Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You hear: 'The price includes breakfast but not dinner. Lunch is available at an extra charge.' What is included in the price?

Dinner only
All meals
Breakfast only (Correct answer)
Lunch and dinner

Correct answer: Breakfast only

Only breakfast is included; dinner is not and lunch costs extra.

Question 2: Which word is a synonym for 'frightened'?

brave
scared (Correct answer)
curious
calm

Correct answer: scared

'Frightened' and 'scared' both describe a feeling of fear.

Question 3: Choose the correct form: 'There has been a significant ________ in temperature this winter.'

dropping
drops
dropped
drop (Correct answer)

Correct answer: drop

After 'a' (indefinite article), you need a noun; 'drop' functions as a noun here.

Question 4: Find the error: 'He explained me the rules of the game slowly.'

of the game
slowly
He explained me (Correct answer)
the rules

Correct answer: He explained me

'Explain' does not take an indirect object without a preposition; it should be 'explained the rules to me'.

Question 5: Which word is spelled correctly?

Neccesary
Neccessary
Necessary (Correct answer)
Necesary

Correct answer: Necessary

'Necessary' has one 'c' and two 's's — a common spelling tested in PET writing tasks.

Question 6: Why is identifying the main idea of a passage important?

To count the number of words
To memorize specific details
To rewrite the text in a different language
To understand the central point of the text (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To understand the central point of the text

Identifying the main idea is fundamental to comprehending any text, as it reveals the author's primary message or argument. This central point unifies all the supporting details and examples within the passage. Understanding the main idea allows readers to grasp the core purpose of the writing and effectively summarize or discuss its content.

Question 7: Which sentence best uses a discourse marker to contrast two ideas?

I like coffee, furthermore, I drink it every day.
I like coffee because it tastes good.
I like coffee; however, I prefer tea in the morning. (Correct answer)
I like coffee and I like tea.

Correct answer: I like coffee; however, I prefer tea in the morning.

'However' signals a contrast between liking coffee and preferring tea at a specific time.

Question 8: You are at a job interview and the interviewer asks: 'Do you have any questions for us?' You want to ask about working hours. What do you say?

Yes, I'd like to know what the typical working hours are. (Correct answer)
What time do I finish?
No, I know everything already.
Do you finish early on Fridays?

Correct answer: Yes, I'd like to know what the typical working hours are.

Asking about 'typical working hours' is professional and appropriately phrased for a job interview.

Question 9: If we leave now, we _____ catch the last train.

would
might
will (Correct answer)
can

Correct answer: will

'Will' is used in the result clause of a first conditional to express a likely real outcome.

Question 10: When describing a photo in PET speaking, which spatial phrase is most useful for organizing your description?

Somewhere in the picture there might maybe possibly be…
The photo has things in it.
Over there, or something
In the foreground, there is… while in the background, I can see… (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In the foreground, there is… while in the background, I can see…

Spatial phrases like 'in the foreground' and 'in the background' organize the description clearly and demonstrate vocabulary range.

Question 11: Find the error: 'He didn't say nothing about the meeting.'

nothing about (Correct answer)
He didn't say
No error
the meeting

Correct answer: nothing about

Using 'didn't' with 'nothing' creates a double negative; it should be 'He didn't say anything'.

Question 12: Which sentence contains a phrasal verb?

She walked to the store quickly.
He gave up trying to fix the computer. (Correct answer)
The teacher explained the homework clearly.
They enjoyed the concert very much.

Correct answer: He gave up trying to fix the computer.

'Gave up' is a phrasal verb meaning to stop trying, formed by a verb plus a particle.

Question 13: Which sentence uses the gerund correctly as a subject?

To swim is relaxing.
Swims is relaxing.
Swimming is relaxing. (Correct answer)
Swim is relaxing.

Correct answer: Swimming is relaxing.

A gerund (verb + -ing) can function as the subject of a sentence.

