Turn up
Listen once, then type what you hear.
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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.
Collective nouns: choose the right group
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Come across
You may come across an old photograph, come across as confident, or make sure your main idea comes across clearly.
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Come down with
A scratchy throat and sudden tiredness may make you say, I think I am coming down with something.
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Come up with
When a problem needs a plan, a name or some money, someone has to come up with what is missing.
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Common English idioms: everyday listening guide
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Concrete nouns: simple rules and examples
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Conditionals
When you say, "If I have time," are you describing a real possibility or only imagining a different life?
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Confirming an appointment
A receptionist corrects the weekday and asks you to arrive before the appointment time. Can you record both times without mixing them up?
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Could, would, or should: choose the right verb
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Count on
When a plan depends on a reliable person or an expected event, you are counting on them.
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Course feedback
The speaker liked the practical work but still recommends a change. Is the feedback positive, negative or mixed?
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Cut corners: avoid harmful shortcuts
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Cut down
You can cut down on coffee, cut a report down to one page, or cut down a damaged tree.
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Cut off
A failed signal can cut off a call, while deep snow can cut off an entire village.
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Daytime or day time: choose the right spelling
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Deer or deers: how to choose
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Delayed luggage
The suitcase missed one flight, reached another airport and has not yet arrived at the hotel. Which location describes its current position?
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Delayed train announcement
A platform number changes, one train is delayed, and another connection may be missed. Which instruction belongs to which passenger?
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Delexical Verbs: Natural Verb Noun Pairs
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Delivery voicemail corrections
A courier leaves two similar times and corrects one digit in a reference number. Which details should you write down?
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Describing lost property
Several similar bags have been found. Which combination of colour, material, contents, and location identifies the caller's bag?
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Discuss or discuss about: Which is correct?
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Do languages have articles: a B1 guide
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Do up
Before leaving a renovated house for a party, you might do up your coat and do up a present.
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.
