B1 English Test (SELT) – UK Visa & Citizenship — Questions and Answers

Question 1: His ______ of English improved greatly after moving to the UK.

knowing
known
knowledgeable
knowledge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: knowledge

'Knowledge' is the noun form of 'know,' referring to a person's understanding or information about a subject.

Question 2: Which of the following is the correct way to write a UK date in a formal letter?

20 March 2026 (Correct answer)
March 20th, 2026
03/20/2026
2026-03-20

Correct answer: 20 March 2026

In British English formal writing, the standard date format is day-month-year: '20 March 2026'. The US format (month/day/year) and ISO format are not standard in UK formal letters.

Question 3: Read the sentence: 'The library opens at nine in the morning and closes at eight in the evening on weekdays.' When does the library close on a weekday?

At six in the evening
At nine in the morning
At five in the afternoon
At eight in the evening (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At eight in the evening

The sentence clearly states the library closes at eight in the evening on weekdays.

Question 4: You need to register with a new GP surgery. The receptionist asks about your medical history. Which response is most appropriate at B1 level?

'I have previously been diagnosed with hypertension and have a documented anaphylactic reaction to penicillin-based antibiotics.'
'I am ill. Doctor please.'
'I'd like to register as a new patient. I have a few ongoing conditions — I take medication for high blood pressure and I'm allergic to penicillin.' (Correct answer)
'My old doctor was better. Do I have to give you all this information?'

Correct answer: 'I'd like to register as a new patient. I have a few ongoing conditions — I take medication for high blood pressure and I'm allergic to penicillin.'

This response demonstrates B1-level competence: it states the purpose clearly, provides relevant medical details, and uses appropriate everyday vocabulary without being too basic or overly technical.

Question 5: You need to explain to your child's teacher why your child was absent. Which response is most appropriate?

'Child sick. Sorry.'
'It is none of your concern why my child was not present.'
'My offspring was incapacitated with a gastrointestinal affliction necessitating a period of domestic convalescence.'
'I'm sorry my son was away last week. He had a stomach bug and the doctor advised keeping him at home for 48 hours. He's feeling much better now and ready to come back.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'I'm sorry my son was away last week. He had a stomach bug and the doctor advised keeping him at home for 48 hours. He's feeling much better now and ready to come back.'

This response apologises, gives a clear medical reason, mentions professional advice, provides an update, and confirms readiness to return — all hallmarks of competent B1 communication.

Question 6: You need to write a note to your child's teacher explaining a dental appointment. Which version is most appropriate at B1 level?

'I must regretfully inform you that my progeny will be absenting himself from the educational establishment.'
'Dentist. Back later.'
'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.' (Correct answer)
'James is leaving at 2. Thanks.'

Correct answer: 'Dear Mrs Clarke, please could you excuse James from school this afternoon? He has a dental appointment at 2:30pm. I will collect him from reception at 2:15pm and return him to school afterwards if possible. Kind regards, Sarah Ahmed.'

This note uses appropriate formality, provides all necessary details (who, what, when), explains the plan (collection and return), and closes politely — exemplary B1 written communication.

Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a modal verb to give advice?

'You must to see a doctor about that cough.'
'You can to see a doctor about that cough.'
'You should see a doctor about that cough.' (Correct answer)
'You would see a doctor about that cough.'

Correct answer: 'You should see a doctor about that cough.'

'Should' is the correct modal verb for giving advice. Modal verbs are followed directly by the base form of the verb (see), never by 'to' + verb.

Question 8: How often are UK general elections normally held?

Every four years
Every six years
Every five years (Correct answer)
Every three years

Correct answer: Every five years

Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, UK general elections were held every five years. While that Act was later repealed, five years remains the maximum term between elections.

Question 9: You need to make a complaint at a restaurant because your food order is wrong. Which response is most appropriate at B1 level?

'This is wholly unacceptable and I demand immediate rectification of this culinary error.'
'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)
'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.

Question 10: You want to open a bank account. The bank staff asks why you chose their bank. Which is the best B1-level response?

'I don't know, I just walked in.'
'My friend said this bank is good.'
'I chose your bank because my colleague recommended it. I've also looked at your savings accounts online and the interest rates seem competitive compared to other banks.' (Correct answer)
'I require a fiscal repository with competitive APR yields.'

Correct answer: 'I chose your bank because my colleague recommended it. I've also looked at your savings accounts online and the interest rates seem competitive compared to other banks.'

This response gives a personal reason (colleague's recommendation), shows research (looked online), and makes a comparison — demonstrating the analytical and communicative skills expected at B1.

Question 11: Which sentence uses paragraphing correctly in a short formal email?

State your purpose in the first paragraph, give details in the second, and close politely in the third. (Correct answer)
Begin with your conclusion and work backwards to the background.
Write everything in one long paragraph to keep it simple.
Use bullet points throughout instead of paragraphs.

