B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A note reads: 'It might rain later, so take an umbrella just in case.' What is the advice?

Wait for the rain to stop
Stay at home
Bring an umbrella as a precaution (Correct answer)
Cancel the trip

Correct answer: Bring an umbrella as a precaution

'Just in case' means as a precaution against possible rain.

Question 2: In a thank-you email, which sentence is most suitable?

You must reply now.
Thanks so much for inviting me to your party. (Correct answer)
I disagree with you.
Please pay me back.

Correct answer: Thanks so much for inviting me to your party.

A thank-you message expresses gratitude clearly and warmly.

Question 3: Which sentence correctly uses 'enough'?

She old enough is to vote.
She is old enough to vote. (Correct answer)
She has enough old to vote.
She is enough old to vote.

Correct answer: She is old enough to vote.

'Enough' comes after adjectives but before nouns — 'old enough' follows the adjective correctly.

Question 4: Choose the correct word: 'She speaks English ___ than her brother.'

best
better (Correct answer)
good
well

Correct answer: better

'Better' is the comparative used with 'than'.

Question 5: Sign: 'Wet paint — do not touch.' What is the warning about?

The room is closed
The wall is broken
The floor is slippery
The paint is not yet dry (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The paint is not yet dry

'Wet paint' means the paint has not dried.

Question 6: Which response best shows the ability to speculate when a speaking topic is uncertain?

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

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 7: Complete: 'He used ___ in London when he was young.'

to living
to live (Correct answer)
living
live

Correct answer: to live

'Used to' plus the base infinitive describes past habits or states.

Question 8: Choose the correct passive: 'The letter ___ yesterday.'

was sent (Correct answer)
is sent
has sent
sent

Correct answer: was sent

The past simple passive uses 'was/were' plus the past participle.

Question 9: Which of the following is a useful discourse marker for adding information in a spoken response?

Nevertheless
Although
Despite
Furthermore (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Furthermore

'Furthermore' is an additive discourse marker that links extra information smoothly.

Question 10: How many parts does the Writing paper in B1 Preliminary have?

4
2 (Correct answer)
3
1

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

should (Correct answer)
can
must
will

Correct answer: should

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

Question 12: In the B1 Preliminary speaking test, how many candidates typically take the test together?

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

Correct answer: Two candidates with two examiners

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

Question 13: Choose the correct word: 'There ___ three books on the table.'

is
am
be
are (Correct answer)

Correct answer: are

'Are' agrees with the plural noun 'books'.

Question 14: A speaker says, 'I'm really looking forward to the trip.' How do they feel?

Excited about a future event (Correct answer)
Angry about a delay
Bored right now
Worried about the past

Correct answer: Excited about a future event

'Looking forward to' expresses excitement about something coming up.

Question 15: What does 'pronunciation' refer to in the B1 Preliminary speaking assessment?

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

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

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

Question 16: A blog reads: 'Looking back, I wish I'd travelled more when I was young.' What does the writer feel?

Excitement
Regret (Correct answer)
Pride
Anger

Correct answer: Regret

'I wish I'd' expresses regret about the past.

Question 17: What does that mean? Pick the right solution.

Tom should go to the restaurant without Jess. (Correct answer)
Jess will meet Tom at the bar.
Jess can’t go to the restaurant. She will meet Tom at the bar.

Correct answer: Tom should go to the restaurant without Jess.

This question asks for the interpretation of a message, likely between Jess and Tom. The correct answer suggests that Jess is unable to join Tom at the restaurant as planned, and therefore, Tom should proceed to the restaurant by himself. This implies a change in their meeting arrangements, with Tom going ahead alone.

Question 18: Which is the correct question form?

Where lives you?
Where you do live?
Where do you live? (Correct answer)
Where you live?

Correct answer: Where do you live?

Present simple questions use 'do' + subject + base verb.

Question 19: Complete the reported speech: "She said she _____ tired."

is
been
be
was (Correct answer)

Correct answer: was

In reported speech the present 'is' shifts back to the past 'was'.

Question 20: Which phrase best asks for repetition politely in a conversation?

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

Correct answer: Sorry, could you say that again?

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

Question 21: What is a synonym for 'happy'?

sad
angry
tired
glad (Correct answer)

Correct answer: glad

'Glad' means pleased or happy.

Question 22: What does a score of 120-139 on the PET Exam correspond to?

