Intermediate English Skills
CEFR B1 • Intermediate • Future, modals, opinions
What is CEFR B1?
B1 (Intermediate) is the third level of the CEFR framework. At B1, you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in areas where the language is spoken, produce simple connected text on familiar topics, and describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and briefly give reasons for opinions and plans.
By the end of B1 you should be able to: talk about future plans, use modal verbs confidently, make simple conditional statements, express your opinion, and handle travel situations.
Lesson 1: Three Ways to Talk About the Future
English has several ways to express future time. At B1, you need to understand the difference between them.
1. "Will" — Predictions and Spontaneous Decisions
Form: will + base verb (I will go / I'll go)
Use 1 — Predictions: "I think it will rain tomorrow."
Use 2 — Spontaneous decisions: "The phone is ringing. I'll get it."
Use 3 — Promises: "Don't worry, I will help you."
Negative: will not / won't — "I won't be late."
2. "Going To" — Plans and Evidence
Form: am/is/are + going to + base verb
Use 1 — Plans: "We're going to visit Rome next month." (decided before)
Use 2 — Evidence-based predictions: "Look at those clouds! It's going to rain." (you see evidence)
3. Present Continuous — Fixed Arrangements
Form: am/is/are + verb-ing
Use: Fixed arrangements (with a time)
Example: "I'm meeting Sarah at 3pm on Friday." (appointment booked)
Example: "They're flying to Madrid tomorrow morning." (tickets bought)
Quick Comparison
| Situation | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prediction | will | Robots will replace many jobs. |
| Decided plan | going to | I'm going to learn Spanish. |
| Fixed appointment | present continuous | I'm seeing the dentist on Monday. |
| Spontaneous offer | will | I'll help you with that bag. |
| Visible evidence | going to | Watch out! You're going to fall! |
Lesson 2: Modal Verbs
Modal verbs add meaning to other verbs. They don't take -s in the third person, and they are followed by the base form of the verb.
| Modal | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | ability / permission | I can swim. / Can I leave early? |
| could | past ability / polite request | I could run fast as a child. / Could you help me? |
| should | advice / recommendation | You should see a doctor. |
| must | strong obligation | You must wear a seatbelt. |
| have to | external obligation | I have to work on Saturday. |
| might | possibility (uncertain) | It might rain later. |
| would | hypothetical / polite | I would love to visit Japan. |
Tip: "Must" is for strong personal obligation or rules ("You must stop at the red light"), while "have to" is usually for external obligations ("I have to wake up early for work"). Native speakers often prefer "have to" in everyday conversation.
Lesson 3: The First Conditional
The first conditional talks about real, possible situations in the future.
Form: If + present simple, will + base verb
Meaning: The "if" clause describes a possible condition; the main clause describes the result.
Examples:
- "If it rains, I will stay at home." (It might rain — real possibility)
- "If you study hard, you will pass the exam."
- "She will be angry if you don't call her."
- "If we leave now, we won't miss the train."
Note: The "if" clause can come first or second. When it comes first, add a comma. Never use "will" in the "if" clause.
Lesson 4: Expressing Opinions
At B1, you need to express and support your opinions confidently.
Starting Your Opinion
- "I think (that) learning English is important."
- "In my opinion, social media has both good and bad effects."
- "I believe (that) everyone should learn a second language."
- "From my point of view, working from home is better."
- "It seems to me that people are happier in summer."
- "As far as I'm concerned, this is the best restaurant in town."
Agreeing and Disagreeing
| Agreeing | Disagreeing (Polite) |
|---|---|
| I agree. | I'm not sure I agree. |
| You're right. | I see your point, but... |
| I feel the same way. | I understand, however... |
| That's a good point. | I'm afraid I don't agree. |
| Exactly! | That's one way to look at it, but... |
Lesson 5: Travel Vocabulary & Phrases
At the Airport
Key words: flight, gate, boarding pass, luggage, passport, customs, departure, arrival, delay, layover, connecting flight
Useful phrases:
- "What time does the flight board?"
- "Which gate does flight 347 leave from?"
- "Is the flight on time or delayed?"
- "I'd like a window seat, please."
- "Do I need to check this bag, or can I take it on the plane?"
At the Hotel
Key words: reservation, check-in, check-out, room key, single/double/twin room, en suite, breakfast included, Wi-Fi password
Useful phrases:
- "I have a reservation under the name Smith."
- "Is breakfast included?"
- "What time is check-out?"
- "Could I have a wake-up call at 7am?"
- "Is there a safe in the room?"