Oxford 3000: B2 English Essentials: 700+ Words & Audio
B2 is the upper-intermediate level — and it changes everything.
At B2, you can understand the main ideas of complex texts, follow native speakers at normal speed, and express yourself fluently on a wide range of topics. Most international exams — IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge B2 First — target this level.
The B2 words in the Oxford 3000 are more precise and nuanced than what came before. You probably know the general meaning of many of them — but at B2, it’s about using them correctly in context.
How to use this list:
- Pay attention to how words combine with others — “make a decision”, not “do a decision”
- Read each example sentence as a complete thought, not just a translation
- Focus on words that appear in topics you’ll actually talk about — work, society, technology, culture
Click any word to hear it and see the full translation.
A
Don’t abandon your goals just because it gets hard.
She studied abroad for a year and her English improved dramatically.
I have absolute confidence in your ability.
A B2 score is acceptable for most university programs.
He accompanied her to the interview for moral support.
Make sure your information is accurate before you present it.
He was accused of cheating on the exam.
She acknowledged that she had made a mistake.
You can acquire vocabulary faster by reading in context.
The actual cost was much higher than the estimate.
You need to adapt your style to your audience.
Do you have any additional questions?
The president addressed the nation on live television.
They adopted a new approach to teaching.
Technology advances faster than most people can keep up.
The scandal became a major public affair.
We had dinner and went to a concert afterward.
She works for a creative agency in New York.
What’s on the agenda for today’s meeting?
An aggressive approach to negotiations can backfire.
Foreign aid helped rebuild the country after the disaster.
The plan was altered at the last minute.
He spoke with barely controlled anger.
Let’s look at this problem from a different angle.
They celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Paris.
The company holds an annual review for all employees.
I always feel anxious before speaking in public.
It was apparent that she hadn’t prepared for the presentation.
Apparently, the concert sold out in under an hour.
The campaign appealed to young voters.
Her approach to problem-solving is very methodical.
Make sure your language is appropriate for the context.
The project requires approval from the board.
The committee approved the new budget.
Problems arise when communication breaks down.
Armed with a dictionary, she tackled the text.
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry.
She has a strong artistic vision.
He was ashamed of how he had spoken to her.
Put your phone aside and focus.
Grammar is just one aspect of learning a language.
The teacher assessed each student’s progress individually.
The final assessment includes a written and oral exam.
I associate the smell of coffee with early morning studying.
Don’t assume you understand — always check.
She made her third attempt at the driving test.
He hired an attorney to handle the contract.
B
Wash your hands to remove harmful bacteria.
Language can be a barrier to finding a good job abroad.
She battled hard to get her ideas accepted.
I can’t bear the thought of starting over again.
I beg you — please read the instructions first.
Being bilingual opens doors that others don’t even see.
This topic is beyond what we cover in class.
She still felt bitter about not getting the promotion.
Don’t blame others for your own mistakes.
He was blind to his own weaknesses.
Shared struggles create a strong bond between people.
Keep your answer brief and to the point.
She has a broad knowledge of world literature.
The interview was broadcast live on national TV.
We need to stay within budget.
A bunch of colleagues went out for lunch together.
C
Can you calculate how many hours you’ve studied this month?
The meeting was cancelled due to bad weather.
Early detection significantly increases survival rates for cancer.
You are more capable than you think.
The hall has a capacity of 500 people.
The documentary captured the reality of life in the city.
A chain of events led to the final crisis.
Persistence is a key characteristic of successful language learners.
What is the chief reason you want to learn English?
Under different circumstances, I would have accepted.
Every citizen has a responsibility to vote.
Civil rights movements changed history.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic of English literature.
Read the text closely before answering.
The company collapsed after years of poor management.
A combination of reading and listening works best.
She found comfort in her daily reading routine.
She has an impressive command of the English language.
He earned a commission on every sale he made.
Learning a language requires long-term commitment.
The committee will review all applications.
The legal system is extremely complex.
The grammar rule sounds complicated but it’s easy once you practice.
Listening is a key component of language learning.
Good concentration is essential for studying effectively.
The concept of time differs across cultures.
My main concern is that we’re running out of time.
The research was conducted over two years.
Speaking in public builds confidence over time.
There is a conflict between what he says and what he does.
Congress passed a new education bill.
Be conscious of how you use your time.
She has a conservative approach to spending money.
Take everything into consideration before making a decision.
Consistent daily practice beats occasional long sessions.
There is a constant pressure to improve at work.
She constantly challenges herself to learn something new.
He constructed a strong argument in just two minutes.
The construction of the new library took three years.
Contemporary English is very different from Shakespeare’s English.
