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B1Free Reading Exercises · Updated 2026-05-28

Intermediate Reading

Everyday articles, blogs and letters · 200–320 words  ·  6 exercises · 38+ questions

200–320 wordsText length
~2,500 wordsVocabulary
7–10 minPer exercise
MC + T/F/NGQuestion types
Other levels:All levelsA2 ElementaryB1 IntermediateB2 Upper-Int.C1 AdvancedC2 ProficiencyNot sure? → Take the Level Test

What is B1 Intermediate Reading?

B1 Intermediate reading is the threshold level on the CEFR scale. At B1 you can follow the main points of straightforward articles, blog posts, and personal letters on familiar topics — work, study, leisure, travel, and current events. You understand opinions and arguments expressed in clear, standard language.

B1 reading practice strengthens your ability to identify a writer's purpose, distinguish facts from opinions, and infer the meaning of unknown words from context. Our B1 exercises mix multiple-choice with True/False/Not Given questions — the format used in IELTS Academic Reading — so you build exam skills alongside everyday reading habits.

B1

B1 Reading Exercises

6 exercises · 38+ questions · instant scoring

Common questions about B1 reading

B1 Reading FAQ

Everything you need to know before you start practising at B1.

Not sure B1 is your level?

Take our free 15-minute Level Test. It covers grammar and reading and gives you an instant CEFR result from A2 to C1.

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What is B1 Intermediate reading?

B1 is the threshold level on the CEFR scale. At B1 you can follow the main points of straightforward articles, blog posts and personal letters on familiar topics. You understand opinions and arguments expressed in clear, standard language about subjects like work, study, leisure, travel and current events.

How long are B1 reading texts?

B1 reading texts are 200 to 320 words long. Each exercise typically takes 7 to 10 minutes. There is no time limit, so you can re-read passages as often as you need.

Which exams is B1 reading aligned with?

B1 reading aligns with Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) and roughly with TOEIC 550–780 and IELTS 4.0–5.0. It is the level that most general English courses target as the goal of a first year of serious study.

How is B1 reading different from B2?

B1 texts are shorter and use mostly familiar topics, while B2 texts (300–500 words) introduce business, environment, science and technology. B1 questions focus on the main idea and explicit information; B2 starts to demand inference, recognising tone, and identifying the writer's purpose.

How can I improve at B1 reading?

Three habits make the biggest difference at B1: (1) read questions before the passage so you know what to look for; (2) practise skimming for the main idea and scanning for specific words; (3) for True/False/Not Given, always check that the text explicitly states the information rather than assuming it.

Reading comprehension at B1 is supported by grammar, vocabulary, and exam technique at the same level.

Level upB2 Reading ExercisesAlready comfortable at B1? Step up to Upper-Intermediate Reading texts.Try B2 readingGrammarGrammar ExercisesStronger grammar means faster, more accurate reading — especially for the question types used at B1.Browse grammarVocabulary~2,500 words targetKnowing the high-frequency words for B1 is the single biggest lever for reading speed and comprehension.Browse vocabularyFree level testConfirm your CEFR level15 minutes — grammar plus reading — instant CEFR result from A2 to C1.Take the test