Preliminary English Speaking Flashcards

The PET speaking test is conducted by two examiners. What are their different roles?

Answer: One examiner (the interlocutor) manages the interaction; the other (the assessor) listens and marks

The interlocutor conducts the test while the assessor observes silently and scores the candidates on the four marking criteria.

Which response best shows 'discourse management' in the PET speaking test?

Answer: Connecting ideas logically: 'First… then… finally… so overall I think…'

Discourse management involves organizing speech coherently using linking words and logical sequence.

In the PET speaking Part 1 personal interview, which topic is a candidate LEAST likely to be asked about?

Answer: Technical details of international tax law

PET Part 1 focuses on familiar, everyday topics such as home, hobbies, work, and plans — not specialist professional topics.

A student says: 'I go to cinema yesterday.' What type of error is this, and how common is it in PET speaking tests?

Answer: A tense error (should be 'I went to the cinema yesterday'); minor errors like this are expected at B1 level

Tense errors are common at B1 and do not automatically fail a candidate; overall communication and range matter more.

Which PET speaking strategy is most effective when you do not know the exact word you need?

Answer: Use paraphrase: describe what the word means or give an example

Paraphrasing demonstrates communicative competence and is a valued strategy in the PET speaking test.

How long does the PET speaking test typically last for a pair of candidates?

Answer: 10–12 minutes

The PET speaking test takes approximately 10–12 minutes for a pair, covering all four parts.

In Part 4 of the PET speaking test, the examiner asks general discussion questions related to the Part 3 topic. What is the best approach?

Answer: Expand your answers with reasons, examples, and personal opinions

Part 4 rewards extended answers with justified opinions, examples, and personal relevance.