She entered a writing contest and won first place.
Always read a contract before you sign it.
Reading every day contributes to better vocabulary.
Her contribution to the project was invaluable.
He converted the garage into a home office.
I’m convinced that immersion is the fastest way to learn.
Vocabulary is the core of language learning.
She left her corporate job to start a language school.
The city council voted to fund new public libraries.
It takes courage to speak a foreign language in public.
The stock market crashed unexpectedly.
The creation of new habits takes about 66 days.
Humans are creatures of habit.
The company survived the financial crisis.
What is the main criterion for selecting candidates?
She became one of the most respected film critics.
Critical thinking is essential in academic writing.
Constructive criticism helps you improve.
He criticizes every small mistake instead of encouraging.
The first 500 hours of study are crucial.
D
There is an ongoing debate about the best way to learn languages.
She graduated with a significant student debt.
You need a decent understanding of grammar to pass B2.
She declared that she would become fluent by the end of the year.
The use of formal language has declined in recent decades.
She decorated her study with motivational quotes in English.
Screen time decreased when she started reading physical books.
She was deeply moved by the speech.
He refused to accept defeat after failing the exam.
She defended her thesis in front of a panel of professors.
The best defense against forgetting is regular review.
The flight was delayed by two hours.
Make a deliberate effort to use new words every day.
She deliberately chose difficult books to challenge herself.
The delivery of his speech was confident and clear.
There is a growing demand for English-speaking professionals.
Let me demonstrate how to use this tool.
He denied saying anything offensive.
She felt depressed after failing the exam again.
Try to understand words at a deeper depth — not just surface meaning.
You deserve to succeed — you’ve worked hard enough.
Her desire to communicate drove her to practice every day.
I was desperate to improve before my job interview.
She gave a detailed explanation of the grammar rule.
I could detect a slight accent in her English.
Language learning requires discipline above all else.
Don’t dismiss an idea just because it sounds unusual.
The museum displays artifacts from ancient civilizations.
The teacher distributed the exam papers.
There is a clear division between formal and informal English.
Domestic flights are usually cheaper than international ones.
English dominates international business communication.
Write a draft first, then edit and improve.
Her English improved in a dramatic way after six months abroad.
E
Always edit your writing before submitting.
I’m reading the latest edition of this grammar book.
She has a very efficient way of learning new vocabulary.
She was elected president of the student union.
A clear pattern emerged after analyzing the data.
The film had a powerful emotional impact.
Put emphasis on speaking practice, not just grammar.
I can’t emphasize enough how important daily practice is.
Learning English enables you to communicate with billions.
I encounter new vocabulary every time I read.
The best teachers engage students with real-world topics.
Reading enhances your vocabulary naturally.
Ensure you understand the question before answering.
Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious.
Be enthusiastic about mistakes — they mean you’re trying.
I spent the entire weekend reading in English.
I don’t entirely agree with that approach.
It takes time to establish good study habits.
I estimate it will take about 600 hours to reach B2.
It’s important to make ethical choices in business.
Evaluate your progress every month.
The examination tests your reading, writing, and speaking.
She became a senior executive at 32.
The existence of a language depends on its speakers.
The course was a worthwhile expense.
The exploration of new ideas is what learning is all about.
Expose yourself to English as much as possible every day.
She extended her stay in London to improve her English.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
External feedback helps you see mistakes you can’t notice yourself.
She made extraordinary progress in just three months.
F
The university has excellent sports and study facilities.
Failure is not the opposite of success — it’s part of it.
Have faith in yourself — you’re making progress.
It’s not your fault you weren’t taught grammar properly.
Ask for feedback on your writing — it accelerates improvement.
She studies finance and speaks excellent English.
The findings of the study were surprising.
She stood firm on her decision despite the pressure.
A flexible schedule makes it easier to study consistently.
Forgive yourself for mistakes and keep moving forward.
Her former teacher inspired her to become fluent.
She had the good fortune of growing up in a bilingual family.
The school was founded in 1923.
Speaking a new language gives you a kind of freedom.
The frequency of your practice matters more than the duration.
I don’t fully understand this grammar rule yet.
The project was funded by a government grant.
Listening is fundamental to learning any language.
The course is affordable; furthermore, it includes lifetime access.
G
What do you hope to gain from this course?
Reading generates new ideas and connections.
What genre of books do you enjoy reading in English?
The company imports goods from over 20 countries.
Rules govern how we form sentences in English.
Your fluency will improve gradually — trust the process.
She was awarded a grant to study abroad.
There is no guarantee of success, but consistency helps.
H
She handled the difficult question with confidence.
Avoiding mistakes doesn’t help — it harms your progress.
