What is B1 equivalent to IELTS?

English proficiency is demonstrated through various assessment exams such as TOEIC, IELTS, TESOL, and language proficiency exams based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). So, is it possible to convert scores between these certificates? The answer is yes. What is B1 equivalent to IELTS? This is the most frequently asked question! Let's find out right below in this article with PREP!

I. Overview of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standard for assessing and describing language proficiency. It was developed by the Council of Europe and has become a widely recognized international standard for language competence assessment. The CEFR divides language proficiency into 6 levels, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient), describing each level based on the four main language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Before answering the question of how many IELTS bands are equivalent to a B1 level in English, let's take a look at the English proficiency levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

CEFR provides a common reference framework for assessing a person's language proficiency, making it easier to compare language levels. It is widely used in education, training, and language-related activities worldwide. Let's learn about the IELTS exam to answer the question of how many IELTS bands are equivalent to a B1 level in English!

II. What is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam is an international English language testing system. It is developed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The IELTS exam is widely recognized and accepted by thousands of universities, educational institutions, and government agencies worldwide as a standard for assessing an individual's English language proficiency.

IELTS is divided into two main formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS exam evaluates the ability to use English in four key skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The results of the IELTS exam are based on a scale ranging from 0 to 9.0. IELTS scores are used to assess an individual's English language proficiency and may be required when applying for jobs, scholarships, studying abroad, or immigrating to English-speaking countries.

III. Conversion table for B1 equivalent to IELTS

To provide a clearer understanding, PREP has provided a comparison chart of English proficiency levels across different exams. It can be clearly observed that B1 equivalent to IELTS is between 4.0 - 5.0.

IV. Learning Path to Achieve B1 Level English Proficiency

To achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0), what knowledge do we need to grasp? Let's quickly explore the learning path and steps to acquire the necessary English language skills to reach the B1 level with PREP!

1. Vocabulary

To achieve a B1 level in English and answer questions at a B1 equivalent to IELTS, it requires learning basic vocabulary and grammar. Below is a vocabulary learning path to reach this level:

• Set goals: First, clearly define your vocabulary learning goals. To achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0), you need to grasp basic and common vocabulary words.

• Use textbooks: To achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0), utilize textbooks specifically designed for learning English vocabulary at the B1 level: 

  • Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS

  • English Vocabulary in Use

  • Check your English Vocabulary for IELTS

  • Word Power Made Easy 

• Watch movies and listen to English music: Watching movies and listening to English music is a great way to acquire new vocabulary. To achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0), you need to familiarize yourself with the common vocabulary used in everyday life. Below, PREP provides a list of movies and songs that can support your quick achievement of a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0). Feel free to refer to them!

• Read books and newspapers in English: Reading books and newspapers in English helps you familiarize yourself with a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0). This can help you expand your vocabulary and broaden your knowledge. Below are some websites and newspapers that PREP recommends you to read in order to expand your vocabulary: 

  • The New York Times

  • The Economist

  • The New Yorker

  • Harvard Business Review

• Use mobile apps or vocabulary learning websites: There are many mobile apps and websites for learning English vocabulary that you can use to enhance your vocabulary knowledge and achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0). Below, PREP suggests 4 excellent free vocabulary learning apps for you. 

  • Quizlet

  • Anki

  • eJOY

  • Memrise

• Testing and reviewing: To consolidate vocabulary, use them in writing, conversations, or real-life situations. Daily practice helps you become familiar with and use vocabulary naturally. Additionally, create regular self-tests to assess your abilities in achieving a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0) and to review the vocabulary you have learned.

Remember that vocabulary learning is an ongoing process. Ensure that you approach vocabulary learning systematically and with patience to achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0).

2. Pronunciation

To achieve a CEFR B1 level equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0) in the area of pronunciation, you can follow the suggested roadmap provided by PREP:

• Learn basic sounds: In English, there are a total of 5 vowel sounds and 21 consonant sounds. You can start by learning and familiarizing yourself with the basic sounds in English, such as the 5 vowel sounds and 21 consonant sounds. 

