Turn up
Listen once, then type what you hear.
0:00
Read the transcript
You completed the real listening sample. Open the lesson to continue.
B1 English listening exercises
Follow a short everyday situation, then listen again for the words you missed. Start with a recording below or choose a B1 lesson from the library.
Try a short recording
The first dictation is free to try without an account. Choose an available accent, listen and type the words you hear.
Choose a starting lesson
Start with arrival and meeting phrases. Open Turn up for different meanings, Bump into for an unexpected meeting, or Head back for returning somewhere. These are starting suggestions, not a placement test.
Turn upA late guest can turn up at your door, lost keys can turn up under a sofa, and you can turn up the heating. Context separates arrival, discovery and a higher level.Bump intoIf you bump into an old friend, you meet unexpectedly. If you bump into a table, the surprise may hurt a little more.Head backYou have enjoyed the walk, but it is getting dark. Saying we should head back signals that it is time to start returning, not that you are already home.
What to focus on at B1
Listen for who is speaking, what happened and the main action. On the next replay, check small words around the verb. In turn up and bump into, the whole phrase carries the meaning.
After you check your answer
After checking your answer, explain the sentence in your own words. If most of it is unfamiliar, read the meaning first and return to the recording. If you understood it, replay once at normal speed before moving on.
Take after
You may have your father's smile but your grandmother's patience. When a family similarity comes from an older relative, you can say you take after that person.
Start listening
Take it easy
Take it easy means to rest and avoid hard effort. It means to calm down and stop worrying. It also means goodbye between friends.
Start listening
Take part in
You can watch a race from the side, or you can enter it and take part. The phrase means joining the activity, not simply being nearby.
Start listening
Talk into
You may not plan to join a trip, but a friend's reasons can change your mind. If the conversation persuades you, your friend talks you into going.
Start listening
There was or there were: how to choose
Start listening
Third conditional: explanation and examples
You missed one train and arrived after the interview began. How do you imagine the version of yesterday that never happened?
Start listening
Till or Until: Choose the Right Word
Start listening
Took or have taken? Choose the form for your message
Start listening
Train platform change
A station announcement contains a destination, an original time, a delay, and a new platform. Which details describe the train now?
Start listening
Transferring a ticket
The ticket is transferable, but forwarding the email is not enough. What must the buyer change by five on Friday?
Start listening
Turn down
You can turn down a job because it is unsuitable, or turn down the music because it is too loud. One reduces an opportunity; the other reduces a level.
Start listening
Turn out
A difficult recipe can turn out well, and a rumour can turn out to be false. The phrase often reveals a final result that was uncertain or surprising.
Start listening
Turn up
A late guest can turn up at your door, lost keys can turn up under a sofa, and you can turn up the heating. Context separates arrival, discovery and a higher level.
Start listening
Understanding an indirect refusal
A colleague says your invitation sounds lovely, then mentions a family commitment and suggests another week. Did they accept or decline?
Start listening
Unusual names
People with uncommon names repeat louder sound parts to clarify them socially or use short nicknames to make phone bookings faster.
Start listening
Up to or upto: Which Is Correct?
Start listening
Using Commas: Where Commas Belong
Start listening
Using Like and As for Clear English Comparisons
Start listening
Volunteer arrival instructions
Volunteers enter through one gate, register at a tent and then split into two teams. Can you put the instructions in order?
Start listening
Weather-dependent plans
Two friends want a picnic, but the forecast may change. What will they do in each possible weather condition?
Start listening
When or if: Choosing the Right Word
Start listening
When to Use The: Practical English Rules
Start listening
Whenever or When Ever: One Word or Two?
Start listening
Who Said What? Passing On a Message
Start listeningBefore you begin
Is this a CEFR level test?
No. These lessons are grouped by their catalogue level. Use the examples and recordings to judge what you need to practice; completing a lesson does not certify your level.
Can I slow down the recording?
Yes. Use the slower playback control when you need another listen, then return to normal speed when you can follow the sentence.
Is every activity free?
The first guided dictation in each lesson is available as a free sample. Other activities may require membership. The lesson shows what is available before you start.