Question 14: Choose the correct collocation: 'She ________ a mistake on her homework.'

had
took
did
made (Correct answer)

Correct answer: made

In English, we 'make a mistake', not 'do' or 'take' one.

Question 15: Someone tells you some exciting news. Which response shows enthusiasm?

Okay, good for you.
Why are you telling me this?
That's incredible! Congratulations! (Correct answer)
I heard.

Correct answer: That's incredible! Congratulations!

Showing enthusiasm with words like 'incredible' and 'congratulations' is an appropriate social response to good news.

Question 16: How does collaboration enhance Error Identification & Correction in Preliminary English Test?

It slows down the process
It reduces individual accountability
It brings diverse perspectives and improves outcomes (Correct answer)
It creates unnecessary meetings

Correct answer: It brings diverse perspectives and improves outcomes

Collaboration brings together different viewpoints and expertise, leading to better decision-making and outcomes.

Question 17: Which sentence uses a comma correctly?

She likes, apples and oranges.
After the rain stopped, we went outside. (Correct answer)
He, ran to the bus stop.
I went to the store and, bought milk.

Correct answer: After the rain stopped, we went outside.

A comma correctly follows an introductory adverbial clause before the main clause.

Question 18: The examiner assesses 'grammar and vocabulary' in PET speaking. What does this criterion reward?

Speaking quickly with no pauses
Using only basic present-tense sentences correctly
A range of grammatical structures and varied vocabulary used with reasonable accuracy (Correct answer)
Using advanced academic vocabulary exclusively

Correct answer: A range of grammatical structures and varied vocabulary used with reasonable accuracy

Examiners reward candidates who attempt a range of structures (past tense, conditionals, modals) and varied vocabulary, even if minor errors occur.

Question 19: What is the importance of staying current with trends in Grammar & Sentence Structure for Preliminary English Test?

It is not necessary once certified
Trends do not affect professional practice
It ensures practices remain effective and relevant (Correct answer)
It is only required for new professionals

Correct answer: It ensures practices remain effective and relevant

Staying current with industry trends ensures that professional practices remain effective, relevant, and aligned with evolving standards.

Question 20: Identify the error: 'He hardly never misses a day of work.'

hardly never (Correct answer)
misses
He
a day of work

Correct answer: hardly never

'Hardly' is already a negative adverb, so 'never' creates a double negative; use 'hardly ever'.

Question 21: The manager asked us to ___ the meeting until next week.

put down
put away
put out
put off (Correct answer)

Correct answer: put off

'Put off' means to postpone or delay something.

Question 22: In PET Writing Part 3 (story), which element most helps create tension?

Writing the story in alphabetical word order.
Using only simple vocabulary throughout.
Short, punchy sentences and time pressure for the character. (Correct answer)
Long lists of adjectives describing the setting.

Correct answer: Short, punchy sentences and time pressure for the character.

Short sentences speed up the pace, and placing the character under pressure creates suspense.

Question 23: Which skill is most important for success in Writing Skills & Composition within Preliminary English Test?

Resisting change
Working without any training
Continuous learning and adaptation (Correct answer)
Avoiding feedback

Correct answer: Continuous learning and adaptation

Continuous learning ensures professionals stay current with evolving practices in Writing Skills & Composition.

Question 24: Choose the correct form: ___ the weather was bad, they decided to go out.

However
In spite
Although (Correct answer)
Despite

Correct answer: Although

'Although' introduces a subordinate clause with a subject and verb, unlike 'despite'.

Question 25: Which strategy helps most when you do not understand a word in a PET reading passage?

Skip the word and ignore that sentence
Assume the word is not important to the question
Stop reading and look the word up in a dictionary
Use the surrounding words and context to guess the meaning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use the surrounding words and context to guess the meaning

Using context clues — the words and sentences around an unfamiliar word — is the most efficient strategy during an exam.

Question 26: Which feature is typical of an informal email in PET writing tasks?

