Free CEFR B2 Upper-Intermediate English Learning

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2, often referred to as the upper-intermediate level, represents a significant milestone in language acquisition. At this stage, learners can comprehend complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions within their field of specialization.

Key Competencies at Level B2:

• Interaction: You can interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, making regular communication possible without strain for either party.

• Production: You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.

• Argumentation: You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Achieving Level B2 typically prepares you for major proficiency exams, such as:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Band 5.5 to 6.5

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Score 72 to 94

• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First (formerly known as First Certificate in English)

Below are detailed, free resources drawn from reputable sources like the British Council, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and various educational platforms to help you practice.

Free Video Resources for Level B2 Learning

Videos are excellent for improving listening, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as they often feature real-life scenarios and narratives.

British Council LearnEnglish

• The British Council LearnEnglish platform offers a dedicated Video Zone with content specifically tagged for Level B2.

• General English: Features topics like everyday conversations, cultural insights, and professional scenarios.

• "Britain is GREAT": A series exploring the culture of the United Kingdom through short videos (3 to 5 minutes each).

• "Word on the Street": Follows characters in real settings across the United Kingdom to build vocabulary and listening skills.

• Shakespeare Series: Provides literary content with subtitles for comprehension practice.

• Note: These can be accessed directly on the site for free, often including transcripts and quizzes.

YouTube Playlists and Channels

• English Speaking Course: Look for the "CEFR B2 - Upper Intermediate" playlist. It contains daily 15-minute sentence practice videos on topics like food, travel, and daily life to build fluency through repetition.

• Anglo-Link: Their "Upper Intermediate (B2) English Lessons" playlist features lessons created by teachers holding the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). These 10 to 20-minute videos cover grammar, vocabulary, and speaking.

• English For Everyone: The "CEFR B2 Listening – Pre-advanced" series focuses on listening tests (e.g., "Working in the Film Industry" or "Student Accommodation") with comprehension questions.

• mmmEnglish: Offers "English Lessons for Upper Intermediate Learners (B2)" focusing on advanced topics and practical tips for fluency.

• National Geographic Learning Perspectives: Offers free upper-intermediate videos, including Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) Talks with activities like vocabulary in context and discussion prompts.

Free Learning Materials

These materials include worksheets, articles, grammar guides, and interactive exercises.

British Council LearnEnglish Hub

A comprehensive hub with materials tagged for Level B2 across all skills:

• Reading: The "Magazine Zone" features articles on current events (e.g., environment, technology) and stories ranging from Level B2 to Level C1 for narrative practice.

• Listening: Includes "Audio Zones" with podcasts and dialogues.

• Writing & Speaking: Offers prompts for essays or discussions.

• Grammar & Vocabulary: Covered in Level B1 to Level B2 sections with exercises on topics like conditionals and idioms.

Test-English Grammar Lessons

The Test-English site provides over 30 Level B2 grammar topics with detailed explanations and charts. Key topics include:

• Narrative tenses, "used to," and "would."

• Speculation and deduction (modal verbs like "might" and "could").

• "Wish," "rather," "if only," and "it is time."

• All conditionals (including mixed conditionals and alternatives to "if").

• Inversion, cleft sentences, and participle clauses.

• Verbs of the senses, and complex forms of gerunds and infinitives.

TeachingEnglish (British Council for Adults)

These activities focus on skill development and often include printable worksheets or prompts:

• "Teaching Students the Shortest Tale": Storytelling and speaking.

• "Choose a City": Discussion and speaking on preferences.

• "Theft in the Hotel": Role-play for imagination and vocabulary.

• "A Business Letter": Writing formal letters.

Free Exams and Quizzes

Quizzes and exams help assess progress and simulate real testing environments.

Comprehensive Practice Tests

• BBC Learning English Level B2 Quiz: A 15-question multiple-choice quiz testing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. It provides immediate feedback and explanations.

• Tracktest English Level B2 Practice Test: A full-length mock exam (45 minutes) containing three sections: Grammar/Use of English, Reading Comprehension, and Listening. It is available as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file with questions, answers, and a scoring formula.

• EF SET (Education First Standard English Test): A full 50-minute certification test that is free and highly accurate for Level B2 assessment.

Quick Online Quizzes

• Testizer Level B2 Proficiency Test: Matches CEFR standards with instant results.

• Test-English Use of English Tests: Pre-advanced exercises with feedback on grammar mastery.

• ABA English Level B2 Test: An online quiz to check your level and prepare for official exams.

• EnglishRadar Online Test: Contains 60 questions across levels, linked to CEFR Level B2.

• British Council English Online Level Test: A quick 5-minute test aligned to the CEFR.

• Cambridge English "Test Your English": A free quiz that suggests exams like the B2 First.

• Preply English Test: 36 questions, no signup, immediate B2-level assessment. 

• Oxford Online English Grammar Test: Includes B2-level reading, listening, vocabulary; free results.

Summary of Resources

Recommendation: To make the most of these resources, start with a level test to confirm your baseline. Then, alternate between watching videos and using study materials, supplementing your routine with quizzes for balanced practice. Consistent daily use (for example, 30 to 60 minutes) is key to mastering Level B2 proficiency.

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