B1 English Speaking Scenarios 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You need to call in sick to work. Which message is most appropriate for a B1 speaker to leave on your manager's voicemail?
- 'Hi, I'm sick. Bye.'
- '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)
- 'I am telephoning to formally notify you of my incapacity to fulfil my contractual obligations today.'
- 'Not coming in. Feel terrible.'
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 2: 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)
- 'Please furnish me with a comprehensive assessment of my child's linguistic development.'
- 'She says she doesn't like English. What are you doing about it?'
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 3: You're at a Citizens Advice Bureau explaining a problem with a faulty product. Which explanation best demonstrates B1 ability?
- 'Thing broken. Want money back.'
- '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)
- 'The appliance I procured has ceased functioning within the statutory cooling-off period and the retailer is repudiating liability.'
- '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 4: Your neighbour's music is too loud late at night. How should a B1 speaker address this?
- 'Music loud. Stop please.'
- 'Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but the music has been quite loud for the last couple of hours and it's difficult for my children to sleep. Would you mind turning it down after 10pm?' (Correct answer)
- 'I shall be compelled to lodge a formal noise abatement complaint with the local authority.'
- 'If you don't stop, I'm calling the police.'
Correct answer: 'Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but the music has been quite loud for the last couple of hours and it's difficult for my children to sleep. Would you mind turning it down after 10pm?'
This approach is polite, explains the impact (children sleeping), specifies the problem (loudness and duration), and makes a reasonable request — all characteristic of effective B1 communication.
Question 5: During the B1 speaking test, the examiner asks you to describe a memorable journey. Which response shows B1 competence?
- 'I went to London. It was nice.'
- 'Last summer, I took the train from Manchester to London with my family. The journey took about two hours and we saw some beautiful countryside on the way. When we arrived, we visited the Natural History Museum, which my children really enjoyed. It was a great day out.' (Correct answer)
- 'My most indelible peregrination was an odyssey to the nation's capital via rail conveyance.'
- 'I don't really travel much so I can't answer that.'
Correct answer: 'Last summer, I took the train from Manchester to London with my family. The journey took about two hours and we saw some beautiful countryside on the way. When we arrived, we visited the Natural History Museum, which my children really enjoyed. It was a great day out.'
This response provides a clear narrative with details about when, where, how, and what happened, uses past tenses correctly, and includes personal reactions — all key B1 speaking criteria.
Question 6: 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.
B1 English Speaking Scenarios 2
You need to call in sick to work.
Which message is most appropriate for a B1 speaker to leave on your manager's voicemail?