B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A teacher says: "The essay is due next Friday, not this Friday." When is it due?

Next Monday
Today
This Friday
Next Friday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Next Friday

The deadline is next Friday.

Question 2: In Part 3 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test, candidates discuss a topic together. What skill is being assessed?

Memorizing a prepared speech
Translating between languages
Correcting each other's grammar
Collaborative discussion and reaching a decision (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Collaborative discussion and reaching a decision

Part 3 tests the ability to interact, negotiate, and work together to make a joint decision.

Question 3: In the Speaking test, how many candidates usually take it together?

One candidate alone
Five candidates
Two candidates with two examiners (Correct answer)
Only an examiner reading aloud

Correct answer: Two candidates with two examiners

B1 Preliminary Speaking is normally taken in pairs with two examiners.

Question 4: Choose the correct tag: 'You're coming to the party, ___?'

aren't you (Correct answer)
are you
isn't it
don't you

Correct answer: aren't you

A positive statement takes a negative question tag matching the auxiliary.

Question 5: During the speaking test, what should you do if you do not understand a question?

Make up an answer about a different topic
Say 'I don't know' and wait
Politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question (Correct answer)
Stay silent

Correct answer: Politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question

Asking for clarification is a natural communication strategy and shows confidence. Examiners expect and welcome appropriate clarification requests.

Question 6: Everything is you. I haven't made my mind yet.

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

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 7: Complete: 'There aren't ___ apples left in the bowl.'

much
some
a
any (Correct answer)

Correct answer: any

'Any' is used with plural countable nouns in negative sentences.

Question 8: A woman says: "Don't forget to bring your passport, the tickets are already printed." What must you bring?

Both items
Your passport (Correct answer)
The tickets
Nothing

Correct answer: Your passport

Only the passport is needed, as tickets are printed.

Question 9: Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

My friend come today.
My friends is coming today.
My friends are coming today. (Correct answer)
My friend are coming today.

Correct answer: My friends are coming today.

Plural 'friends' takes 'are'.

Question 10: Which grammar structure is typically tested in the B1 Preliminary Use of English open cloze task?

Advanced passive structures
Complex noun clauses
Prepositions, articles, and auxiliary verbs (Correct answer)
Only vocabulary collocations

Correct answer: Prepositions, articles, and auxiliary verbs

The open cloze tests grammatical words such as prepositions, articles, pronouns, and auxiliary verbs.

Question 11: Which topic is most likely to appear in Part 1 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

Analyzing political speeches
Talking about hobbies, family, or daily routines (Correct answer)
Giving a technical presentation
Debating economic policy

Correct answer: Talking about hobbies, family, or daily routines

Part 1 focuses on personal and everyday topics that all candidates should be able to discuss.

Question 12: Students that don't register by Friday lunch.

will not be able to do afternoon activities next week.
won’t be able to choose their afternoon activities next week. (Correct answer)
will have to work in the afternoons next week.

Correct answer: won’t be able to choose their afternoon activities next week.

This question tests reading comprehension regarding a deadline and its consequences. The correct answer implies that while students may still participate in afternoon activities, failing to register by Friday lunch will result in losing the privilege of choosing their preferred activities. This indicates a specific penalty related to choice rather than complete exclusion.

Question 13: Complete: "You _____ smoke in here; it's against the rules."

wouldn't
don't have to
needn't
mustn't (Correct answer)

Correct answer: mustn't

'Mustn't' expresses prohibition — something that is not allowed.

Question 14: How can a candidate best show 'grammatical range' during the B1 speaking test?

Avoiding complex sentences
Repeating the same structure for every answer
Using a mix of tenses and sentence structures (Correct answer)
Using only present simple

Correct answer: Using a mix of tenses and sentence structures

Grammatical range means varying your structures — past, future, conditionals, relative clauses, etc.

Question 15: Which phrase invites your partner to share their view in the paired task?

It's raining outside.
What do you think? (Correct answer)
I'm leaving now.
I had lunch already.

Correct answer: What do you think?

'What do you think?' invites your partner's opinion.

Question 16: You hear: 'I'll give you a hand with those bags.' What is the speaker offering?

To throw the bags away
To help carry the bags (Correct answer)
To wave hello
To buy new bags

Correct answer: To help carry the bags

'Give you a hand' is an idiom meaning to help.

Question 17: What makes a good topic sentence in a short article?

It lists your name and date.
It says goodbye to the reader.
It asks for a reply.
It introduces the main idea of the paragraph. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

A topic sentence presents the paragraph's main idea.

Question 18: What does that mean? Pick the right solution.

You need a special type of ticket if you travel regularly.
The Super Weekly Saver ticket can help all travelers to save money.
Cheaper tickets are available for people who travel often. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cheaper tickets are available for people who travel often.

This question requires interpreting a statement, likely about a 'Super Weekly Saver ticket' and its benefits. The correct answer indicates that this ticket offers a cost advantage to individuals who travel frequently or regularly. This implies the ticket is designed to make commuting or frequent travel more economical for consistent users.

Question 19: Which CEFR level does the Cambridge 'Preliminary' exam certify?

A2
B1 (Correct answer)
C1
B2

Correct answer: B1

B1 Preliminary certifies the B1 (intermediate) level on the CEFR scale.

Question 20: A note says: 'Out of order — please use the other lift.' What is the problem?

The lift is full
The lift is being cleaned
The lift is closed at night
The lift is broken (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The lift is broken

'Out of order' means the lift is not working.

Question 21: A timetable shows the bus leaves at 8:15 and arrives at 8:50. How long is the journey?

50 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
35 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 35 minutes

From 8:15 to 8:50 is 35 minutes.

