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CEFR B1 · INTERMEDIATE

English at B1, the intermediate level.

B1 is where English becomes useful for independent travel and work.

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Can-do lines from the Council of Europe's own grid

CEFR B1, Intermediate

Band B · Independent user

active words
~2,000
guided hours from zero
350–400
IELTS band
4.0–5.0

The words are a typical estimate and the hours a commonly cited range, not a Carna measurement. The IELTS band is a comparison, not a conversion.

The step, with its neighbours

  1. A2, Elementary: 180–200 guided hours
  2. B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
  3. B2, Upper-Intermediate: 500–600 guided hours
Next: B2 · Upper-Intermediate

— WHAT YOU CAN DO

What B1 lets you do.

The CEFR describes B1 in “can-do” terms: what you are able to do with the language in each mode, not what you know about it. These lines follow the Council of Europe's self-assessment grid.

  1. Listening

    Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters at work, school and leisure, and follow TV programmes and films on topics you know when the delivery is slow and clear.

  2. Reading

    Understand texts written mostly in everyday or job-related language, and the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

  3. Speaking

    Deal with most situations that come up while travelling in an English-speaking area, join unprepared conversations on familiar topics, and describe experiences, events, dreams and ambitions while briefly giving reasons and explanations.

  4. Writing

    Write simple connected text on familiar topics or topics of personal interest, and personal letters that describe experiences and impressions.

— WHERE B1 SITS

B1 on the scale.

Each bar is the commonly cited guided-hour range to reach a level, counted from zero, so every level includes the hours before it. B1 keeps its colour; open any step for its guide.

Guided learning hours to reach each level, cumulative
  1. A1, Beginner: 90–100 guided hours
  2. A2, Elementary: 180–200 guided hours
  3. B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
  4. B2, Upper-Intermediate: 500–600 guided hours
  5. C1, Advanced: 700–800 guided hours
  6. C2, Proficient: 1,000+ guided hours

Commonly cited guided-learning-hour ranges, not a Carna measurement. Open a level for what it means in practice.

— IN CARNA TODAY

The same scale, on the screen.

Carna for Schools runs on the CEFR scale today: assigned work shows its level on the card, and so do the books in the student's library. The individual tutor is in early access.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Every card names its level.

    A student's Learn screen lists what the teacher assigned, soonest due first, each module with its CEFR level on the cover.

    A student's Learn screen in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the courses, levels and dates are demo data.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Books with their level on the cover.

    The readers a school publishes carry their CEFR level on the cover, so reading practice can stay at the rung a student is on.

    A student's Library in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the books and levels are demo data.

Book a demo See Carna for Schools

— FIND YOUR LEVEL

Not sure where you stand?

A placement test scores each skill separately, because reading and speaking are rarely at the same level. Carna Test is the assessment platform from Carna, on its own site.

Also from Carna

Carna Test

A three-section placement test (CPT) and a five-section adaptive test with speaking and writing (CAET), on carnatest.com.

Find your level on carnatest.com (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

Questions about B1.

How long it takes, what it lets you do, and how B1 compares.

How long does it take to reach B1?

B1 typically takes around 350 to 400 cumulative guided hours. It is a larger jump than the earlier levels, which is why many learners feel progress slow down here.

What can I do at B1 level?

At B1 you can travel independently in English-speaking areas, produce connected text on familiar topics, describe experiences, and give reasons for your opinions.

Why do so many learners get stuck at B1?

B1 demands a big jump in vocabulary and the ability to sustain a conversation, while progress becomes harder to see. Targeted practice on the skills that lag, rather than more of the same, is what usually breaks the plateau.

EARLY ACCESS

Want this level taught?

Carna's personal tutor is still on its way, so there is no individual sign-up yet. Join the early-access list and we will write to you when it opens. Schools and teams run on Carna today.

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