free
Affordable

Correct answer: Cheap

The direct opposite of expensive is cheap, meaning costing little money. While 'free', 'reasonable' and 'affordable' relate to cost, cheap is the clearest antonym.

Question 31: In formal UK English writing, which sign-off is most appropriate when you know the recipient's name?

'Yours sincerely, John Smith' (Correct answer)
'Best, John'
'Cheers, John'
'Yours faithfully, John Smith'

Correct answer: 'Yours sincerely, John Smith'

In British formal writing convention, 'Yours sincerely' is used when you know the recipient's name (Dear Mr/Mrs...). 'Yours faithfully' is used when you don't know the name (Dear Sir/Madam).

Question 32: Which phrase means 'to become friends with someone'?

Get away with
Get on with (Correct answer)
Get up to
Get through to

Correct answer: Get on with

'Get on with someone' means to have a friendly relationship with them. The other phrases have different meanings: get away with (avoid punishment), get through to (contact someone).

Question 33: Which of the following correctly starts a formal letter of complaint?

I want to complain about something that happened.
I am writing to complain about the service I received on 12 March. (Correct answer)
This is to tell you I am not happy.
Hi, I had a bad experience and want to talk about it.

Correct answer: I am writing to complain about the service I received on 12 March.

A formal complaint letter should state its purpose clearly in the first sentence using formal language. The first option does this accurately and politely.

Question 34: You need to fill in a form at your child's school. The form asks for 'Emergency Contact Details.' Which information would be most appropriate to provide?

Your home address and the date you moved in
Your child's favourite teacher's name
The name, relationship, and phone number of someone who can be reached if you are unavailable (Correct answer)
Your email address and social media profiles

Correct answer: The name, relationship, and phone number of someone who can be reached if you are unavailable

Emergency contact details should include a trusted person (name and relationship) with a working phone number who can be reached if the parent or guardian is unavailable during an emergency.

Question 35: You need to explain to your child's teacher why your child was absent. Which response is most appropriate?

'Child sick. Sorry.'
'It is none of your concern why my child was not present.'
'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)
'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 36: 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?

Payment from local residents
A vote at the next council meeting
200 or more petition signatures before the month ends (Correct answer)
Permission from the school

Correct 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.

Question 37: A landlord leaves a message: 'I just wanted to let you know the boiler engineer will come on Wednesday between nine and twelve. You don't need to be there — I have a spare key.' Does the tenant need to be home?

Yes, they must let the engineer in
Yes, but only for part of the time
No, the landlord has a key (Correct answer)
It is not mentioned

Correct answer: No, the landlord has a key

The landlord says the tenant does not need to be there as he has a spare key.

Question 38: You want to open a bank account. The bank staff asks why you chose their bank. Which is the best B1-level response?

'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)
'My friend said this bank is good.'
'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 39: Your landlord wants to increase your rent. You need to discuss this. Which response best demonstrates B1 speaking ability?

'I refuse. I'll get a solicitor.'
'I acquiesce to your proposed rental increment, though I would appreciate a protracted transitional period.'
'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)
'No. Too much money.'

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 40: His ______ of English improved greatly after moving to the UK.

knowledgeable
knowing
knowledge (Correct answer)
known

Correct answer: knowledge

'Knowledge' is the noun form of 'know,' referring to a person's understanding or information about a subject.

Question 41: You hear: 'The next train to London Victoria will depart from platform seven at quarter past three. This train will call at Gatwick Airport and East Croydon.' Which platform does the train leave from?

Platform seven (Correct answer)
Platform three
Platform five
Platform four

Correct answer: Platform seven

The announcement states the train will depart from platform seven.

Question 42: Which sentence correctly uses a time connective?

After to finish work, I went to the gym.
After finishing work, then went to the gym.
After I finished work, then I went to the gym.
After finishing work, I went to the gym. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: After finishing work, I went to the gym.

'After + gerund (finishing)' followed by a main clause is correct. Using both 'after' and 'then' is redundant. The infinitive 'to finish' after 'after' is incorrect.

