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From A2 to B1 in English: what changes for the Aptis

What the Aptis says about A2 and B1 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening, how many points separate the cut scores, and what to practise.

Going from A2 to B1 means moving from short sentences joined by "and", "but" and "because" to a text or a description that holds together. This is a step where the way you use English changes a lot, and Aptis describes it quite clearly. For the full picture of levels, go back to the home page.

What the exam says about each level

These are the official descriptions from the Aptis report, in summary:

Skill	A2	B1
Writing	A series of simple sentences joined with connectors such as and, but and because	Simple connected texts on familiar topics, linking short elements in a linear sequence
Speaking	A simple description as a short series of sentences joined in a list	A description kept going with some fluency, as a linear sequence of points
Reading	Short, simple texts on concrete topics, with frequent everyday language	Simple factual texts on topics of your field and interest, with satisfactory understanding
Listening	Understands enough for concrete needs if the speech is clear and slow	Simple factual information on everyday or work topics, with a familiar accent

What you notice in practice

From a list to a text. At A2 sentences pile up. At B1 they are put in order and connected.
From a sentence to a sequence. In Speaking, B1 means keeping a description going with one thread, not only answering with one sentence.
From reading word by word to understanding the text. It helps to read without translating every word.
From slow speech to a more natural speed. In Listening, B1 allows clear speech at a more natural speed.

The cut scores between you and B1

Aptis General cut scores (out of 50):

Skill	A2	B1	Difference
Listening	16	24	8
Reading	16	26	10
Writing	18	26	8
Speaking	16	26	10

What to practise

Writing: basic connectors and order. Write three sentences about a topic and join them with because, but, so, then and after that. Then add a fourth sentence that closes the text.
Speaking: answer every question. In Parts 2 and 3, the official scale counts how many of the three questions you answer. Under that scale, answering all three, even with simple sentences, scores higher than answering only one very well.
Reading: read short factual texts (notices, emails, short news items) and sum up each one in one sentence.
Listening: listen with a question in mind (who is speaking? what do they want? when?).
Core: grammar and vocabulary from A2 to B1. Basic tenses, modal verbs and everyday vocabulary matter a lot.

Points 1, 3, 4 and 5 are AptisBot advice, not official. Point 2 is in the official scale.

When to move on to B2

Move on when your practice tests are above the B1 cut score in all four skills, and stay there. After that, the next step is the plan from B1 to B2.

Frequently asked questions

How many points are there between A2 and B1? Between 8 and 10, depending on the skill.

Which skill is usually the hardest? It depends on the person. Measure each skill separately and start with the one where you need the most points.

Do I need B1 for anything? It depends on the institution that asks for your certificate. Some ask for B2, so check before you choose your target.

Take a practice exam

Do the Writing part in the simulator and see if your texts already hold up as B1: take a practice exam in your browser.

Aptis is a registered trademark of the British Council. AptisBot is an independent project. Our feedback is an estimate, not an official result.

Sources

No sign-upPractise this in the botReal Aptis questions, with your writing and speaking corrected against the official 0-6 rubric.Don’t use Telegram? Take the full mock exam on the web →

Sample report for Aptis General 2025 (skill descriptors); "Aptis Scoring System" v2.1 (TR/2024/002) for the cut scores; scale report TR/2017/001 for Speaking. The translation of the descriptors is ours; the study advice is AptisBot's own judgement.