Essential vocabulary organised by topic, exactly what comes up in a real SELT speaking interview, from personal details to life in the UK.
The SELT doesn't test obscure or academic vocabulary, it tests whether you can talk naturally and clearly about your own life. These are the topics and words that come up most often, organised so you can review exactly what you need for your level.
| Word / Phrase | Example Use |
|---|---|
| married / single / divorced | I am married. My husband's name is Carlos. |
| date of birth | My date of birth is the 5th of July. |
| nationality | My nationality is Brazilian. |
| address | My address is 12 High Street, London. |
| occupation | My occupation is a nurse. |
| Word / Phrase | Example Use |
|---|---|
| get up / wake up | I get up at seven o'clock every morning. |
| household chores | I do the household chores on Sundays. |
| commute | My commute to work takes 30 minutes. |
| neighbourhood | I like my neighbourhood, it's quiet and friendly. |
| routine | My daily routine doesn't change much during the week. |
| Word / Phrase | Example Use |
|---|---|
| colleague | I work closely with my colleagues every day. |
| responsibilities | My responsibilities include managing the team's schedule. |
| qualification | I have a qualification in accounting. |
| promotion | I was offered a promotion last year. |
| part-time / full-time | I work full-time at a hospital. |
| Word / Phrase | Example Use |
|---|---|
| settle in | It took me a few months to settle in when I first arrived. |
| community | I've become part of the local community. |
| adapt to | I had to adapt to the weather and the food. |
| local council | I registered with the local council when I moved. |
| Word / Phrase | Example Use |
|---|---|
| in my opinion | In my opinion, remote working has real advantages. |
| on the other hand | On the other hand, it can be difficult to switch off. |
| advantages / disadvantages | There are both advantages and disadvantages to city life. |
| I'd say that… | I'd say that work-life balance has improved for me here. |
Knowing the words is only half the battle. Book a free level test and practise using this vocabulary naturally in a real conversation with a CELTA-qualified tutor.