Listening B1: Language Proficiency Level

Listening B1

Purpose and Description

• Listening B1 is a level of language proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• It is an intermediate level, above A2 and below B2
• At this level, learners can understand and engage in conversations, listen to various spoken materials, and identify main ideas and supporting details

Characteristics

• Can understand:
  • Familiar spoken language, including everyday conversations and some formal discussions
  • Radio and TV programs, including news, interviews, and discussions
  • Audio and video recordings, including lectures, presentations, and announcements
• Can identify:
  • Main ideas and supporting details in conversations and spoken materials
  • Attitudes, emotions, and opinions expressed by speakers
  • The purpose and tone of spoken language

Strategies and Techniques

• Use of context to aid understanding
• Recognition of key words and phrases
• Ability to follow a conversation or discussion, even if not all words are understood
• Use of visual and non-verbal cues to support understanding

Typical Tasks and Activities

• Listening to conversations and discussions on familiar topics
• Watching TV programs, videos, or films with subtitles
• Listening to podcasts, radio shows, or audio books
• Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and speakers' attitudes or opinions
• Taking notes or summarizing what has been heard

Language Features

• Vocabulary:
  • Familiar words and phrases, including idiomatic expressions
  • Some specialized vocabulary, such as technical terms or jargon
• Grammar and sentence structure:
  • Simple and complex sentences
  • Conditional tenses and subjunctive mood
• Pronunciation:
  • Accents and intonation patterns
  • Rhythm and stress patterns

Tips and Recommendations

• Practice active listening to improve comprehension
• Focus on understanding main ideas and supporting details
• Use visual and non-verbal cues to aid understanding
• Take notes or summarize what has been heard to improve retention
• Listen to a variety of spoken materials to improve vocabulary and grammar understanding

Listening B1

Purpose and Description

• Listening B1 is an intermediate level of language proficiency in the CEFR, above A2 and below B2.
• At this level, learners can understand and engage in conversations, listen to various spoken materials, and identify main ideas and supporting details.

Characteristics

• Can understand familiar spoken language, including everyday conversations and some formal discussions.
• Can understand radio and TV programs, including news, interviews, and discussions.
• Can understand audio and video recordings, including lectures, presentations, and announcements.
• Can identify main ideas and supporting details in conversations and spoken materials.
• Can identify attitudes, emotions, and opinions expressed by speakers.
• Can identify the purpose and tone of spoken language.

Strategies and Techniques

• Using context to aid understanding.
• Recognizing key words and phrases.
• Ability to follow a conversation or discussion, even if not all words are understood.
• Using visual and non-verbal cues to support understanding.

Typical Tasks and Activities

• Listening to conversations and discussions on familiar topics.
• Watching TV programs, videos, or films with subtitles.
• Listening to podcasts, radio shows, or audio books.
• Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and speakers' attitudes or opinions.
• Taking notes or summarizing what has been heard.

Language Features

• Familiar words and phrases, including idiomatic expressions.
• Some specialized vocabulary, such as technical terms or jargon.
• Simple and complex sentences.
• Conditional tenses and subjunctive mood.
• Accents and intonation patterns.
• Rhythm and stress patterns.

Tips and Recommendations

• Practice active listening to improve comprehension.
• Focus on understanding main ideas and supporting details.
• Use visual and non-verbal cues to aid understanding.
• Take notes or summarize what has been heard to improve retention.
• Listen to a variety of spoken materials to improve vocabulary and grammar understanding.