Question 43: You need to write a note to your child's teacher explaining a dental appointment. Which version is most appropriate at B1 level?

'James is leaving at 2. Thanks.'
'I must regretfully inform you that my progeny will be absenting himself from the educational establishment.'
'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.' (Correct answer)
'Dentist. Back later.'

Correct answer: 'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.'

This note uses appropriate formality, provides all necessary details (who, what, when), explains the plan (collection and return), and closes politely — exemplary B1 written communication.

Question 44: He ______ on very well with his new neighbours from the start.

came
got (Correct answer)
went
made

Correct answer: got

'Get on well with' is the standard collocation meaning to have a friendly or positive relationship with someone.

Question 45: During a work meeting, your manager says: 'Going forward, all overtime must be pre-approved by your line manager. Any overtime worked without prior authorisation will not be paid.' What is the new policy?

Overtime is no longer available to any staff
Overtime pay rates have been increased
You can work overtime and claim payment afterwards
You must get permission before working any overtime hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You must get permission before working any overtime hours

'Pre-approved' and 'prior authorisation' both mean you need permission before the overtime happens. Without it, you won't be paid for extra hours.

Question 46: What is the NHS?

The National Housing Service, managing social housing
The National Helpline Service for emergencies
The National Higher Schools qualification system
The National Health Service, providing free healthcare to UK residents (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The National Health Service, providing free healthcare to UK residents

The NHS (National Health Service) was established in 1948 and provides healthcare that is free at the point of use to all UK residents.

Question 47: A teacher says: 'For homework, I'd like you to read pages forty to fifty-five and answer the three questions at the end of the chapter. This is due next Tuesday.' How many questions must students answer?

Ten
Five
Three (Correct answer)
Fifteen

Correct answer: Three

The teacher says students must answer the three questions at the end of the chapter.

Question 48: You receive a letter from your local council: 'Your Council Tax band has been reassessed following recent property improvements. You have 28 days to appeal this decision.' What should you do if you disagree?

Stop paying Council Tax immediately
Move to a different property to avoid the change
Ignore the letter as Council Tax bands never change
Contact the council within 28 days to challenge the reassessment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Contact the council within 28 days to challenge the reassessment

The letter gives a clear 28-day window to appeal. If you disagree with the reassessment, you must act within this timeframe to formally challenge the decision.

Question 49: A letter from HMRC reads: 'Your tax code for the year 2025-26 is 1257L. This means you can earn £12,570 before paying Income Tax. If you believe this is incorrect, contact us within 30 days.' What does the tax code 1257L represent?

Your National Insurance contribution rate
The amount of tax you must pay this year
Your personal tax-free allowance for the year (Correct answer)
The total income HMRC expects you to earn

Correct answer: Your personal tax-free allowance for the year

The letter explains that 1257L means you can earn £12,570 before paying tax — this is your personal allowance, the amount of income that is tax-free.

Question 50: What is the name of the document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of those who wish to become British citizens or permanent residents?

The British Nationality Act
The Naturalisation Guide
Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (Correct answer)
The Citizenship Handbook

Correct answer: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents

'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents' is the official handbook for the Life in the UK test, required for settlement or naturalisation.

Question 51: At a pharmacy, the pharmacist tells you: 'This antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before food or two hours after. Complete the full course even if you feel better.' Why must you finish all the tablets?

Because unused tablets cannot be returned for a refund
To prevent the infection from returning and reduce antibiotic resistance (Correct answer)
So your doctor can prescribe a different antibiotic next time
Because the pharmacist needs to sell the full box

Correct answer: To prevent the infection from returning and reduce antibiotic resistance

Completing a full course of antibiotics ensures the infection is fully treated. Stopping early can allow bacteria to survive and develop resistance, making future infections harder to treat.

B1 English Test (SELT) – UK Visa & Citizenship

The B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required by UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship applications. Approved providers are Trinity College London (GESE Grade 5 / ISE I) and IELTS Life Skills B1, testing speaking, listening, reading, and writing at CEFR B1 level.

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60 min

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