Correct answer: State your purpose in the first paragraph, give details in the second, and close politely in the third.

A well-structured formal email has an opening paragraph for purpose, a middle paragraph for detail, and a closing paragraph. This is the expected B1+ writing structure.

Question 12: Which word best completes this sentence? 'You must show a valid ___ to enter the building.'

Identity
Identifying
Identification (Correct answer)
Identified

Correct answer: Identification

'Identification' (often shortened to ID) is the noun used to describe documents that prove who you are. The other forms are grammatically incorrect in this context.

Question 13: You hear a voicemail: 'Hi, this is a message for James. It's Dr Ahmed's surgery calling. Your appointment has been changed to Friday at half past ten. Please call us if this doesn't suit you.' What day is the new appointment?

Wednesday
Thursday
Friday (Correct answer)
Monday

Correct answer: Friday

The voicemail clearly states the appointment has been moved to Friday.

Question 14: Which language is mainly spoken in Wales alongside English?

Cornish
Gaelic
Manx
Welsh (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Welsh

Welsh (Cymraeg) is an official language of Wales and is spoken by around a fifth of the population. It is widely used in schools, public services and media in Wales.

Question 15: At a job interview, the interviewer says: 'We offer 28 days' annual leave including bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme, and after a qualifying period of six months, private health insurance.' When would you become eligible for health insurance?

After six months of employment (Correct answer)
After your probation period ends
Immediately when you start the job
After one full year of service

Correct answer: After six months of employment

The interviewer specifies a 'qualifying period of six months' before private health insurance begins. The other benefits (leave and pension) appear to start immediately.

Question 16: The government made several ______ to the benefits system last year.

changeable
changing
changed
changes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: changes

'Changes' is the plural noun form of 'change,' referring to modifications made to a system or policy.

Question 17: 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 18: She had a natural ______ for speaking confidently in public.

able
ably
ability (Correct answer)
abilities

Correct answer: ability

'Ability' is the singular noun form of the adjective 'able,' referring to the skill or capacity to do something.

Question 19: The ______ of new volunteers for the community centre took several weeks.

recruitment (Correct answer)
recruiting
recruited
recruiter

Correct answer: recruitment

'Recruitment' is the noun form of 'recruit,' describing the process of finding and selecting new members or staff.

Question 20: A voicemail from your child's nursery says: 'We're calling to let you know that there have been two confirmed cases of chickenpox in your child's room. Please look out for symptoms including a rash, fever, and tiredness. Keep your child at home if they develop any spots until all blisters have crusted over.' When can your child return if they catch chickenpox?

Once all the blisters have crusted over (Correct answer)
After 24 hours with no fever
Immediately after taking medicine
After a doctor provides a return-to-nursery letter

Correct answer: Once all the blisters have crusted over

The voicemail specifically states to keep your child at home 'until all blisters have crusted over,' which is the standard NHS guidance for chickenpox.

Question 21: In the B1 writing exam, you must write about 'A place you enjoy visiting.' Which paragraph structure is most appropriate?

Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought (Correct answer)
Write everything in one long paragraph without any breaks
Write three unconnected sentences about different places
List bullet points about the place

Correct answer: Start with an introduction about the place, then describe what you do there and why you enjoy it, and finish with a concluding thought

B1 writing should demonstrate the ability to organise text logically with an introduction, development, and conclusion. This shows coherent, connected writing at the expected level.

Question 22: In British English, what does 'queueing' mean?

Waiting in line for your turn (Correct answer)
Asking a question
Searching for information online
Arguing with someone

Correct answer: Waiting in line for your turn

'Queueing' (or 'queuing') means waiting in an orderly line for your turn. The concept of queuing is deeply embedded in British culture and is a frequently tested vocabulary item.

Question 23: Which of the following is the correct way to end a formal letter when you began with 'Dear Mr Smith'?

Kind regards
Yours sincerely (Correct answer)
Yours faithfully
Best wishes

Correct answer: Yours sincerely

When you know the person's name and use it (Dear Mr Smith), you close with 'Yours sincerely'. 'Yours faithfully' is used when you write 'Dear Sir/Madam'.

Question 24: Which sentence uses the passive voice correctly?

'The report was written by the manager.' (Correct answer)
'The report been written by the manager.'
'The report was wrote by the manager.'
'The report is write by the manager.'

Correct answer: 'The report was written by the manager.'

The passive voice is formed with the verb 'to be' + past participle. 'Written' is the correct past participle of 'write.' 'Wrote' is the simple past, not the past participle.

Question 25: Which sentence correctly uses a time connective?

After finishing work, I went to the gym. (Correct answer)
After I finished work, then I went to the gym.
After to finish work, I went to the gym.
After finishing work, then went to the gym.

Correct answer: After finishing work, I went to the gym.

