B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In Part 2 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test, candidates are given a photograph and asked to do what?

Describe and talk about it for about one minute (Correct answer)
Write a paragraph about it
Memorize the photo and describe it from memory
Act out a scene shown in the photo

Correct answer: Describe and talk about it for about one minute

Part 2 requires each candidate to speak alone about a photograph for approximately one minute.

Question 2: What should you avoid doing during the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

Reading from a prepared script (Correct answer)
Using linking words
Making eye contact with your partner
Asking your partner's opinion

Correct answer: Reading from a prepared script

Reading a memorized script sounds unnatural and does not demonstrate real communicative ability.

Question 3: What score range is considered a passing score on the B1 Preliminary exam?

80 - 120
500 - 100
140 - 170 (Correct answer)
100 - 140

Correct answer: 140 - 170

A score range of 140-170 on the Cambridge English Scale indicates a passing performance for the B1 Preliminary exam. Specifically, scores from 140-152 are a Pass at Level B1, 153-159 are a Pass with Merit at Level B1, and 160-170 are a Distinction at Level B2.

Question 4: In the B1 Preliminary Reading Part 1, what type of texts are you most likely to see?

Short real-world notices, signs, and messages (Correct answer)
Full-length newspaper articles
Long literary novels
Academic research papers

Correct answer: Short real-world notices, signs, and messages

Reading Part 1 uses short authentic texts such as signs, labels, and notes.

Question 5: What is the best way to handle a long pause when you need thinking time in the speaking test?

Stay completely silent
Say 'next question please'
Use a filler phrase like 'That's an interesting question…' to buy time (Correct answer)
Repeat random vocabulary words

Correct answer: Use a filler phrase like 'That's an interesting question…' to buy time

Filler phrases maintain the flow of conversation and signal to the examiner that you are processing.

Question 6: A speaker says they 'absolutely loved' the film. How did they feel about it?

They enjoyed it very much (Correct answer)
They didn't watch it
They disliked it
They felt bored

Correct answer: They enjoyed it very much

'Absolutely loved' shows strong positive feelings.

Question 7: Approximately how long does the Speaking test last for a pair of candidates?

About 12-14 minutes (Correct answer)
About 3 hours
About 1 hour
About 2 minutes

Correct answer: About 12-14 minutes

The paired Speaking test lasts roughly 12 to 14 minutes.

Question 8: Which of the following best describes 'range of vocabulary' at the B1 speaking level?

Limiting speech to 100 basic words
Using enough words to discuss familiar topics clearly (Correct answer)
Using advanced idioms and technical jargon
Using only words from a given list

Correct answer: Using enough words to discuss familiar topics clearly

B1 speakers are expected to use sufficient vocabulary for everyday and familiar topics.

Question 9: An advert says: 'Hurry — offer ends soon!' What is the writer's purpose?

To warn of danger
To give directions
To apologise
To encourage quick action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To encourage quick action

The urgency aims to make people act fast.

Question 10: You hear: 'It's not as expensive as I expected.' What does the speaker mean?

The price doubled
It is very costly
They cannot afford it
It costs less than they thought (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It costs less than they thought

'Not as expensive as expected' means the price was lower than thought.

Question 11: What is skimming a text?

Reading quickly to get the general idea or gist of the text (Correct answer)
Reading every word carefully
Reading the text backwards
Only reading the first sentence

Correct answer: Reading quickly to get the general idea or gist of the text

Skimming involves reading quickly to understand the main idea or overall content of a text, often by reading titles, first sentences, and key phrases.

Question 12: What does 'pronunciation' refer to in the B1 Preliminary speaking assessment?

Speaking with a native British or American accent
Producing sounds clearly enough for a listener to understand (Correct answer)
Avoiding all regional accents
Pronouncing every word with perfect stress

Correct answer: Producing sounds clearly enough for a listener to understand

At B1, pronunciation must be clear enough for comprehension, not accent-perfect.

Question 13: You hear: "The film starts at 7:30, so let's meet at 7:00." What time do they meet?

8:00
7:00 (Correct answer)
7:30
6:30

Correct answer: 7:00

They agree to meet at 7:00.

Question 14: A speaker says, 'Why don't we meet up at the weekend?' What are they doing?

Asking for directions
Refusing an invitation
Complaining about noise
Making a suggestion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Making a suggestion

'Why don't we...' is a common way to make a suggestion.