Perfectionism can be harmful to language learning.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you don’t understand something.
It was an honor to be selected for the program.
In many households, children grow up speaking two languages.
A good sense of humor makes you more likable in any language.
I
She used examples to illustrate her point clearly.
Use your imagination to create stories with new words.
Silence sometimes implies agreement.
Don’t impose your learning method on others — find what works for you.
She impressed the interviewer with her fluent English.
The incident was reported in all major newspapers.
Her income doubled after she became fluent in English.
English is increasingly important in the global job market.
The infection spread quickly in the crowded classroom.
Please inform me of any changes to the schedule.
My initial reaction was confusion, but then it made sense.
I initially found the grammar difficult, but it got easier.
Take the initiative and speak first — don’t wait to be asked.
Listen to your inner voice — you know more than you think.
Send your inquiry to the admissions office.
Reading gives you insight into different cultures and ways of thinking.
She insisted on doing the presentation in English.
Her story inspired hundreds of people to start learning English.
Install a language app and use it every morning.
For instance, you can learn vocabulary by watching films.
She enrolled at a language institute in the city center.
The university is one of the most prestigious institutions in Europe.
Travel insurance is essential when going abroad.
The course was intense but incredibly rewarding.
Internal motivation is stronger than external pressure.
It’s easy to misinterpret tone in written English.
Please don’t interrupt — let me finish my thought.
The investigation took six months to complete.
Learning English is the best investment you can make.
J – L
There’s a real joy in being able to express yourself in another language.
Good judgment comes from experience — and experience from mistakes.
The justice system aims to treat everyone equally.
Can you justify why you chose this approach?
The labor market favors people who speak English fluently.
The digital landscape has completely changed how we learn.
Success is largely determined by how consistently you practice.
They launched a new English course for professionals.
Strong leadership requires clear and confident communication.
She is in a different league — her English is outstanding.
Lean toward a positive attitude when making mistakes.
She got her teaching license after two years of training.
The discussion was lively and full of good ideas.
The reading load this semester is very heavy.
She took out a loan to pay for the language course.
His argument was logical and well supported.
M
It’s hard to maintain motivation over a long period.
The majority of students improved after daily practice.
Social media allows mass communication in seconds.
There was a massive improvement in her fluency.
It takes years to master a language — start now.
The maximum score on the IELTS is 9.
Reading is one of the best means of learning vocabulary.
She served in the military for five years.
Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of English practice per day.
The minister of education announced reforms.
There were only minor errors in her essay.
A minority of students struggle with pronunciation.
Her mission is to help people speak English confidently.
You may need to modify your study plan as you progress.
Monitor your progress with regular self-assessments.
The moral of the story is: never stop learning.
There are multiple ways to learn vocabulary — find yours.
The origin of some English words is quite mysterious.
N – O
The exam was hard; nevertheless, she passed.
The notion that you need to live abroad to learn English is a myth.
There are numerous resources available for learning English.
Good grammar means knowing the rules and when to obey them.
Set a clear objective for each study session.
You have an obligation to yourself to keep improving.
Observe how native speakers use language in context.
She obtained a B2 certificate after six months of study.
I occasionally make grammar mistakes — and that’s okay.
In a debate, understanding your opponent’s view is essential.
Many people oppose the idea of grammar drills.
The origin of the word alphabet comes from Greek.
Study consistently — otherwise you’ll forget what you learned.
The outcome of consistent practice is fluency.
Outline your essay before you start writing.
Overall, her English is strong with minor weaknesses in writing.
I owe my English skills to years of reading.
P
Every participant in the workshop received a certificate.
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions below.
Fluency is not permanent — you need to maintain it.
The visa permits a stay of up to 90 days.
Reading fiction gives you a different perspective on life.
We are in the final phase of the project.
Language acquisition is a fascinating phenomenon.
Her philosophy is simple: speak every day, no exceptions.
Every learner has the potential to become fluent.
The teacher praised her for the improvement in her essays.
Her presence in the room commanded attention.
We should preserve minority languages before they disappear.
The key principle of language learning is consistency.
Make English a priority, not an afterthought.
I value my privacy — I don’t share everything online.
Follow the procedure step by step.
Your progress is the proof that the method works.
She submitted a proposal for a new language program.
I propose we change the meeting to Thursday.
The prospect of speaking fluent English motivates me every day.
Copyright protection covers written materials.
She decided to pursue a career in international relations.
R
The rapid spread of English is a 21st century phenomenon.
Technology is changing the way we learn, and it’s happening rapidly.
Set realistic goals — not too easy, not impossible.
That’s a reasonable explanation — I understand now.
Can you recall the last five new words you learned?