'After + gerund (finishing)' followed by a main clause is correct. Using both 'after' and 'then' is redundant. The infinitive 'to finish' after 'after' is incorrect.

Question 26: I need to ______ a decision about which English course to enrol on.

make (Correct answer)
have
take
do

Correct answer: make

'Make a decision' is the correct collocation; 'make' is typically paired with nouns describing choices or conclusions.

Question 27: You hear a message: 'The community centre will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. Normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend.' When does it reopen?

Tuesday (Correct answer)
Wednesday
Sunday evening
The following Monday

Correct answer: Tuesday

The message says normal opening hours will resume on Tuesday.

Question 28: A landlord leaves a message: 'I just wanted to let you know the boiler engineer will come on Wednesday between nine and twelve. You don't need to be there — I have a spare key.' Does the tenant need to be home?

It is not mentioned
No, the landlord has a key (Correct answer)
Yes, they must let the engineer in
Yes, but only for part of the time

Correct answer: No, the landlord has a key

The landlord says the tenant does not need to be there as he has a spare key.

Question 29: What is the name of the document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of those who wish to become British citizens or permanent residents?

Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (Correct answer)
The British Nationality Act
The Citizenship Handbook
The Naturalisation Guide

Correct answer: Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents

'Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents' is the official handbook for the Life in the UK test, required for settlement or naturalisation.

Question 30: An email from your child's school reads: 'Please note that the school will be closed on Friday 21st March for an INSET day. Normal service resumes on Monday 24th March.' What is an INSET day?

A day for parents to visit the school
A day when the school building is being inspected
A teacher training day when pupils do not attend (Correct answer)
An extra bank holiday for schools only

Correct answer: A teacher training day when pupils do not attend

INSET (In-Service Education and Training) days are designated for teacher professional development. Pupils do not attend school on these days.

Question 31: Choose the best word: 'Could you please ___ this parcel for me while I am away?'

Look for
Look after (Correct answer)
Look into
Look up

Correct answer: Look after

'Look after' means to take care of something. 'Look for' means to search. 'Look into' means to investigate. 'Look up' means to search for information.

Question 32: Which of the following is a public holiday in the UK?

Christmas Day (Correct answer)
Pancake Day
Bonfire Night
St George's Day (England)

Correct answer: Christmas Day

Christmas Day (25 December) is a Bank Holiday throughout the UK. Bonfire Night, St George's Day and Pancake Day are cultural occasions but not public holidays.

Question 33: Read the text: 'The local council has announced that the recycling centre will be closed for two weeks starting from Monday for essential maintenance.' How long will the centre be closed?

Three days
Two weeks (Correct answer)
One week
One month

Correct answer: Two weeks

The text states the closure is for two weeks.

Question 34: At a job centre, you are asked: 'Can you tell me about your previous work experience?' Which is the best B1-level response?

'I have an extensive portfolio of logistical experience spanning multiple years within the supply chain sector.'
'I worked.'
'I don't want to talk about it.'
'In my last job, I worked as a warehouse assistant for three years. I was responsible for checking deliveries and organising stock. Before that, I did some cleaning work part-time.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'In my last job, I worked as a warehouse assistant for three years. I was responsible for checking deliveries and organising stock. Before that, I did some cleaning work part-time.'

This response provides specific details about job roles, duration, and responsibilities in clear, well-structured sentences — typical of B1 level speaking ability.

Question 35: Could you ______ me a favour and check this letter for errors?

make
take
give
do (Correct answer)

Correct answer: do

'Do someone a favour' is the standard collocation; 'do' is used when performing an act of kindness for someone.

Question 36: In the B1 writing test, you are asked to write about the advantages of learning English. Which sentence contains a grammatical error?

'English is widely spoken around the world, which makes it useful for travelling.'
'Learning English can help you find better job opportunities in the UK.'
'Many employers in the UK require a good level of English from their staff.'
'If you speaks English well, you can communicate with more people in your community.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'If you speaks English well, you can communicate with more people in your community.'

The correct form is 'If you speak English well' (not 'speaks'). After 'you,' the base form of the verb is used, not the third-person singular form.

Question 37: Which word is the opposite of 'expensive'?

Reasonable
Affordable
Free
Cheap (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cheap

The direct opposite of expensive is cheap, meaning costing little money. While 'free', 'reasonable' and 'affordable' relate to cost, cheap is the clearest antonym.

Question 38: Which sentence uses the past simple correctly?

I have gone to the supermarket yesterday.
I had gone to the supermarket yesterday.
I was going to the supermarket yesterday.
I went to the supermarket yesterday. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I went to the supermarket yesterday.

'Yesterday' signals a completed past action, so the past simple 'went' is correct. 'Have gone' (present perfect) cannot be used with 'yesterday'.