B2 First certificate
A2 English certificate (Correct answer)
B1 Preliminary certificate
C1 Advanced certificate

Correct answer: A2 English certificate

While the B1 Preliminary exam is designed for B1 level, a score between 120-139 indicates that the candidate has demonstrated English proficiency at Level A2 on the CEFR. Although they don't achieve the B1 certificate, they receive an A2 English certificate, acknowledging their foundational skills.

Question 23: Choose the correct collocation: 'Could you ___ me a favor?'

make
give
take
do (Correct answer)

Correct answer: do

The fixed collocation is 'do someone a favor', not 'make.'

Question 24: In B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1, what do you hear before each of the seven short recordings?

A question and three pictures to choose from (Correct answer)
A grammar explanation
A written transcript
A long monologue

Correct answer: A question and three pictures to choose from

Part 1 has seven short recordings, each with a question and three pictures.

Question 25: An email ends: 'Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.' What does this tell us?

They will meet on Saturday (Correct answer)
They met last week
They are angry
They will never meet

Correct answer: They will meet on Saturday

'Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday' shows a planned future meeting.

Question 26: What does 'interactive communication' mean in the B1 Preliminary speaking assessment criteria?

Using formal vocabulary throughout
Responding to your partner and keeping the conversation going (Correct answer)
Asking the examiner questions
Talking without stopping for two minutes

Correct answer: Responding to your partner and keeping the conversation going

Interactive communication means listening and responding appropriately to maintain a natural conversation.

Question 27: Choose the correct word: "If I _____ more time, I would learn another language."

would have
having
have
had (Correct answer)

Correct answer: had

The second conditional uses the past simple 'had' after 'if' to talk about unreal present situations.

Question 28: In the Speaking test, how many candidates usually take it together?

Two candidates with two examiners (Correct answer)
Only an examiner reading aloud
Five candidates
One candidate alone

Correct answer: Two candidates with two examiners

B1 Preliminary Speaking is normally taken in pairs with two examiners.

Question 29: You hear: "Press one for sales, two for support, or three for billing." Which number is for support?

Three
Zero
Two (Correct answer)
One

Correct answer: Two

Two is for support.

Question 30: You hear: "It's only a ten-minute walk, so we don't need a taxi." How will they travel?

By taxi
On foot (Correct answer)
By train
By bus

Correct answer: On foot

They will walk since it is close.

Question 31: Complete: 'I look forward ___ you soon.'

see
to see
to seeing (Correct answer)
seeing

Correct answer: to seeing

'Look forward to' is followed by a gerund because 'to' is a preposition here.

Question 32: In the B1 Preliminary Listening test, how many times do candidates hear each recording?

Three times
Once
It varies by part
Twice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Twice

Each recording in the B1 Preliminary Listening test is played twice to give candidates a second chance.

Question 33: Which topic is most likely to appear in Part 1 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

Talking about hobbies, family, or daily routines (Correct answer)
Debating economic policy
Analyzing political speeches
Giving a technical presentation

Correct answer: Talking about hobbies, family, or daily routines

Part 1 focuses on personal and everyday topics that all candidates should be able to discuss.

Question 34: 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 35: You hear: "I'd love to come to the party, but I have to work that evening." Will the speaker attend?

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

Correct answer: No, because of work

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

Question 36: A woman says: "I'd rather stay in tonight than go out in this cold." What does she want to do?

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

Correct answer: Stay home

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

Question 37: Which sentence uses the present simple correctly?

She going to school every day.
She go to school every day.
She gone to school every day.
She goes to school every day. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She goes to school every day.

Third-person singular subjects add -s to the base verb in the present simple.

Question 38: Choose the correct preposition: 'The meeting is ___ Monday.'

by
in
at
on (Correct answer)

Correct answer: on

'On' is used with days of the week.

Question 39: Choose the best word: 'He spoke quietly ___ not to wake the baby.'

so as (Correct answer)
while
because
until

Correct answer: so as

'So as not to' expresses purpose — the reason for speaking quietly.

Question 40: An invitation reads: 'You're warmly invited to our opening on Saturday.' What is its main purpose?

To invite someone to an event (Correct answer)
To ask for money
To give instructions
To complain

Correct answer: To invite someone to an event

'You're invited' shows it is inviting the reader to an event.

Question 41: In Part 3 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test, candidates discuss a topic together. What skill is being assessed?

