B1 vocabulary exercises with answers
Practise 12 intermediate vocabulary meanings, then check why each answer fits. You can use the exercises without signing in.
Free beta · for children aged 8–11 · works on iPad and computer
How should I use these B1 vocabulary exercises?
Read each question and choose one answer before looking at the explanations. The first eight questions practise sentence context or a stated meaning; the final four focus on definitions. Write your choices on paper or say them aloud. If a meaning is unfamiliar, study the linked selection and return to the question later.
The B1 vocabulary selection contains the definitions and original example sentences used here. These questions are practice material; they do not assess or certify a CEFR level. There is no timer and no pass mark.
You can print this page using your browser's Print menu. Questions come first and the answer key follows, so you can cover the explanations while working.
Can you choose the word that fits each question?
Try all 12 questions before reading the answer section below. Read the complete sentence when a question contains a gap, because the surrounding detail helps establish the intended meaning. When a question asks for a definition, choose the closest match from the four options. Each explanation describes why that answer fits.
Go to answers and explanations
The tickets cost more than we have saved, so we cannot ___ them.
- afford
- intend
- encourage
- convince
I ___ to finish the model tomorrow; that is my plan.
- persuade
- intend
- convince
- encourage
The route signs point in different directions, so we are ___ which way to go.
- confident
- essential
- reliable
- uncertain
After several successful rehearsals, Maya felt ___ about giving her talk.
- uncertain
- reliable
- confident
- essential
My coach helps ___ me by noticing my progress and saying I can improve.
- afford
- encourage
- intend
- persuade
The photograph was clear enough to ___ us that the bird really was an owl.
- convince
- afford
- intend
- encourage
Which word means getting someone to do something by giving them reasons?
- intend
- afford
- persuade
- uncertain
Without drinking water, a long walk can be dangerous. Water is ___.
- uncertain
- confident
- reliable
- essential
Which word means able to be trusted to do what is needed?
- essential
- uncertain
- reliable
- confident
Which word means a feature that makes a situation less favourable?
- effort
- consequence
- disadvantage
- outcome
Which word means a result of an action or event?
- effort
- consequence
- disadvantage
- confident
Which word describes the energy or hard work used to complete a task?
- consequence
- essential
- effort
- disadvantage
Why are these the right answers?
Check each answer after attempting the questions. Explain the meaning in your own words before trying again.
afford. Afford means have enough money to pay. The sentence tells us the money saved is not enough.
intend. Intend describes a plan. Persuade, convince and encourage describe influencing or supporting someone.
uncertain. Uncertain means unsure. The conflicting signs leave the walkers without a clear answer.
confident. Confident describes feeling sure of your ability. Reliable describes someone or something that can be depended on.
encourage. Encourage means give support or confidence. The coach is helping the learner feel able to continue.
convince. Convince someone that something is true means make them believe it. Here the photograph provides evidence.
persuade. Persuade describes influencing someone to take action by giving reasons. Intend describes your own plan; afford describes being able to pay.
essential. Essential means necessary. Water is something the walkers need, rather than an optional extra.
reliable. Reliable means dependable. Someone can feel confident without always doing what they promised.
disadvantage. A disadvantage is a drawback. A consequence or outcome is a result, which may be favourable or unfavourable.
consequence. A consequence is something that happens as a result. Effort is the work put into doing something.
effort. Effort is the work or energy used. A consequence comes afterwards as a result of an action or event.
What should I review after checking the answers?
Review the meanings you could not explain, including any answers you chose by guessing. Read the original sentence, make a new sentence of your own and return to the question after a gap. If two choices felt similar, compare their definitions rather than memorising which letter was correct in this exercise.
Return to the B1 word selection, explore the B2 vocabulary guide or read how spaced review works. In the app, parents can choose predefined collections for personal practice or for a child; each child's generated entry needs parent approval.
Ready to try it with your child's own words?
Join the free beta waitlist. Once you have a place, you type in the words from your next practice test and check the first cards. Joining takes about a minute. VocabGecko is free during the beta, needs no card, and works alongside the prep platform or tutor you already use.
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