Question 15: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'She has been living in New York ___ 2019.'

while
since (Correct answer)
during
for

Correct answer: since

'Since' is used with a specific point in time to show when a continuous situation began.

Question 16: Which of these statements is factually incorrect?

She talks very friendly to the younger children. (Correct answer)
Jay energetically ran up the stairs.
Your son runs very fast.

Correct answer: She talks very friendly to the younger children.

'Friendly' is an adjective, used to describe a noun (e.g., 'a friendly person'). To describe how someone talks, an adverb is needed. The correct adverbial phrase is 'in a friendly way,' making the sentence 'She talks in a very friendly way to the younger children' or, less commonly, 'She talks very friendlily to the younger children.'

Question 17: Which response best politely disagrees with a suggestion?

I see your point, but I'm not sure about that. (Correct answer)
You are completely wrong always.
Yes, exactly right.
Be quiet now.

Correct answer: I see your point, but I'm not sure about that.

'I see your point, but...' disagrees politely while acknowledging the other view.

Question 18: Which response best agrees with the opinion 'I think city life is exciting'?

No, I've never been there.
Turn left at the corner.
Yes, I feel the same way. (Correct answer)
It's six o'clock.

Correct answer: Yes, I feel the same way.

'I feel the same way' shows agreement with an opinion.

Question 19: Attending Knowle Grammar School is only possible if you...

pass an exam. (Correct answer)
can afford the tuition fees.
are a boy.

Correct answer: pass an exam.

The statement 'Attending Knowle Grammar School is only possible if you... pass an exam' clearly establishes an entrance examination as a prerequisite for admission. Grammar schools are known for their selective entry processes, which typically involve academic tests. Therefore, passing this exam is the sole condition mentioned for gaining entry to this particular school.

Question 20: In the B1 Preliminary speaking test, how many candidates typically take the test together?

One candidate and one examiner
Two candidates with two examiners (Correct answer)
Three candidates and two examiners
Four candidates and one examiner

Correct answer: Two candidates with two examiners

The standard format is two candidates assessed by an interlocutor and an assessor.

Question 21: In central Madagascar, it doesn't rain very often.

False
True (Correct answer)

Correct answer: True

Central Madagascar, particularly the highlands, experiences a distinct dry season and generally receives less rainfall compared to the eastern coast. This region has a more temperate climate with a pronounced dry period, making rainfall less frequent overall than in other parts of the island.

Question 22: A weather report says, 'It'll be sunny in the morning but turn cloudy later.' What happens in the afternoon?

It becomes cloudy (Correct answer)
It is foggy in the morning
It stays sunny all day
It snows

Correct answer: It becomes cloudy

'Turn cloudy later' indicates clouds come in the afternoon.

Question 23: In B1 reading tasks, what does 'gist' mean?

The author's name
The main idea or general meaning of the text (Correct answer)
The vocabulary used
The exact details of the text

Correct answer: The main idea or general meaning of the text

The gist is the essential meaning or main point of a text, understood without focusing on every specific detail.

Question 24: Which sentence correctly invites a partner to share their opinion during a speaking task?

'Don't you think I'm right?'
'You must agree with me.'
'Tell me your answer now.'
'What do you think about that?' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'What do you think about that?'

'What do you think about that?' is a natural, open invitation that encourages equal participation.

Question 25: Neil found it surprising that

his uncle had such good building skills.
houses are so expensive in the USA.
he wasn’t allowed to cut wood.
some adults didn’t know how to use tools. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: some adults didn’t know how to use tools.

Neil's surprise likely stemmed from observing that not all adults possessed basic tool-handling skills, which might be unexpected in a construction setting. This highlights a common reality where practical skills vary widely among individuals, even in tasks that seem fundamental. The text probably detailed his observations of the volunteers' varying skill levels.

Question 26: Which sentence uses the present perfect correctly?

I have seen that film last week.
I have go there twice.
I have never been to Spain. (Correct answer)
I never have been to Spain.

Correct answer: I have never been to Spain.

Present perfect with 'never' and a past participle expresses life experience.

Question 27: A speaker says, 'I'd rather not eat out tonight.' What do they mean?

