Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking B1
Work & Study Terminology
Listen to the vocabulary and examples.
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 (Click 🔊)
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. (e.g., I major in IT.)
- 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 A planned event where people discuss things / A planned piece of work.
- 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 (stressed syllable in BOLD/UPPERCASE). Click 🔊 to hear.
- 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. Click 🔊 to hear the better examples.
Practice Your New Vocabulary 🎯
Activity 1: What's the Context? (Self-Check)
Read the phrases. Do they belong in a "Work" or "University" context, or both? Click "Show Answer" to check.
Show Answer
Both
Show Answer
Work
Show Answer
University
Show Answer
Both
Show Answer
University
Show Answer
Work
Activity 2: Describe Your Life
Work with a partner or practice alone. Choose a role (Student or Professional). Answer the questions below using the advanced vocabulary from this lesson. Click 🔊 to hear the questions.
Questions:
- What are your main responsibilities this month?
- Do you have any important deadlines coming up?
- Who do you collaborate with?
(Example answers using the new vocabulary are encouraged!)
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/studies). 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."