Skills for English B1 SELT key terms

Secure English Language Test. A speaking and listening test approved by UK Visas and Immigration for visa applications. Results are recorded against CEFR levels, and the test is taken at an approved centre under identity checks.

A grade on the Common European Framework of Reference, running from A1 to C2. B1 means an intermediate user who can cope with everyday familiar topics. Your certificate states the level you reached in each skill.

The minimum score or grade needed to be awarded B1 on the test. Candidates often need to pass every section, not just the overall total, so check the pass rule before you book.

The score set by the test provider that counts as a pass at a given level. It may differ between skills, and falling below it in one skill can mean retaking the whole test.

An approved location where the secure test is taken in person. You book a slot in advance, arrive early, and sit the test under supervised conditions with other candidates.

A valid document with your photograph, such as a passport, used to prove who you are on test day. The name must match your booking exactly, or you may be refused entry.

The process of creating a booking for a test date, giving your personal details and paying the fee. Details must match your identification document, and changes after booking may cost extra.

Taking the test again after not reaching the required level. You normally pay the full fee again and book a new date, so plan enough time before any visa deadline.

The outcome of your test, usually shown as a CEFR level and a score per skill. Results are sent to you and, with your permission, shared with the visa authority.

The part of the exam where you talk aloud, usually with an examiner or recorded prompts. It checks fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary and how well you organise longer answers.

The part of the exam where you hear recordings once and answer questions about them. It checks whether you can follow everyday speech, pick out key details and understand the speaker's purpose.

A short instruction or question in the speaking test that tells you what to talk about, for example describing a recent trip. You usually get a few seconds to prepare before answering.

A card given in the speaking test listing points you should cover in a short talk. It often includes what, when, who and why prompts, and you may be asked follow-up questions afterwards.

The short pause before you must speak, often about one minute, when you can note ideas. Use it to plan a structure and key words rather than writing full sentences.

An extra question the examiner asks after your main answer, often about your opinion or experience. Answers can be brief, but they should be relevant and in complete sentences.

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses and without too much self-correction. At B1, some hesitation is normal, but you should keep going and make your meaning clear.

A pause or delay while you search for a word or idea. Short natural pauses are fine, but frequent long silences make you harder to follow and can lower your speaking score.

A short word or phrase used to keep speaking while you think, such as 'well' or 'let me see'. A few are natural; too many sound repetitive and can distract the listener.

How clearly you say sounds, stress and intonation. At B1 you do not need a native accent, but listeners should understand you without much effort, especially on common words.

The strongest beat in a word, for example the first syllable in 'TAble'. Putting stress on the wrong syllable can make a familiar word hard for the examiner to recognise.

The rise and fall of your voice across a sentence. It signals questions, lists and feelings, and flat intonation can make even correct English sound unclear or unfriendly.

Saying the same idea in different words, often because you lack a precise term. It is a useful B1 strategy: describe the thing instead of stopping when the exact word escapes you.

Explaining a word you do not know by describing it, for example 'the thing you use to open a bottle'. Examiners accept this as communication, so it protects your fluency score.

The way speakers share a conversation, signalling when you have finished and letting the other person speak. In paired speaking tasks, interrupting rudely or never yielding loses marks.

The back-and-forth of a conversation, including asking questions, responding and showing you have understood. Paired tasks reward candidates who keep the exchange going rather than monologuing.

Asking for something to be repeated or explained, for example 'Sorry, could you say that again?'. It is an acceptable strategy in the speaking test and does not automatically lose marks.

A technique for fixing a breakdown in communication, such as rephrasing, self-correcting or asking a question. Using one calmly shows control even when your first attempt fails.

The main idea or general meaning of a recording, as opposed to specific details. Many listening questions ask what the speaker is mainly doing, so listen for the overall purpose first.

A listening question that asks for one specific fact, such as a time, price or name. Read the question before the audio starts so you know which information to listen for.

A piece of information in the audio that sounds like the answer but is later corrected or rejected, for example a changed departure time. Wait for the full context before choosing an option.

Writing brief key words while you listen to help you answer later. Keep notes short and use symbols or abbreviations, because writing full sentences makes you miss the next part.

A word or phrase that shows the direction of speech, such as 'however', 'so' or 'firstly'. Noticing these helps you predict what comes next and follow the structure of a recording.

A linking word that joins ideas, such as 'because', 'although' or 'in addition'. In listening, connectors reveal the relationship between points, which is often what a question tests.

Working out meaning that is suggested but not stated directly, for example that a speaker is unhappy from their tone. B1 listening tasks may ask how someone feels or what they will probably do.

The reason someone is speaking, such as complaining, inviting or apologising. Questions often ask this, so listen for the situation and the tone, not just the individual words.

The way pronunciation varies by region or country. Test recordings use a range of standard accents, so practise listening to British, American and other clear varieties rather than one only.

A listening task where you must write a figure, name or address exactly as heard. Similar-sounding pairs like 'fifteen' and 'fifty' or letters like B and V cause common errors, so check carefully.