Question 39: During a parent-teacher evening, the teacher says: 'Your daughter is performing above expected levels in maths and reading, but she needs to develop her confidence in speaking in front of the class. I'd suggest encouraging her to share stories at home.' What area needs improvement?

Her reading comprehension
Her confidence in speaking publicly (Correct answer)
Her written work and spelling
Her mathematical ability

Correct answer: Her confidence in speaking publicly

The teacher specifically identifies speaking in front of the class as the area needing development, while praising her maths and reading performance.

Question 40: Which of the following correctly describes the school system in England?

Children only attend school from age 7 to 16
Children must attend school from age 3 to 14
Children must be in full-time education from age 5, and must remain in education or training until age 18 (Correct answer)
School is optional and parents can choose whether to send their children

Correct answer: Children must be in full-time education from age 5, and must remain in education or training until age 18

In England, compulsory education begins at age 5 (though most start in Reception at age 4). Since 2015, young people must remain in education or training until age 18, though this can include apprenticeships.

Question 41: Which linking word best completes the sentence? 'The flat is very spacious. ___, it is close to the city centre.'

Despite
Although
However
Furthermore (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Furthermore

'Furthermore' or 'Moreover' is used to add a positive point to another positive point. 'However' introduces contrast, which is not needed here.

Question 42: Your neighbour's music is too loud late at night. How should a B1 speaker address this?

'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.'
'Music loud. Stop please.'
'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 43: You hear on a radio traffic report: 'There are long delays on the M25 clockwise between junctions 8 and 10 due to a multi-vehicle collision. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes. Current delay is approximately 90 minutes.' How long is the delay?

90 minutes (Correct answer)
30 minutes
The road is completely closed
60 minutes

Correct answer: 90 minutes

The traffic report specifically states the current delay is approximately 90 minutes (one and a half hours).

Question 44: During the speaking component of the B1 test, the examiner asks: 'What do you enjoy doing in your free time?' Which response would best demonstrate B1 competence?

'I don't have free time because I'm always working.'
'I like football.'
'I partake in various recreational endeavours encompassing culinary arts and perambulatory excursions.'
'In my free time, I enjoy cooking — especially dishes from my home country. I also like going for walks in the park near my house, particularly at weekends when it's not too busy. Sometimes I watch documentaries about nature.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'In my free time, I enjoy cooking — especially dishes from my home country. I also like going for walks in the park near my house, particularly at weekends when it's not too busy. Sometimes I watch documentaries about nature.'

This response lists multiple activities with detail and personal context, uses linking words naturally, and shows the ability to expand on a topic — all key B1 speaking descriptors.

Question 45: You're at a Citizens Advice Bureau explaining a problem with a faulty product. Which explanation best demonstrates B1 ability?

'The shop is useless. They never help anyone.'
'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.'

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 46: 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 47: Choose the correct preposition: 'I am interested _____ learning more about British culture.'

in (Correct answer)
for
at
to

Correct answer: in

'Interested in' is the correct collocation. Many adjectives in English have fixed prepositions: interested in, good at, worried about, keen on. These must be memorised.

Question 48: Read the paragraph: 'Sarah moved to Birmingham three years ago. She works as a nurse at the city hospital and enjoys her job. In her free time, she likes cooking and going for walks in the countryside.' What does Sarah do for work?

She works in an office
She is a cook
She is a nurse (Correct answer)
She is a doctor

Correct answer: She is a nurse

The text says Sarah works as a nurse at the city hospital.

Question 49: You hear a weather forecast: 'Tomorrow will start cloudy in the morning, but the sun should break through by midday. Temperatures will reach around seventeen degrees in the afternoon.' When will it become sunny?

Late afternoon
In the morning
In the evening
Around midday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Around midday

The forecast says the sun should break through by midday.

Question 50: A neighbour tells you: 'The bins have changed again — general waste is now collected fortnightly instead of weekly, but food waste is still every week. They've also added a separate collection for small electrical items on the first Monday of each month.' How often is general waste now collected?

Once a month
Every two weeks (Correct answer)
Only on Mondays
Every week

Correct answer: Every two weeks

'Fortnightly' is a common British English word meaning every two weeks or once every fourteen days.

Question 51: A colleague says: 'Can you cover my shift on Thursday evening? I have a hospital appointment. I can swap with you — I'll do your Friday morning instead.' What does your colleague offer in return?

To pay you for the shift
To find someone else to cover
To cover your Friday morning shift (Correct answer)
To cover your Thursday morning shift

Correct answer: To cover your Friday morning shift

The colleague offers to cover your Friday morning shift in exchange.

B1 English Test (SELT) – UK Visa & Citizenship

The B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required by UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship applications. Approved providers are Trinity College London (GESE Grade 5 / ISE I) and IELTS Life Skills B1, testing speaking, listening, reading, and writing at CEFR B1 level.

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