PET Preliminary English Speaking 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the PET speaking test Part 2, you are asked to describe a photograph. Which approach is most effective?
- Read any text visible in the photo aloud
- Describe what you see using present continuous tense and spatial language (Correct answer)
- Memorize a fixed speech before the exam
- Only mention the main subject and stop
Correct answer: Describe what you see using present continuous tense and spatial language
Using present continuous tense (e.g., 'A woman is walking...') and spatial phrases (in the background, on the left) demonstrates range and fluency.
Question 2: A candidate says: 'There is a man. He is old. He sits.' How could this be improved for the PET speaking test?
- Use shorter sentences for clarity
- Link ideas with connectors and add detail: 'There is an elderly man who appears to be sitting on a park bench' (Correct answer)
- Speak faster to show fluency
- Replace all sentences with questions
Correct answer: Link ideas with connectors and add detail: 'There is an elderly man who appears to be sitting on a park bench'
Combining sentences with relative clauses and adding descriptive detail shows a higher level of spoken English.
Question 3: During the PET speaking test, your partner gives a very short answer. What should you do?
- Remain silent and wait for the examiner
- Ask your partner a follow-up question to keep the conversation going (Correct answer)
- Repeat your partner's answer back to them
- Speak over your partner to fill the silence
Correct answer: Ask your partner a follow-up question to keep the conversation going
Asking a follow-up question shows interactive communication skill, which is a key marking criterion.
Question 4: Which phrase is most appropriate for politely disagreeing with your partner in the PET speaking Part 3 discussion?
- You are completely wrong about that.
- I see your point, but I think... (Correct answer)
- Stop talking, I have a better idea.
- That makes no sense at all.
Correct answer: I see your point, but I think...
'I see your point, but I think...' acknowledges your partner's view while politely introducing your own opinion.
Question 5: In PET speaking, what does 'interactive communication' mean?
- Using as many vocabulary words as possible
- Initiating and responding in conversation, asking for clarification, and keeping the exchange going (Correct answer)
- Talking without pausing for the full time allowed
- Correcting your partner's grammar mistakes
Correct answer: Initiating and responding in conversation, asking for clarification, and keeping the exchange going
Interactive communication refers to the ability to engage in genuine two-way dialogue, not just monologue.
Question 6: You don't understand the examiner's question. What is the best response?
- Guess an answer and speak confidently
- Say 'I'm sorry, could you repeat that, please?' (Correct answer)
- Remain silent for ten seconds
- Say 'I don't know' and stop speaking
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 7: Which sentence uses appropriate hedging language for the PET speaking test when you are unsure?
- It is definitely true that the man is a doctor.
- I have no idea what this picture shows.
- It looks as though the woman might be waiting for a bus. (Correct answer)
- The picture is impossible to describe.
Correct answer: It looks as though the woman might be waiting for a bus.
Hedging phrases like 'it looks as though' and 'might be' show you can speculate appropriately when you are uncertain.
PET Preliminary English Speaking 2
In the PET speaking test Part 2, you are asked to describe a photograph.
Which approach is most effective?