English levels · Intermediate
B2 English level: what it means
B2 is the upper intermediate level on the A1 to C2 scale (CEFR). At B2 you can talk with native speakers with some fluency, follow most series, films and conversations, including on abstract topics, and argue a point of view. It's the level most universities and international employers ask for.
20 questions, about 5 minutes, no sign-up.
What you can do at B2
- Take part in conversations with native speakers without either side struggling
- Follow most series, films and news on topics you're interested in
- Explain your view on a current issue, with the advantages and disadvantages
- Read articles and reports and understand the writer's opinion
- Write a clear, detailed email or essay that argues a point
- Work in English in meetings on familiar topics, though fast or technical talk is still hard
What B2 English looks like
Sentences you can say and understand
- If I'd known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.
- Although the plan has some advantages, I'm not convinced it's worth the cost.
- I've been meaning to call you, but I've been so busy lately.
- It's said that the company is going to open a new office.
Words you know
- nevertheless
- take into account
- issue
- reliable
- assume
- run out of
- significant
- whereas
- point out
- drawback
Grammar you use
- Third and mixed conditionals (if I'd known…)
- Present perfect continuous (I've been working)
- Passive with reporting verbs (it's said that…, he's believed to…)
- Reported speech (she said she would…)
- Linking words for arguments (although, whereas, however)
B2 compared with English exams
Official exams report their scores on the same A1 to C2 scale. These are the score ranges the exam boards publish for B2.
| Exam | Score at B2 |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 to 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 to 94 |
| Cambridge English | B2 First (FCE), 160 to 179 |
From B2 to C1
Cambridge English estimates around 700 to 800 hours of guided study in total to reach C1, so roughly 200 more from B2. C1 is about precision and range: using the exact word, understanding what's implied, and speaking without searching for expressions.
- 1
Read and listen to material made for native speakers: long articles, podcasts, books
- 2
Learn words in the combinations people use (make a decision, heavy traffic), not one by one
- 3
Record yourself discussing a topic and listen for where you hesitate
Questions about B2
Yes. B2 is enough for most universities and many international jobs. You can work, study and socialise in English, though you'll still miss some idioms, jokes and fast native speech.
B2 is often described as working fluency: you speak with enough ease for natural conversation, but you still make some mistakes and sometimes search for words. Effortless fluency comes at C1.
Cambridge English estimates around 500 to 600 hours of guided study from zero. Regular reading and listening outside lessons make a big difference at this stage.
IELTS maps B2 to band scores 5.5 to 6.5. For TOEFL iBT, ETS maps B2 to 72 to 94.
Take our free English level test: 20 questions in about 5 minutes, with your estimated level from A1 to C2 straight away. For an official certificate, you need a recognised exam such as Cambridge B2 First.
Are you really B2?
Find out in 5 minutes with our free English level test.