They want to cook for friends
They are very hungry
They love restaurants
They prefer not to eat at a restaurant (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They prefer not to eat at a restaurant

'I'd rather not' expresses a preference against doing something.

Question 28: If you make a mistake while speaking in the B1 Preliminary test, what is the best approach?

Ask the examiner to mark it as correct
Repeat the mistake several times
Correct yourself quickly and continue (Correct answer)
Stop and stay silent

Correct answer: Correct yourself quickly and continue

Self-correction shows language awareness and does not significantly affect your score if done naturally.

Question 29: She needs to _____ her homework before watching TV.

give up
put off
carry out
get on with (Correct answer)

Correct answer: get on with

'Get on with' means to make progress with or continue doing a task.

Question 30: Which sentence is the most polite request in a formal email?

Give the form.
Could you please send me the form? (Correct answer)
I want the form now.
Send me the form.

Correct answer: Could you please send me the form?

'Could you please' makes a request polite and formal.

Question 31: What does the prefix 'un-' usually do to a word like 'happy'?

Makes it past tense
Makes it negative (unhappy) (Correct answer)
Makes it plural
Makes it a verb

Correct answer: Makes it negative (unhappy)

The prefix 'un-' reverses the meaning to negative.

Question 32: Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

we went to london and saw big ben
We went to London and saw Big Ben. (Correct answer)
we went, to London and saw big ben
We went to London, and saw Big Ben.

Correct answer: We went to London and saw Big Ben.

Proper nouns and the first word need capitals, with no unnecessary comma.

Question 33: Instruction: 'Fill in the form in capital letters using black ink.' How should you write?

In lowercase
In capital letters with black ink (Correct answer)
In pencil
In red ink

Correct answer: In capital letters with black ink

The form must be completed in capitals using black ink.

Question 34: A woman says: "Could you turn the music down a little? It's quite loud." What does she want?

Louder music
No music at all
Quieter music (Correct answer)
Different music

Correct answer: Quieter music

'Turn it down' means make it quieter.

Question 35: Which phrase best helps extend a short answer into a longer, more developed response?

'…, and the reason for this is that…' (Correct answer)
'No, never.'
'I said it already.'
'Yes.'

Correct answer: '…, and the reason for this is that…'

Adding a reason or explanation turns a simple answer into a well-developed spoken response.

Question 36: Complete: 'The bridge ___ in 1995.'

built
was built (Correct answer)
is built
has built

Correct answer: was built

A completed past action with a date uses the past simple passive.

Question 37: In a story task, which sentence best sets the scene at the start?

The end was happy.
Finally everyone went home.
It was a sunny morning when Mia woke up early. (Correct answer)
Then she said goodbye.

Correct answer: It was a sunny morning when Mia woke up early.

A scene-setting opening describes time, place and the main character.

Question 38: Choose the correct sentence: 'If it ___ tomorrow, we will cancel the trip.'

rained
raining
rains (Correct answer)
will rain

Correct answer: rains

The first conditional uses present simple in the 'if' clause and 'will' in the main clause.

Question 39: Complete: "I have lived here _____ 2015."

during
from
for
since (Correct answer)

Correct answer: since

'Since' is used with a specific point in time in the present perfect.

Question 40: There's no food left. Somebody must have eaten it ____.

up (Correct answer)
out
off
along

Correct answer: up

The phrasal verb 'eat up' means to eat all of something, leaving nothing. In the context 'There's no food left. Somebody must have eaten it ____,' 'eaten it up' perfectly conveys that all the food has been consumed, explaining why none remains.

Question 41: Casual games are quick and easy to play. People can pick up and play the game___ they have a spare minute or two.

whenever (Correct answer)
while
during
since

Correct answer: whenever

The word 'whenever' means 'at any time that,' which perfectly fits the context of playing casual games opportunistically. People can pick up and play these games at any moment they have a spare minute or two. 'During,' 'since,' and 'while' do not convey this sense of indefinite timing as effectively as 'whenever'.

Question 42: What is the meaning of 'despite'?

In spite of / regardless of (Correct answer)
Instead of
Together with
Because of

Correct answer: In spite of / regardless of

'Despite' means in spite of or regardless of, indicating that something happens even though there is an opposing factor.

