B1 Preliminary Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The English language exam demonstrates...

You have developed your ability to communicate in English.
You have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. (Correct answer)
You understand simple written English.

Correct answer: You have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.

The B1 Preliminary (PET) exam is designed to assess intermediate English language skills. Achieving this qualification indicates that a candidate can handle everyday situations, understand routine information, and communicate effectively in practical contexts. It signifies a solid foundation in English for daily life, work, or study, demonstrating practical language skills.

Question 2: B1 Preliminary was previously known as.

FCE
KET
PET (Correct answer)

Correct answer: PET

The B1 Preliminary exam is part of the Cambridge English Qualifications suite. It was formerly known as the Preliminary English Test (PET). The name was updated to align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels, making it clearer that it assesses B1 level proficiency.

Question 3: The original protection declared at the 1864 Geneva Convention was the Red Cross on a white background.

poster
signal
symbol (Correct answer)
billboard

Correct answer: symbol

The Red Cross on a white background was established as a protective emblem or 'symbol' at the 1864 Geneva Convention. This symbol was intended to identify medical personnel and facilities during armed conflict, granting them protection under international humanitarian law. It serves as a universally recognized sign of neutrality and aid.

Question 4: A B1 Preliminary qualification demonstrates that you are capable of:

Understand and use basic phrases and expressions
Read simple textbooks and articles in English (Correct answer)
Show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English. (Correct answer)
Take meeting notes (Correct answer)
Write letters and emails on everyday subjects (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Read simple textbooks and articles in English

The B1 Preliminary qualification signifies that a learner has reached an intermediate level of English proficiency. At this level, individuals are expected to be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, including reading simple, factual texts like textbooks and articles. This skill is fundamental for practical language use in academic or everyday contexts.

Question 5: Is a condition in which a significant number of people have little or no access to food, and many of them die as a result.

Poverty
Disaster
Famine (Correct answer)
Flood

Correct answer: Famine

Famine specifically refers to a severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger, malnutrition, and often death within a population. While poverty can contribute to famine, and disasters can trigger it, 'famine' is the precise term for the condition of significant food scarcity and its deadly consequences on a large scale.

Question 6: Go ____ this book because it contains all of the necessary information.

off
over (Correct answer)
on
by

Correct answer: over

The phrasal verb 'go over' means to review, examine, or study something carefully. In this context, 'Go over this book' instructs someone to read and understand the book thoroughly because it contains essential information. This fits the meaning of careful review and comprehension.

Question 7: Jen has gone out and will not ____ until midnight.

along
away
back (Correct answer)
off

Correct answer: back

The phrasal verb 'come back' or 'be back' means to return to a place. If Jen has gone out and will not 'be back' until midnight, it means she will not return home or to the starting point until that time. This is the most appropriate phrasal verb for indicating a return.

Question 8: Everything is you. I haven't made my mind yet.

away from/for
on for/ off
up to / up (Correct answer)
out off/ on

Correct answer: up to / up

The phrase 'Everything is up to you' means that the decision or responsibility rests entirely with that person. The phrasal verb 'make up one's mind' means to decide. Both 'up to' and 'up' correctly complete the sentences, indicating personal choice and the act of making a decision.

Question 9: There's no food left. Somebody must have eaten it ____.

out
up (Correct answer)
off
along

Correct answer: up

The phrasal verb 'eat up' means to eat all of something, leaving nothing. In the context 'There's no food left. Somebody must have eaten it ____,' 'eaten it up' perfectly conveys that all the food has been consumed, explaining why none remains.

Question 10: To ____ off wild animals, the explorers built a fire.

get
keep (Correct answer)
take
go

Correct answer: keep

The phrasal verb 'keep off' means to prevent someone or something from coming near or touching. In this sentence, the explorers built a fire to 'keep off' wild animals, meaning to deter or repel them and prevent them from approaching. This action provides protection from the animals.

Question 11: If something urgent has ____ up, please call me right away and I will assist you.

kept
picked
brought
come (Correct answer)

Correct answer: come

The phrasal verb 'come up' can mean to arise or happen unexpectedly, especially referring to a problem or an urgent matter. 'If something urgent has come up' correctly conveys that an unforeseen urgent situation has occurred, requiring immediate attention and a call for assistance.

Question 12: Because the plane ____ off one hour late, the passengers had to wait.

took (Correct answer)
turned
made
cut

Correct answer: took

The phrasal verb 'take off' is commonly used to describe an aircraft departing or leaving the ground. 'Because the plane took off one hour late' correctly indicates that the plane's departure was delayed, causing passengers to wait. This is the standard terminology for an aircraft's departure.

Question 13: People with membership cards get access to the private rooms from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Only members can visit the Private Rooms from 10am to 2pm. (Correct answer)
You can get your membership cards from the Private Rooms between 10am and 2pm.
Anyone can visit the private rooms from 10am to 2pm.

Correct answer: Only members can visit the Private Rooms from 10am to 2pm.

The original sentence states that "People with membership cards get access." This implies that having a membership card is a prerequisite for entry. Therefore, only those possessing a membership card are granted access to the private rooms during the specified hours, making option A the most accurate interpretation.

Question 14: In the ongoing humanitarian assistance for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, ASEAN remains ready to work with ____ United Nations.

the (Correct answer)
a
an
x

Correct answer: the

The definite article "the" is used before unique institutions or organizations that are well-known and singular, such as "the United Nations." It specifies a particular, universally recognized entity. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because "a" and "an" are indefinite articles, and "x" (no article) would be grammatically incorrect for this specific noun phrase.

Question 15: ASEAN also works for the ____ of the region's peace and stability.

promote
promotional
promoter
promotion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: promotion

The phrase "for the ____ of" requires a noun to complete the grammatical structure, indicating the purpose or object of the work. "Promotion" is the correct noun form of the verb "promote" and fits this construction perfectly. It means ASEAN works towards the advancement or encouragement of the region's peace and stability.

Question 16: Which word matches the space the best? <br> We ____ either eat at a pub, or at a restaurant. What would you like to do?

must
don't have to
could (Correct answer)

Correct answer: could

The word "could" expresses possibility or offers a choice, which aligns perfectly with the phrase "either...or" and the follow-up question "What would you like to do?". It suggests two available options without imposing an obligation. "Must" implies necessity, and "don't have to" implies lack of obligation, neither of which fits the context of offering a choice.

B1 Preliminary Practice Test 1

The English language exam demonstrates...