Why is the average so close to the minimum passing grade? It isn't because the test is impossible; it’s because of Most people take the B2 exam the moment they feel they have a fighting chance. They don't wait until they are C1-level speakers to sit for a B2 exam. Consequently, the "average" score is dragged down by the massive group of candidates who are scraping by with a "just enough" pass. The "high rollers"—those scoring 80 or 90—are statistical outliers.