PET Preliminary English Reading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the notice: 'Library books must be returned within two weeks. A fine of 10 cents per day applies to overdue items.' A student borrowed a book on March 1st. What happens if they return it on March 20th?
- They pay no fine because it is within the month.
- They pay 60 cents because the book is 6 days overdue. (Correct answer)
- They pay 20 cents because they kept it 20 days.
- They pay nothing if they renew the book online.
Correct answer: They pay 60 cents because the book is 6 days overdue.
The book is due March 15th (two weeks), and returning it March 20th is 5 days late, but 6 days overdue at 10 cents each = 60 cents.
Question 2: In the sentence 'Although she was tired, Maria finished her homework before going to bed,' the word 'Although' shows:
- A reason
- A contrast (Correct answer)
- A result
- A sequence
Correct answer: A contrast
'Although' introduces a contrast between being tired and still completing the homework.
Question 3: Read the sign: 'No entry except for authorized personnel. Violators will be prosecuted.' What does 'authorized personnel' mean?
- Anyone who works nearby
- People with official permission to enter (Correct answer)
- Customers with a ticket
- Emergency services only
Correct answer: People with official permission to enter
'Authorized personnel' refers to people who have been officially granted permission to access an area.
Question 4: Which sentence uses the correct punctuation for a list?
- Please bring: a pen, notebook and, ruler.
- Please bring a pen, a notebook, and a ruler. (Correct answer)
- Please bring a pen; a notebook; a ruler.
- Please bring a pen and, a notebook, and a ruler.
Correct answer: Please bring a pen, a notebook, and a ruler.
A comma-separated list with 'and' before the final item is the standard way to list items in a sentence.
Question 5: A short text says: 'The café is open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm. Weekend hours are 9am–4pm. Closed on public holidays.' A customer wants to visit on Saturday at 5pm. What should they expect?
- The café will be open.
- The café will be closed. (Correct answer)
- The café opens at 5pm on Saturdays.
- The café is only open on weekdays.
Correct answer: The café will be closed.
Saturday weekend hours end at 4pm, so the café is closed by 5pm.
Question 6: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The instructions were so _______ that even a child could follow them.'
- complicated
- clear (Correct answer)
- vague
- lengthy
Correct answer: clear
If a child could easily follow instructions, they must be 'clear,' not complicated or vague.
Question 7: Read the email subject line and opening: 'Subject: Your order has been dispatched. Dear Customer, We are pleased to inform you that your parcel has left our warehouse.' What is the main purpose of this email?
- To ask the customer to confirm their address
- To notify the customer that their order is on its way (Correct answer)
- To offer the customer a discount on their next purchase
- To request payment for an outstanding order
Correct answer: To notify the customer that their order is on its way
The email informs the customer that their order has been sent, which is a dispatch notification.
PET Preliminary English Reading 2
Read the notice: 'Library books must be returned within two weeks.
A fine of 10 cents per day applies to overdue items.' A student borrowed a book on March 1st.
What happens if they return it on March 20th?