Numbered paragraphs and bullet points
Official company letterhead
Formal salutation such as 'To Whom It May Concern'
Use of contractions and friendly language (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use of contractions and friendly language

Informal emails use contractions, casual greetings, and friendly language suitable for writing to friends.

Question 27: What does 'get the ball rolling' mean?

To slow something down
To finish a project
To play a sport
To start a process or activity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To start a process or activity

'Get the ball rolling' means to start something or begin a process.

Question 28: Fill in the blank: By the time we arrived, the film ___.

has already started
already started
already starts
had already started (Correct answer)

Correct answer: had already started

Past perfect 'had started' shows an action completed before another past event.

Question 29: A sentence reads: 'Although the film received poor reviews, it became a box office hit.' Which part of the sentence is surprising or unexpected?

That the film was released at all
That the film became a box office hit despite poor reviews (Correct answer)
That the film received poor reviews
That reviews were written about the film

Correct answer: That the film became a box office hit despite poor reviews

'Although' signals a contrast, making the unexpected element the film's financial success despite critics' disapproval.

Question 30: In a PET reading passage about health, the text says: 'Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.' A question asks: 'How often should people exercise according to doctors?' What is the correct answer?

Whenever they feel like it
Every day for 30 minutes
Five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time (Correct answer)
Twice a week for one hour

Correct answer: Five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time

The text specifies 30 minutes of exercise on five days per week, so the answer must reflect both elements.

Question 31: When scanning a text for specific information, what is the best approach?

Read every word carefully from start to finish
Read only the first sentence of each paragraph
Move your eyes quickly over the text looking for key words (Correct answer)
Memorize the entire passage before answering

Correct answer: Move your eyes quickly over the text looking for key words

Scanning involves moving your eyes rapidly across the text to locate specific words or facts without reading everything.

Question 32: When the teacher asked who broke the window, nobody wanted to ___.

break a leg
let the cat out of the bag
face the music (Correct answer)
spill the beans

Correct answer: face the music

'Face the music' means to accept consequences for something you did wrong.

Question 33: Read the sign: 'No entry except for authorized personnel. Violators will be prosecuted.' What does 'authorized personnel' mean?

Customers with a ticket
Emergency services only
Anyone who works nearby
People with official permission to enter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: People with official permission to enter

'Authorized personnel' refers to people who have been officially granted permission to access an area.

Question 34: What is the purpose of skimming when reading a passage?

To understand every detail
To read aloud for pronunciation
To quickly identify the main idea (Correct answer)
To memorize the passage

Correct answer: To quickly identify the main idea

Skimming is a reading technique used to get a general overview of a text without reading every word. By quickly scanning headings, subheadings, and key sentences, readers can grasp the central theme or main idea of the passage efficiently. This helps determine if the text is relevant or worth a more detailed read.

Question 35: A stranger asks you for directions to the train station, but you don't know the way. What do you say?

The train station is far.
I'm sorry, I'm not from around here. You could try asking in that shop. (Correct answer)
I have no idea, go away.
I know but I won't tell you.

Correct answer: I'm sorry, I'm not from around here. You could try asking in that shop.

Apologizing for not knowing and suggesting an alternative source of help is the polite approach.

Question 36: Which clue word signals a contrast between two ideas in a reading passage?

Furthermore
Therefore
Similarly
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' is a contrast signal word that introduces an idea that opposes or qualifies what was said before.

Question 37: You don't understand the examiner's question. What is the best response?

Say 'I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please?' (Correct answer)
Say 'I don't know' and stop speaking
Guess an answer and speak confidently
Remain silent for ten seconds

Correct answer: Say 'I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please?'

Politely asking for repetition is a natural communicative strategy and does not penalize your score.

Question 38: In PET, a travel brochure would most likely use language that is:

Descriptive and appealing to attract visitors (Correct answer)
Neutral and purely factual
Negative and cautionary
Technical and full of statistics

Correct answer: Descriptive and appealing to attract visitors

Travel brochures use vivid, positive descriptions to make destinations sound attractive and desirable.

