English B1

Who needs TELC English B1 level?

This exam is needed by these who have already reached B1 level according the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and want to use English language for work, education, or for personal needs. To pass the exam, all applicants should be able:

- to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. ; to understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.

- to understand texts that consist mainly of high-frequency everyday or job-related language; to understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

- to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken; to enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).

- to connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions; to be able to briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans; to narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.

- to write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest; to write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

How much learning does this mean?

In order to reach B1 English level you need about 300 full hours. This number is approximate and depends on many other factors, because the level measures the acquired knowledge, not the time of learning. The foreign language learning dependa on individual motivation, experience, school and life routines, and other factors.

For more information about TELC, visit www.telc.net

Sample topic for B1 Writing

Letter Writing

You are working in a company which deals with upholstered furniture damask.
The design department has heard that another company importer Simpson and Co of damask cloths has a new and of high quality cloth.
You write to the Simpson and Co, 68 West Park, Manchester to ask for details. Fill in the date and reference line and use an appropriate greeting and closing formula.
The following four points should be mentioned in your letter.
Before writing the letter, decide the order in which you think these points should be included.

• Ask for prices, delivery times, conditions of payment
• Describe the your company’s type of activity
• Explain the importance of high quality material
• Ask for details about terms of the contract

QUALITY DAMASKS
East street, 987
London
GB- B7D9 OBJ
Tel: + 49 9237 24847
Fax:+ 49 96 375037-67
E-mail: quality_damasks@damasks.com

Simpson and Co
68 West Park, Date:
Manchester
GB- C6D7 OBJ

Sample topic for B1 Oral Exam

part1: Social contacts - the examiner will invite you to have a conversation and to share information about each other. The aim is not only to talk and question each other, but to share and acquire information.

for example: (name, origin, foreign languages, trips etc.)

part2: Topic-Based Conversation - in this part of the exam, you and your partner will have diffferent information on the sheet before you (your Candidate's Sheet). A different opinions and information about certain topic will be written on the sheet, and the examiner will invite you to talk about it.

for example:

part3: Task - in this task the examiner will invite you to discuss problems and statements. On your sheet you will find ideas for conversation. They are the same as the ideas on your partner's sheet. You should support with arguments your thesis and will have to decide if you agree with your partner or not.

for example:

you choose the following two sentences:

Nuclear energy is not harmful to the environment.

People worry about the growing population.

You should support what you choose with arguments and examples.

Oral Examination
Two candidates

English B1
Examination Format
The examination for the Certificate in English follows a standardized test format. All exams for the TELC B1 series are structured as follows:

Written Examination:
Test 1: Reading Comprehension
Part 1: Reading for Gist
For five newspaper articles headlines have to be chosen from 10 options.

Part 2: Reading for Detail
Five multiple-choice questions on one or two authentic articlesof 350-400 words. The articles can be taken from newspapers or magazines around the world.
Part 3: Selective Reading
The candidate has to find the appropriate small ad or advertisement for each of 10 situations from 12 options.

Test 2: Language Elements Part 1: A letter, fax or e-mail with 10 gaps has to be completed with the help of multiple-choice questions on grammar and vocabulary.
Part 2: Again in a letter, fax or e-mail 10 gaps have to be filled, this time with the help of a multiple matching box which has five more words than needed.
Test 3: Listening Comprehension
Part 1: Listening for Gist
This listening comprehension test requires the candidate to decide whether a statement is correct or not e.g. "The speaker thinks traffic should not be allowed in cities at all." YES / NO ?. The recording is played only once.

Part 2: Listening for Detail:
This part tests the detailed understanding of what people say (usually the recording is a conversation, an interview etc.). There are ten statements which have to be verified. The length of the recording is approximately 5 to 6 minutes. It is played twice.

Part 3: Selective Listening:
In five typical brief listening situations which may occur when travelling, shopping or driving candidates select particular information. The recordings are played twice.

Test 4: Letter Writing
In this part of the examination candidates are given 30 minutes to write a letter to friends, acquaintances or to a business address (mail order company, hotel, voluntary organization etc.) following up a piece of information. Marks are given for the treatment of four guiding points, the communicative design of the letter and language correctness.

Format

Oral Examination:
Test 5: The Oral Examination in the TELC B1 examinations is carried out with two candidates at a time. The candidates are required to carry out language tasks together and thus prove that they can handle a certain range of language patterns ("scenarios") competently.

Part 1: Social contacts:
In the first part the candidates ask each other about where they live, work, study as well as about their families hobbies etc. An additional topic may be brought in by one examiner
Part 2: Topic-based conversation: The two candidates are given task sheets to prepare the task. The task sheets present information including pictures or diagrams on a topic. Candidates hold a conversation on the topic, exchanging information and giving their opinions.
Part 3: Task: The task in the final section of the Oral Examination is to "negotiate" certain suggestions and ideas in order to come to a conclusion on how to solve a particular task e.g. arranging a party, organising an excursion or trying to achieve a consensus on a controversial topic.

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