B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A doctor says: "Take one tablet twice a day after meals." How many tablets per day?

Four
Three
One
Two (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two

One tablet taken twice a day equals two.

Question 2: What is the speaking test structure in the B1 Preliminary exam?

Reading aloud, describing personal experiences, answering hypothetical questions
Conversation with examiner, picture description and discussion, solution discussion, likes and dislikes discussion (Correct answer)
Group discussion, summary presentation, job interview role-play
Monologue on a given topic, describing past events, debating pros and cons

Correct answer: Conversation with examiner, picture description and discussion, solution discussion, likes and dislikes discussion

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test is divided into four parts: a general conversation with the examiner, a collaborative task involving picture description and discussion, a problem-solving or solution discussion, and a final section discussing likes, dislikes, and personal experiences. This structure allows for a comprehensive assessment of interactive and descriptive speaking skills.

Question 3: A voicemail says: "Please call me back before five, otherwise leave a message." What should you do after five?

Wait until tomorrow
Call back
Send an email
Leave a message (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Leave a message

After five you should leave a message.

Question 4: There's no food left. Somebody must have eaten it ____.

along
out
off
up (Correct answer)

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 5: In the B1 Preliminary speaking test, what does Part 1 typically involve?

Describing a picture
Answering personal questions about yourself, your life, and your interests (Correct answer)
Giving a presentation
Debating a topic

Correct answer: Answering personal questions about yourself, your life, and your interests

Part 1 of the B1 speaking test involves answering the examiner's questions about yourself, covering topics like daily life, hobbies, work, or studies.

Question 6: In the B1 Preliminary speaking test, what should you do if you don't understand the examiner's question?

Politely ask them to repeat or clarify it (Correct answer)
Stay silent and wait
Say 'I don't know' and stop
Guess the answer

Correct answer: Politely ask them to repeat or clarify it

It is perfectly acceptable to politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question.

Question 7: In Part 2 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test, candidates are given a photograph and asked to do what?

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

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 8: What is the difference between 'hear' and 'listen'?

'Hear' is formal; 'listen' is informal
They mean exactly the same thing
'Listen' is past tense of 'hear'
'Hear' is perceiving sound passively; 'listen' is paying attention to sound deliberately (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'Hear' is perceiving sound passively; 'listen' is paying attention to sound deliberately

'Hear' refers to the natural ability to perceive sound, while 'listen' involves actively paying attention and trying to understand what you hear.

Question 9: Which sentence correctly invites a partner to share their opinion during a speaking task?

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

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

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

Question 10: What is the best way to handle a long pause when you need thinking time in the speaking test?

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

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

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

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

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

Question 12: Wilson & Sons is going to.

build your house for free.
price the work at no cost. (Correct answer)
estimate the size of your house.

Correct answer: price the work at no cost.

This question asks about the service offered by 'Wilson & Sons,' implying a business advertisement or description. The correct answer indicates that Wilson & Sons provides free estimates or quotes for their work. This means customers can inquire about the potential cost of a project without any initial financial obligation.

Question 13: Choose the correct word: 'This is the best book ___ I have ever read.'

that (Correct answer)
where
who
what

Correct answer: that

'That' is the relative pronoun used for things in this sentence.

Question 14: Select the best word: "The shop sells a wide _____ of products."

number
piece
range (Correct answer)
amount

Correct answer: range

'A wide range of' is a common collocation meaning a large variety.

Question 15: Choose the correct word: "We had a great time _____ our holiday."

during (Correct answer)
since
while
for

Correct answer: during

'During' is followed by a noun phrase like 'our holiday'.

Question 16: Can you _____ the music? It's too loud and I can't concentrate.

turn down (Correct answer)
turn on
turn up
turn off

Correct answer: turn down

'Turn down' means to reduce the volume or level of something like music or the TV.