She recovered quickly from the difficult exam and tried again.
A reduction in screen time improved her concentration.
He is widely regarded as one of the best teachers.
Register for the exam at least one month in advance.
I regret not starting to learn English earlier.
The new regulation requires all employees to pass an English test.
Choose topics that are relevant to your life and interests.
I felt a huge sense of relief when the exam was over.
Don’t rely on translation — try to think in English.
She made a very insightful remark about language learning.
She was the student representative on the academic board.
The school has an excellent reputation for language teaching.
The main requirement for fluency is daily exposure.
Good vocabulary can rescue you when you can’t find the right word.
She became a permanent resident after three years.
Resist the temptation to switch back to your native language.
She resolved to study English every single day.
Spaced repetition helps you retain new vocabulary longer.
Reading reveals how words are used in natural context.
The digital revolution has transformed language learning.
The reward for consistent effort is fluency.
Rural communities often have fewer language learning resources.
S
I’m not satisfied with just getting by — I want to be fluent.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you speaking English?
The tech sector requires strong English communication skills.
Always seek opportunities to use English in real situations.
Select the method that matches your learning style.
The selection of books for this course is excellent.
The senate voted on the new education policy.
Be sensitive to cultural differences when speaking English abroad.
Learn vocabulary in sequence — from most common to least.
Each study session should have a clear goal.
It took her a few months to settle into speaking English naturally.
A severe lack of vocabulary will limit your communication.
Don’t live in the shadow of your mistakes — learn from them.
Libraries provide a shelter for curious minds.
There has been a significant improvement in her speaking.
Your vocabulary will grow significantly if you read every day.
There was silence in the room before she began to speak.
A sincere effort to communicate is always appreciated.
There was a slight improvement after just one week.
Learning a language is a steep slope at first.
Language is what separates the human species from all others.
The event was sponsored by a major publishing company.
A stable daily routine is the foundation of consistent progress.
English has the status of an international language.
Steady progress is better than occasional bursts of effort.
She has a large stock of vocabulary from years of reading.
A constant stream of input is essential for fluency.
Stretch your vocabulary by reading above your current level.
She has a strict rule: no native language during class.
Every successful speaker once struggled with the basics.
Submit your essay by Friday at the latest.
She had surgery and used her recovery time to study English.
Surround yourself with English — podcasts, books, films.
I suspect she already speaks better than she thinks.
She spoke with great sympathy and understanding.
T
A plateau in learning is temporary — push through it.
Some people find writing in a journal a form of therapy.
Fear of judgment is the biggest threat to speaking progress.
Don’t let difficult grammar threaten your confidence.
She practiced every day and thus improved very quickly.
Pay attention to the tone of a text — formal or informal?
The exam was tough, but she was tougher.
Track your progress with a vocabulary journal.
Skills transfer from one language to another.
Learning English can transform your career and life.
The transition from B1 to B2 takes consistent effort.
After several trials, she finally found her best study method.
I truly believe that anyone can learn to speak English well.
Trust the process — results come with time.
Every learner goes through a dark tunnel — keep going.
U – V
Ultimately, your success depends on your daily actions.
Fluency happens when language use becomes unconscious.
The unexpected question threw her off during the interview.
Every learner has a unique path to fluency.
The universe of English literature is vast and rewarding.
She is at the upper end of the B2 level.
Urban learners often have more access to English resources.
The difficulty of texts should vary to keep learning interesting.
The internet gives you access to a vast amount of English content.
The conference venue was a beautiful old library.
Finishing your first English book is a real victory.
Exposure to media violence can affect behavior.
Virtual language exchanges are a great way to practice speaking.
Her vision is to make quality English education accessible to everyone.
Visual learners benefit from mind maps and flashcards.
Daily exposure to English is vital for rapid improvement.
Increase the volume of English you consume every day.
W – Z
Higher wages are often available to English speakers.
A wealth of knowledge awaits you in English books.
Wealthy in vocabulary means wealthy in ideas.
Some people learn quickly, whereas others need more time.
Wherever you are, you can practice English.
Be willing to make mistakes — it’s the only way to improve.
A wise learner focuses on comprehensible input.
She witnessed how quickly her English improved with daily reading.
The wound of a failed exam heals faster than you think.
Let’s wrap up today’s lesson with a quick review.
Step out of your comfort zone — that’s where growth happens.
You’ve completed the Oxford 3000.
B2 is the top of the Oxford 3000 list. You now have the vocabulary foundation that Oxford University Press considers essential for fluent, independent English.
But vocabulary never truly ends. The next step is the Oxford 5000 — an expanded list that takes you from B2 to C1 and beyond, covering academic, professional, and literary English.
Keep going.