Download this free B1–B2 English worksheet PDF for English learners and teachers. This lesson is based on the history of medieval cathedral builders and asks whether modern employers rely too much on degrees and formal qualifications.
Students practise reading comprehension, useful vocabulary, phrase matching and speaking skills through a real-world work and education topic about qualifications, experience, apprenticeships, practical skills, recruitment and workplace ability. The worksheet is suitable for private English lessons, online classes, classroom teaching, homework and discussion practice.
The article explains the topic in clear, accessible English. Students read that centuries ago, Europe’s cathedral builders created huge stone buildings without modern engineering degrees or computer software. According to a Smithsonian expert, medieval master builders used compasses, squares, ratios, floor drawings, cords and templates to plan their work.
This worksheet helps B1–B2 learners discuss qualifications and practical experience in everyday English. Students talk about whether qualifications or experience matter more, which jobs should require formal training, whether employers rely on degrees too much, and whether capable applicants can be unfairly ruled out by certificate requirements.
The PDF includes a B1–B2 reading text, True / False questions, Phrase Match, Synonym Match, a task where students use new language, discussion questions and a full answer key. It helps learners build useful vocabulary for talking about formal education, complex work, practical skills, skilled workers, experienced colleagues, capable applicants, essential knowledge and real ability.
Level: B1–B2
Date: 26 August 2026
Focus: reading, vocabulary, qualifications, experience, apprenticeships, recruitment and speaking
This free worksheet includes:
- a B1–B2 reading text about formal qualifications and practical experience
- True / False comprehension questions
- Phrase Match practice with useful expressions
- Synonym Match vocabulary practice
- a sentence-writing task using new language
- discussion questions for Student A and Student B
- full answer key
The worksheet includes useful phrases such as learn by doing, pick up skills, work their way up, rely on, figure out, prove themselves, count for, rule out, get ahead and make up for. It also practises vocabulary such as formal, complex, practical, skilled, experienced, capable, essential, applicants, knowledge and ability.
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