Question 17: Which word should go in the blank? <br> Neither my uncle ___ my aunt could come to the party.

and
or
nor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: nor

The correlative conjunction 'neither' is always paired with 'nor.' This construction is used to indicate that two or more things are not true or applicable. Therefore, 'Neither my uncle nor my aunt' correctly conveys that both individuals were unable to attend the party.

Question 18: In B1 reading tasks, what does 'gist' mean?

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

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 19: What is the importance of active listening in language learning?

It enhances comprehension and retention. (Correct answer)
It focuses on vocabulary memorization.
It makes listening less stressful.
It helps to ignore background noise.

Correct answer: It enhances comprehension and retention.

Active listening involves fully engaging with the audio material, paying close attention to details, and trying to understand the message beyond just hearing the words. This focused engagement helps learners process information more deeply, leading to better comprehension of the content and improved ability to recall what they've heard. It transforms passive hearing into meaningful learning.

Question 20: The Listening paper of B1 Preliminary lasts approximately how long?

About 90 minutes
About 30 minutes (Correct answer)
About 10 minutes
About 3 hours

Correct answer: About 30 minutes

The Listening paper takes about 30 minutes, including transfer time.

Question 21: Which is the best way to start expressing your own opinion in a discussion?

In my opinion, ... (Correct answer)
It costs ten pounds.
Goodbye for now.
Please sit down.

Correct answer: In my opinion, ...

'In my opinion' introduces a personal viewpoint.

Question 22: Choose the correct plural: 'one child, two ___.'

children (Correct answer)
childrens
childes
childs

Correct answer: children

'Child' has the irregular plural form 'children'.

Question 23: What is the best strategy if you run out of time in the B1 Preliminary Listening test?

Use the end-of-test check time to fill in any blanks (Correct answer)
Leave blank answers
Guess the remaining answers using any option
Ask the examiner for extra time

Correct answer: Use the end-of-test check time to fill in any blanks

Candidates are given time at the end of the listening test to check and fill in any unanswered questions on the answer sheet.

Question 24: What is the opposite of 'increase'?

decrease (Correct answer)
rise
expand
grow

Correct answer: decrease

'Decrease' means to become smaller, the opposite of 'increase'.

Question 25: If you make a mistake while speaking in the B1 Preliminary test, what is the best approach?

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

Correct answer: Correct yourself quickly and continue

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

Question 26: What is the importance of listening to native speakers?

It teaches grammar rules.
It helps with reading comprehension.
It improves understanding of natural speech. (Correct answer)
It enhances speaking ability.

Correct answer: It improves understanding of natural speech.

Listening to native speakers is vital because it exposes learners to authentic pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and common expressions that are not always found in textbooks. This exposure helps learners become accustomed to the natural flow and speed of the language, making it easier to comprehend real-life conversations and media. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application.

Question 27: Read a headline: 'Local Library to Open on Sundays.' What information does it give?

New opening days for the library (Correct answer)
The library is closing
Books are now free
The library is moving

Correct answer: New opening days for the library

The headline announces the library will open on a new day, Sundays.

Question 28: In the Speaking test, Part 2 requires candidates to do what?

Write a short letter
Describe a photograph on their own (Correct answer)
Read a passage aloud
Translate a sentence

Correct answer: Describe a photograph on their own

In Speaking Part 2 each candidate describes a colour photograph individually.

Question 29: Choose the correct sentence: 'You ___ have told me earlier; now it's too late.'

can
will
should (Correct answer)
must

Correct answer: should

'Should have' plus past participle expresses criticism of a past action.

Question 30: Everything is you. I haven't made my mind yet.

on for/ off
out off/ on
up to / up (Correct answer)
away from/for

Correct answer: up to / up

The phrase 'Everything is up to you' means that the decision or responsibility rests entirely with that person. The phrasal verb 'make up one's mind' means to decide. Both 'up to' and 'up' correctly complete the sentences, indicating personal choice and the act of making a decision.