Question 39: Two colleagues talk. A: 'Are you nervous about the presentation?' B: 'A little, but I've practised so much that I think I'll be fine.' How does B feel overall?

Unsure whether to give the presentation
Very nervous and unprepared
Slightly nervous but confident due to preparation (Correct answer)
Completely calm with no worries

Correct answer: Slightly nervous but confident due to preparation

B admits to being a little nervous but feels confident because of extensive practice.

Question 40: Which sentence correctly uses 'despite'?

Despite that she was tired, she finished the work.
Despite she was tired, she finished the work.
Despite being tired, she finished the work. (Correct answer)
Despite of being tired, she finished the work.

Correct answer: Despite being tired, she finished the work.

'Despite' must be followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), not a clause with a subject.

Question 41: In PET Part 1, you rewrite a sentence so it means the same. Choose the correct rewrite: 'It's a long time since I saw him.'

I don't see him for a long time.
I haven't seen him for a long time. (Correct answer)
I didn't see him since a long time.
I haven't saw him for a long time.

Correct answer: I haven't seen him for a long time.

'It's a long time since' is rewritten using the present perfect with 'for' to express the same duration.

Question 42: You want to check that you understood someone correctly. What do you say?

Say that again.
What did you say?
So, if I understand correctly, you mean...? (Correct answer)
I didn't hear you.

Correct answer: So, if I understand correctly, you mean...?

Paraphrasing with 'So, if I understand correctly...' is a polite way to confirm comprehension.

Question 43: Which sentence uses the correct conditional form? 'If I more time, I visit you.'

had / would (Correct answer)
would have / will
had had / would have
have / will

Correct answer: had / would

The second conditional uses 'If + past simple, would + infinitive' for hypothetical present/future situations.

Question 44: A PET reading text says: 'Students are reminded that all homework must be submitted by Friday.' Where would you most likely find this text?

In a novel
In a travel brochure
In a school notice or announcement (Correct answer)
In a personal diary

Correct answer: In a school notice or announcement

School notices use formal reminders and directives to communicate policies to students.

Question 45: Read the advertisement: 'Gym membership — join before July 31 and get the first month FREE. Standard rate: $40/month.' A person joins on August 1st. How much do they pay for the first month?

$40, because the offer has expired (Correct answer)
$80, because they missed the deadline penalty
$0, because they still get a free month
$20, because they get a 50% discount

Correct answer: $40, because the offer has expired

The free-month offer expired on July 31st, so joining on August 1st means paying the standard $40 rate.

Question 46: What is the role of a concluding paragraph in an essay?

Repeats the introduction word-for-word
Introduces new topics
Includes only personal opinions
Summarizes key points and reinforces the argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Summarizes key points and reinforces the argument

The concluding paragraph brings the essay to a satisfying close by restating the thesis in new words and summarizing the main arguments presented in the body paragraphs. It should not introduce new information but rather reinforce the essay's central message and leave the reader with a lasting impression. A strong conclusion provides a sense of completeness and finality.

Question 47: My car broke down, so I had to ___ a mechanic.

call off
call out
call up (Correct answer)
call on

Correct answer: call up

'Call up' means to telephone someone.

Question 48: She _____ swim very well when she was a child.

should
could (Correct answer)
would
must

Correct answer: could

'Could' expresses past ability, making it the correct modal here.

Question 49: A short article says: 'Studies show that reading for just 20 minutes a day can significantly improve vocabulary and comprehension skills.' What conclusion can be drawn from this?

Vocabulary cannot be learned from reading alone.
You must read for at least one hour daily to improve your English.
Short daily reading habits can benefit language learning. (Correct answer)
Reading comprehension only improves through formal study.

Correct answer: Short daily reading habits can benefit language learning.

The article states that just 20 minutes of daily reading has significant benefits, supporting the value of short regular reading.

