Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking B1
Work & Study Terminology
Describing Work & Study Life
Using precise and professional vocabulary helps you to explain your life clearly and sound more competent. Let's look at how a student and a professional might describe their situations.
🎓 A University Student's Life
"I'm in my final semester at university, where I major in marketing. The pressure is on because I have to submit a major assignment soon. The deadline is next Friday, so this weekend I'm going to have to cram for my exams as well. My goal is to graduate with a good degree and start a successful career path."
💼 A Professional's Life
"I work as a project manager. My key responsibilities include managing a team and making sure our projects meet their deadlines. I have to collaborate with my colleagues from the marketing department every day. I also report to my supervisor in a weekly meeting to discuss our progress."
Key Vocabulary
Vocabulary for University Life
- semester One of the two periods that the academic year is divided into.
- to major in [subject] To specialize in a particular subject for your degree.
- to submit an assignment To hand in a piece of academic work.
- deadline The final time or date by which a task must be finished.
- to cram for an exam To study very hard in a short period just before a test.
- to graduate To successfully complete your university degree.
Vocabulary for Work Life
- responsibilities The duties and tasks that are part of your job.
- to collaborate with colleagues To work together with the people from your office.
- to report to a supervisor To give your manager updates on your work.
- department A section of a large company (e.g., sales, marketing).
- meeting / project
- career path The progression of your professional life over time.
Tips for Sounding More Professional
🗣️ Pronunciation Focus: Word Stress
Pay attention to the stress in these important words. The stressed syllable is in CAPITALS.
- as-SIGN-ment
- se-MES-ter
- col-LA-bo-rate
- su-per-VI-sor
- de-PART-ment
- res-pon-si-BI-li-ty
💡 Upgrading Your Language
At B1 level, you can "upgrade" your language to sound more professional or academic.
- Instead of: "I work with my friends at work."
Try: "I collaborate with my colleagues on various projects." - Instead of: "I have to do my homework."
Try: "I have to complete several assignments before the deadline." - Instead of: "My boss is named Mr. Dara."
Try: "I report to my supervisor, Mr. Dara."
Practice Your New Vocabulary 🎯
Activity 1: What's the Context?
Read the phrases. Do they belong in a "Work" or "University" context, or both?
- to meet a deadline → (Both)
- to report to a supervisor → (Work)
- to major in a subject → (University)
- to collaborate on a project → (Both)
Activity 2: Describe Your Life
Work with a partner. Choose a role (Student or Professional). Your partner will ask you questions. Answer them using the advanced vocabulary from this lesson.
Questions: What are your main responsibilities this month? Do you have any important deadlines coming up? Who do you collaborate with?
Your Vocabulary Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to describe your work or study life with professional detail.
Write three sentences about your real life (or your future dream job). You must use at least three of the new B1 phrases from this lesson.
Example: "For my next project, I will need to collaborate with my colleagues from the marketing department."