Question 31: What is the purpose of the B1 Preliminary exam?

To assess students at levels above B1.
To evaluate practical language abilities.
To verify that you have learned the basics of English. (Correct answer)
To test advanced English language skills.

Correct answer: To verify that you have learned the basics of English.

The B1 Preliminary exam, also known as PET, is designed to assess a candidate's ability to use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level. It demonstrates that a learner can handle routine communication, understand simple instructions, and express basic opinions, confirming foundational English skills.

Question 32: What is the purpose of paragraphs in writing?

To add unnecessary content.
To confuse the reader.
To make the writing look longer.
To break the writing into logical, focused sections. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To break the writing into logical, focused sections.

Paragraphs serve to organize an essay into manageable and coherent units, each typically focusing on a single main idea or aspect of the overall argument. This structure enhances readability by providing visual breaks and helping the reader follow the progression of ideas. Well-structured paragraphs ensure clarity and logical development of the content.

Question 33: Which version of B1 Preliminary is designed specifically for school-age learners?

B1 Preliminary for Schools (Correct answer)
B1 Academic
B1 Business Preliminary
B1 Senior

Correct answer: B1 Preliminary for Schools

B1 Preliminary for Schools uses topics tailored to younger candidates.

Question 34: A woman says: "I'd rather stay in tonight than go out in this cold." What does she want to do?

Go out
Stay home (Correct answer)
Visit friends
Go shopping

Correct answer: Stay home

'I'd rather stay in' means she prefers to stay home.

Question 35: He _____ his father because they're both very tall and have the same sense of humor.

takes after (Correct answer)
puts after
goes after
looks after

Correct answer: takes after

'Takes after' means to resemble or have the same characteristics as a family member.

Question 36: How should you approach a multiple-choice reading question at B1 level?

Read every answer choice before reading the text
Read the question first, then find the relevant part of the text, and eliminate wrong options (Correct answer)
Always choose the longest answer
Choose the first answer that seems right

Correct answer: Read the question first, then find the relevant part of the text, and eliminate wrong options

Reading the question first focuses your reading. Finding the relevant text section and eliminating obviously wrong options increases accuracy.

Question 37: In collaborative speaking tasks, what is most important?

Finishing as quickly as possible
Interacting with your partner — asking questions, responding to ideas, and reaching conclusions together (Correct answer)
Speaking more than your partner
Using the most advanced vocabulary

Correct answer: Interacting with your partner — asking questions, responding to ideas, and reaching conclusions together

The collaborative task assesses your ability to interact: taking turns, asking for opinions, agreeing/disagreeing politely, and working together toward a conclusion.

Question 38: 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.'
'Yes.'
'I said it already.'

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 39: A poster reads: 'Free entry for under-16s.' Who pays nothing?

People over 16
People younger than 16 (Correct answer)
Everyone
Adults only

Correct answer: People younger than 16

'Under-16s' means people younger than 16 years old.

Question 40: How can a candidate best show 'grammatical range' during the B1 speaking test?

Using only present simple
Repeating the same structure for every answer
Using a mix of tenses and sentence structures (Correct 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 41: My grandfather is incredibly good _____ telling funny stories about his past.

with
in
at (Correct answer)
for

Correct answer: at

'Good at' is the fixed expression used to describe skill or natural ability in something.

Question 42: Please bring your old magazines to school and place them in the box outside the geography room for the school's environmental project. <br> The message advises students to...

read old magazines to help them with a geography project.
throw away their old magazines.
bring magazines for use at school. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: bring magazines for use at school.

The message explicitly asks students to 'bring their old magazines to school' for an 'environmental project.' This indicates that the magazines are needed for use at school, likely for recycling or a creative project related to the environment. It's not about reading them for a geography project or throwing them away.