Question 50: A product review says: 'The camera takes sharp photos, but the battery life is disappointing.' What is the overall tone of the review?

Neutral and factual only
Entirely positive
Mixed — praising one feature and criticising another (Correct answer)
Entirely negative

Correct answer: Mixed — praising one feature and criticising another

The review expresses both praise (sharp photos) and criticism (poor battery), making the tone mixed.

Question 51: You are writing a notice for PET Part 2. What is the most important feature of a notice?

A formal greeting and personal signature at the end
Long paragraphs explaining every detail thoroughly
Conversational tone as if speaking to a close friend
Clear, direct information with a headline and key details (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clear, direct information with a headline and key details

Notices are functional texts — they must communicate information clearly and quickly with a headline.

Question 52: Choose the correct sentence using reported speech: He said, 'I am tired.' → He said that he ___ tired.

was (Correct answer)
has been
were
is

Correct answer: was

In reported speech, the present simple 'am' shifts back to past simple 'was'.

Question 53: Which sentence has a word-order error?

He always is late for meetings. (Correct answer)
She rarely goes out on weeknights.
I have just finished my homework.
They have never visited Paris.

Correct answer: He always is late for meetings.

Frequency adverbs go after the auxiliary verb 'is': 'He is always late'.

Question 54: Choose the sentence with the correct use of 'despite':

Despite of the rain, we enjoyed the picnic.
Despite that it rained, we enjoyed the picnic.
Despite the rain, we enjoyed the picnic. (Correct answer)
Despite it rained, we enjoyed the picnic.

Correct answer: Despite the rain, we enjoyed the picnic.

'Despite' is followed directly by a noun or noun phrase, not 'of' or a clause with a verb.

Question 55: Which sentence has a tense error?

When I will arrive, I will call you. (Correct answer)
She has lived here since 2010.
He was sleeping when the alarm rang.
By the time she arrived, he had already left.

Correct answer: When I will arrive, I will call you.

In time clauses with 'when', use the present simple for future reference: 'When I arrive'.

Question 56: In PET, when writing a 'thank you' email to a friend, which tone is most appropriate?

Formal and impersonal
Cold and distant
Friendly and informal (Correct answer)
Academic and technical

Correct answer: Friendly and informal

Emails to friends in PET should use a warm, friendly, and informal tone.

Question 57: A travel article states: 'The island is best visited in spring when temperatures are mild and the crowds are thin.' What can you infer about summer visits?

The island is closed to tourists in summer
Summer has unpredictable weather
Summer is likely hotter and more crowded (Correct answer)
Summer is also a mild and quiet time to visit

Correct answer: Summer is likely hotter and more crowded

By stating spring is best due to mild temperatures and few crowds, the text implies summer is the opposite — hot and busy.

Question 58: What does it mean to infer meaning from a text?

Summarizing every paragraph
Ignoring unknown words
Reading word by word
Understanding information not explicitly stated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Understanding information not explicitly stated

To infer meaning means to deduce or conclude information that is not directly stated in the text, but is implied by the author. Readers use context clues, their background knowledge, and logical reasoning to 'read between the lines' and understand the underlying message or unstated details. This skill is crucial for deeper comprehension and critical thinking.

Question 59: A sign in a public place says: 'No food or drink permitted beyond this point.' What is the purpose of this text?

To give instructions (Correct answer)
To express an opinion
To advertise a product
To tell a story

Correct answer: To give instructions

Public signs with 'No…' or 'Do not…' language are instructional, telling people what they must or must not do.

Question 60: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?

She stayed inside, and she read a book. (Correct answer)
Staying inside, she read a book.
Because it was raining, she stayed inside.
She stayed inside to read a book.

Correct answer: She stayed inside, and she read a book.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and.'

Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Test

The Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam certifies intermediate English language proficiency at CEFR level B1, assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through real-world tasks including comprehension, sentence completion, communication scenarios, and composition.

Questions

140 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
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