• Listen and repeat: Listening to native English speakers and trying to imitate them is one of the ways to quickly improve pronunciation to achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0). You can learn about the "Shadowing" technique while practicing pronunciation, which will help you mimic the pronunciation of native speakers.

• Use pronunciation resources: Utilize textbooks, learning materials, or online resources specifically focused on pronunciation to grasp the pronunciation principles and practice according to the instructions to achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0). Here are some books that can help enhance your pronunciation skills: 

  • Essential phonetics for IELTS - Effective English Phonetics Learning Materials

• Record and compare: Use a recording device or a voice recording app to record your speech. Then, you can ask someone with higher proficiency to check if it's correct, or you can compare it with pronunciation guides in dictionaries.

• Regular practice: Practice English pronunciation daily to improve your pronunciation skills. Allocate 30 minutes each day to practice pronunciation and speaking to enhance your pronunciation skills.

3. Grammar

To achieve a B1 equivalent to IELTS (4.0 - 5.0), it is necessary to have a solid understanding of basic grammar structures. To attain a B1 level in English grammar, ensure you grasp the following knowledge:

4. Building Foundation for the 4 Language Skills: Listening - Speaking - Reading - Writing

To achieve a B1 level in English, equivalent to IELTS 4.0 - 5.0, you need to establish a solid foundation for the 4 language skills (Listening - Speaking - Reading - Writing). At the B1 level, you only need basic knowledge, so there's no need to focus on advanced topics. Below are the fundamental steps to build a foundation for each skill. You can refer to them:

• Listening Skill:

  • Step 1: Listen to English daily: Listen to English sources such as music, podcasts, videos, news, movies, etc.

  • Step 2: Learn vocabulary and grammar: To understand English listening, you need to grasp basic vocabulary and grammar.

  • Step 3: Listen to appropriate materials: Start with easier listening materials and gradually increase the difficulty. Use textbooks, English learning apps, online lessons, etc.

  • Step 4: Practice listening through exercises: Use listening exercises, short videos, and listening practice activities to improve your listening comprehension.

• Speaking Skill: 

  • Step 1: Learn pronunciation: Listen and imitate the pronunciation of native speakers. Use materials, videos, and apps that help improve pronunciation.

  • Step 2: Learn grammar and vocabulary: Master basic grammar and vocabulary related to common topics.

  • Step 3: Practice speaking through practical activities: Join speaking courses, engage in discussions with friends or instructors, record yourself and listen back for self-evaluation and improvement.

• Reading Skill: 

  • Step 1: Learn vocabulary: Read and learn new vocabulary from diverse sources such as books, newspapers, stories, magazines, etc.

  • Step 2: Read easy texts: Start with short readings, textbooks, or easily understandable articles, and gradually increase the difficulty.

  • Step 3: Understand context and meaning: Understand the meaning of words and phrases in context and analyze the meaning of sentences, paragraphs, and articles.

  • Step 4: Practice reading comprehension through exercises: Use available reading comprehension exercises in textbooks, workbooks, and other English learning materials.

• Writing Skill: 

  • Step 1: Learn how to write simple sentences: Master the construction and use of basic sentence structures.

  • Step 2: Learn how to write paragraphs: Master writing paragraphs with clear organization and logical connections.

  • Step 3: Expand vocabulary and grammar: Learn additional vocabulary and grammar to write accurately and expressively.

  • Step 4: Practice writing through exercises: Write exercises, essays, and daily notes to enhance your writing ability.

In this article, PREP has helped you answer the question about achieving B1 equivalent to IELTS and provided you with a learning roadmap for different areas of English knowledge to help you reach the B1 level as quickly as possible. To explore more interesting knowledge about English, remember to visit PREP regularly!