Question 43: In the ongoing humanitarian assistance for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, ASEAN remains ready to work with ____ United Nations.

a
the (Correct answer)
x
an

Correct answer: the

The definite article "the" is used before unique institutions or organizations that are well-known and singular, such as "the United Nations." It specifies a particular, universally recognized entity. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because "a" and "an" are indefinite articles, and "x" (no article) would be grammatically incorrect for this specific noun phrase.

Question 44: How many parts does the Writing paper in B1 Preliminary have?

1
2 (Correct answer)
3
4

Correct answer: 2

The B1 Preliminary Writing paper has 2 parts. Part 1 requires candidates to write a short email of around 100 words, while Part 2 asks for a slightly longer piece such as an article or story.

Question 45: What should you avoid doing during the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

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

Correct answer: Reading from a prepared script

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

Question 46: Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

My friend are coming today.
My friend come today.
My friends are coming today. (Correct answer)
My friends is coming today.

Correct answer: My friends are coming today.

Plural 'friends' takes 'are'.

Question 47: You hear: "The library opens at nine, but the café inside doesn't open until ten." When does the café open?

Eleven
Ten (Correct answer)
Eight
Nine

Correct answer: Ten

The café opens at ten.

Question 48: You hear: "The bus comes every fifteen minutes, except on Sundays." When is the schedule different?

Sundays (Correct answer)
Mondays
Saturdays
Holidays only

Correct answer: Sundays

Sundays are the exception.

Question 49: A teacher says: "The essay is due next Friday, not this Friday." When is it due?

Today
Next Monday
This Friday
Next Friday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Next Friday

The deadline is next Friday.

Question 50: Which of the following best describes 'range of vocabulary' at the B1 speaking level?

Using enough words to discuss familiar topics clearly (Correct answer)
Using advanced idioms and technical jargon
Limiting speech to 100 basic words
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 51: You hear: "I'd love to come to the party, but I have to work that evening." Will the speaker attend?

Only for a moment
No, because of work (Correct answer)
Yes, definitely
Yes, after work

Correct answer: No, because of work

'But I have to work' means they cannot come.

Question 52: Which is the correct question tag: 'You like tea, ___?'

do you
aren't you
isn't it
don't you (Correct answer)

Correct answer: don't you

A positive statement with 'like' takes the negative tag 'don't you'.

Question 53: You hear: "Tickets cost £10 for adults and children go free." How much for a child?

£5
Nothing (Correct answer)
£1
£10

Correct answer: Nothing

Children go free, so it costs nothing.

Question 54: Which connector best shows contrast: 'I was tired, ___ I finished my homework.'?

because
so
but (Correct answer)
and

Correct answer: but

'But' introduces a contrasting idea.

Question 55: Which response best shows the ability to speculate when a speaking topic is uncertain?

'That's a market.'
'It might be a market, because I can see stalls.' (Correct answer)
'I have no idea what that is.'
'This photo is about food.'

Correct answer: 'It might be a market, because I can see stalls.'

Using 'might be' with supporting evidence shows the ability to speculate appropriately.

Question 56: Which of the following is an example of a prefix?

Active
Hopeful
Reactivate (Correct answer)
Activation

Correct answer: Reactivate

A prefix is a morpheme (a meaningful linguistic unit) that is attached to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. In 'Reactivate', 're-' is the prefix, meaning 'again', changing the meaning of 'activate' to 'activate again'. 'Hopeful' contains a suffix (-ful), while 'Activation' and 'Active' are a noun and an adjective, respectively, without a clear prefix in the same way.

Question 57: What is the importance of proofreading in writing?

To make the writing more difficult to understand.
To identify and correct mistakes for clarity and professionalism. (Correct answer)
To add unnecessary details.
To make the writing longer.

Correct answer: To identify and correct mistakes for clarity and professionalism.

Proofreading is the final crucial step in the writing process, involving a careful review of the text to catch any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, or syntax. This ensures the writing is polished, professional, and easy to understand, preventing misinterpretations and maintaining the writer's credibility. It is essential for delivering a high-quality piece of work.

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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