Question 43: There are ________ distinct categories of video games.

much
lots
more
many (Correct answer)

Correct answer: many

The word 'many' is the correct quantifier to use with countable plural nouns like 'categories' when referring to an unspecified but large number. 'Much' is used for uncountable nouns, 'more' implies a comparison, and 'lots' is informal and less precise. Therefore, 'many' accurately describes the numerous distinct categories of video games.

Question 44: You hear a weather report: "Sunny in the morning, with showers expected this afternoon." What should you take in the afternoon?

Sunglasses
An umbrella (Correct answer)
A scarf
A fan

Correct answer: An umbrella

Showers in the afternoon mean rain, so bring an umbrella.

Question 45: My younger brother is very good _____ playing the guitar.

in
at (Correct answer)
with
on

Correct answer: at

The expression 'good at' is used to describe someone's skill or ability in a particular activity.

Question 46: Which sentence is correct?

He doesn't like coffee. (Correct answer)
He don't like coffee.
He doesn't likes coffee.
He not like coffee.

Correct answer: He doesn't like coffee.

With 'he', use 'doesn't' followed by the base verb 'like'.

Question 47: What is the role of supporting details in a writing piece?

To confuse the reader.
To elaborate and support the main ideas. (Correct answer)
To conclude the argument.
To introduce new topics.

Correct answer: To elaborate and support the main ideas.

Supporting details, such as examples, facts, statistics, or explanations, are crucial for developing and strengthening the main ideas presented in an essay. They provide evidence and clarification, making the arguments more convincing and understandable for the reader. Without adequate support, main ideas remain undeveloped and unpersuasive.

Question 48: At the B1 level, candidates are expected to speak with what level of fluency?

Using only present tense
Generally fluent with some pauses and hesitations (Correct answer)
Completely fluent with no errors
Only in short, memorized sentences

Correct answer: Generally fluent with some pauses and hesitations

B1 speakers communicate with reasonable fluency, but natural pausing and occasional errors are expected.

Question 49: How can a candidate best show 'grammatical range' during the B1 speaking test?

Using only present simple
Using a mix of tenses and sentence structures (Correct answer)
Repeating the same structure for every answer
Avoiding complex sentences

Correct answer: Using a mix of tenses and sentence structures

Grammatical range means varying your structures — past, future, conditionals, relative clauses, etc.

Question 50: When listening for specific information like times or prices, what is a useful strategy?

Only read the question
Listen for the key numbers and details (Correct answer)
Write down every word
Ignore the recording

Correct answer: Listen for the key numbers and details

Listening for key numbers and details helps catch specific information.

Question 51: Which organisation develops and administers the B1 Preliminary exam?

Trinity College London
IELTS Academic Board
British Council
Cambridge Assessment English (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cambridge Assessment English

Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, develops and administers the B1 Preliminary exam along with all other Cambridge English Qualifications.

Question 52: What is a synonym for 'happy'?

angry
sad
glad (Correct answer)
tired

Correct answer: glad

'Glad' means pleased or happy.

Question 53: Which phrase best asks for repetition politely in a conversation?

What is your problem?
Sorry, could you say that again? (Correct answer)
I disagree completely.
Be quiet please.

Correct answer: Sorry, could you say that again?

'Could you say that again?' is a polite request for repetition.

Question 54: Which phrase invites your partner to share their view in the paired task?

What do you think? (Correct answer)
It's raining outside.
I'm leaving now.
I had lunch already.

Correct answer: What do you think?

'What do you think?' invites your partner's opinion.

Question 55: A man says: "I prefer tea, but I'll have a coffee if there's no tea." What is his first choice?

Coffee
Water
Juice
Tea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Tea

He prefers tea.

Question 56: Choose the correct word: 'This is the ______ restaurant in town.'

best (Correct answer)
better
well
good

Correct answer: best

'Best' is the superlative of 'good', used with 'the'.

Question 57: The tools will be accessible to Neil the following year because...

he will be old enough. (Correct answer)
there will be fewer people on the project.
his uncle is going to teach him how to use them.
he is planning to study design and technology.

Correct answer: he will be old enough.

The most logical reason for Neil to have access to tools the following year is that he will have reached the required age for safe operation or participation in certain tasks. Construction projects often have age restrictions for safety reasons, particularly concerning the use of power tools or working in hazardous environments. This suggests his current age is a limiting factor.

B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam

The Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) certifies intermediate English proficiency at CEFR level B1, testing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for everyday communication.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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