Translating between languages
Memorizing a prepared speech
Collaborative discussion and reaching a decision (Correct answer)
Correcting each other's grammar

Correct answer: Collaborative discussion and reaching a decision

Part 3 tests the ability to interact, negotiate, and work together to make a joint decision.

Question 42: Which sentence uses correct punctuation for a question?

where are you going
Where are you going!
Where are you going.
Where are you going? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Where are you going?

Direct questions end with a question mark.

Question 43: Hello, Helen <br> A calculator is necessary for my homework. Since I can't locate mine, I snatched yours out of your bag. I hope it's all right. Tomorrow, I'll give it back to you. Hugs, Christina. <br> <br> Christina emailed Helen to...

ask if she could borrow her calculator tomorrow.
say that she has borrowed Helen's calculator. (Correct answer)
remind her to take her calculator to school tomorrow.

Correct answer: say that she has borrowed Helen's calculator.

Christina's email clearly states, 'I snatched yours out of your bag,' indicating she has already taken and is currently using Helen's calculator. She then explains why she took it and promises to return it tomorrow. The email is an informatory message about an action already taken, not a request for future borrowing.

Question 44: If you make a mistake while speaking in the B1 Preliminary test, what is the best approach?

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

Correct answer: Correct yourself quickly and continue

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

Question 45: At the B1 level, candidates are expected to speak with what level of fluency?

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

Correct answer: Generally fluent with some pauses and hesitations

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

Question 46: Which sentence correctly invites a partner to share their opinion during a speaking task?

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

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

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

Question 47: Choose the best option: "He runs _____ than his brother."

more fast
fast
faster (Correct answer)
fastest

Correct answer: faster

'Faster' is the comparative form of the short adjective/adverb 'fast'.

Question 48: A tour guide says: "We'll visit the castle first and the gardens afterwards." What comes second?

The shop
The gardens (Correct answer)
The castle
The café

Correct answer: The gardens

The gardens are visited afterwards.

Question 49: Select the correct passive form: 'The letter ___ by the manager this morning.'

was signed (Correct answer)
has sign
was sign
signed

Correct answer: was signed

The past simple passive is formed with 'was/were + past participle.'

Question 50: You hear: 'The film was a bit disappointing, to be honest.' How did the speaker feel?

Frightened
Extremely delighted
Completely amazed
Slightly let down (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Slightly let down

'A bit disappointing' means mildly let down.

Question 51: In the Speaking test, why is it important to keep talking and not stay silent?

To confuse the examiner
To show your range and fluency of language (Correct answer)
To avoid grammar
To finish faster than your partner

Correct answer: To show your range and fluency of language

Speaking enough lets examiners assess your fluency and range.

Question 52: Which word is an antonym of 'dark'?

Dim
Light (Correct answer)
Shadow
Black

Correct answer: Light

An antonym is a word that has an opposite meaning to another word. 'Dark' refers to the absence of light or a state of dimness, while 'light' refers to the presence of illumination. Therefore, 'light' is the direct antonym of 'dark'. 'Black', 'shadow', and 'dim' are related concepts but do not represent the opposite state.

Question 53: What is the real problem with apprenticeships?

They are expensive.
There are few available. (Correct answer)
They don’t give you any qualifications.

Correct answer: There are few available.

The question asks for the 'real problem' with apprenticeships, implying a specific drawback highlighted in the text. If the article states that 'there are few available' apprenticeships, this points to a significant issue of limited opportunities. This scarcity makes it difficult for many interested individuals to secure an apprenticeship, despite their potential benefits.

Question 54: You hear: "The train to Cambridge will now depart from platform 6, not platform 4." Which platform should you go to?

Platform 14
Platform 2
Platform 6 (Correct answer)
Platform 4

Correct answer: Platform 6

The announcement corrects the platform to 6.

Question 55: You hear: 'The train has been delayed by twenty minutes.' What has happened?

The train arrived early
The train was cancelled
The train is full
The train is late (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The train is late

'Delayed' means the train is running late.

Question 56: What does the acronym 'PET' historically stand for?

Personal English Training
Practical English Test
Pearson English Test
Preliminary English Test (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Preliminary English Test

PET originally stood for the Preliminary English Test.

Question 57: You hear: "Tickets cost £10 for adults and children go free." How much for a child?

£10
£5
Nothing (Correct answer)
£1

Correct answer: Nothing

Children go free, so it costs nothing.

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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