Question 22: You hear an airport announcement: "Flight 204 to Madrid is delayed by one hour." What happened to the flight?

It changed gate
It was cancelled
It left early
It is delayed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is delayed

The flight is delayed by one hour.

Question 23: You hear: 'I was supposed to meet Jack, but he didn't show up.' What happened?

Jack was ill
Jack did not arrive (Correct answer)
They met successfully
Jack arrived early

Correct answer: Jack did not arrive

'Didn't show up' means a person failed to arrive.

Question 24: A doctor says: "Take one tablet twice a day after meals." How many tablets per day?

Two (Correct answer)
One
Three
Four

Correct answer: Two

One tablet taken twice a day equals two.

Question 25: Select the best word: "I can't decide _____ to take the job or not."

whether (Correct answer)
unless
if so
either

Correct answer: whether

'Whether ... or not' is the correct structure to express a choice.

Question 26: Which response best shows the ability to speculate when a speaking topic is uncertain?

'That's a market.'
'It might be a market, because I can see stalls.' (Correct answer)
'This photo is about food.'
'I have no idea what that is.'

Correct answer: 'It might be a market, because I can see stalls.'

Using 'might be' with supporting evidence shows the ability to speculate appropriately.

Question 27: How long does the whole B1 Preliminary Speaking test take per pair of candidates?

About 45 minutes
About 2 minutes
About 12-17 minutes (Correct answer)
About 90 minutes

Correct answer: About 12-17 minutes

The Speaking test lasts roughly 12 to 17 minutes for a pair.

Question 28: A man says: "I've nearly finished the report; I just need to check the figures." Is the report complete?

Lost
Not started
Almost, one task left (Correct answer)
Yes, fully

Correct answer: Almost, one task left

'Nearly finished' means almost, with one task remaining.

Question 29: You hear: "The train to Cambridge will now depart from platform 6, not platform 4." Which platform should you go to?

Platform 6 (Correct answer)
Platform 4
Platform 2
Platform 14

Correct answer: Platform 6

The announcement corrects the platform to 6.

Question 30: In Part 2 of the B1 Preliminary speaking test, candidates are given a photograph and asked to do what?

Write a paragraph about it
Memorize the photo and describe it from memory
Describe and talk about it for about one minute (Correct answer)
Act out a scene shown in the photo

Correct answer: Describe and talk about it for about one minute

Part 2 requires each candidate to speak alone about a photograph for approximately one minute.

Question 31: Complete: 'If it rains tomorrow, we ___ at home.'

staying
stayed
stay
will stay (Correct answer)

Correct answer: will stay

The first conditional uses 'will' plus the base verb in the main clause.

Question 32: Which word best completes: 'If it rains tomorrow, we ___ stay at home.'?

are
would
have
will (Correct answer)

Correct answer: will

The first conditional uses 'will' in the main clause for likely future results.

Question 33: A school notice reads: 'The library will be closed on Friday for cleaning. Books due that day can be returned on Monday.' What should students do with books due on Friday?

Return them on Friday morning
Throw them away
Return them on Monday (Correct answer)
Keep them forever

Correct answer: Return them on Monday

The notice says books due on Friday can be returned on Monday because the library is closed.

Question 34: What does 'pronunciation' refer to in the B1 Preliminary speaking assessment?

Speaking with a native British or American accent
Producing sounds clearly enough for a listener to understand (Correct answer)
Pronouncing every word with perfect stress
Avoiding all regional accents

Correct answer: Producing sounds clearly enough for a listener to understand

At B1, pronunciation must be clear enough for comprehension, not accent-perfect.

Question 35: Select the best word: "The shop sells a wide _____ of products."

range (Correct answer)
piece
amount
number

Correct answer: range

'A wide range of' is a common collocation meaning a large variety.

Question 36: Postcard: 'Weather's been awful, but the food makes up for it!' How does the writer feel about the food?

Disappointed
Positive (Correct answer)
Bored
Worried

Correct answer: Positive

'Makes up for it' shows the food is a positive point.

Question 37: What should you avoid doing during the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

Making eye contact with your partner
Using linking words
Reading from a prepared script (Correct answer)
Asking your partner's opinion

Correct answer: Reading from a prepared script

Reading a memorized script sounds unnatural and does not demonstrate real communicative ability.

Question 38: A message says: 'The meeting has been postponed until Monday.' What happened?

The meeting happened early
The meeting is shorter now
The meeting moved to a later date (Correct answer)
The meeting was cancelled

Correct answer: The meeting moved to a later date

'Postponed' means delayed to a later time, here Monday.

Question 39: Which sentence correctly invites a partner to share their opinion during a speaking task?

'You must agree with me.'
'Tell me your answer now.'
'Don't you think I'm right?'
'What do you think about that?' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'What do you think about that?'

'What do you think about that?' is a natural, open invitation that encourages equal participation.

Question 40: Which phrase is a good way to ask for your partner's agreement before deciding?

What time is it now?
The shop is closed.
I never agree.
Shall we go with this one, then? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Shall we go with this one, then?

'Shall we go with this one?' checks agreement before a decision.

Question 41: What does 'interactive communication' mean in the B1 Preliminary speaking assessment criteria?

Responding to your partner and keeping the conversation going (Correct answer)
Talking without stopping for two minutes
Using formal vocabulary throughout
Asking the examiner questions

Correct answer: Responding to your partner and keeping the conversation going

Interactive communication means listening and responding appropriately to maintain a natural conversation.

Question 42: Which linking word best joins: 'It was raining ___ we stayed inside.'?

or
so (Correct answer)
but
although

Correct answer: so

'So' shows a result of the first clause.

Question 43: What should be avoided in formal writing?

Providing clear evidence and arguments.
Writing in a structured format.
Using slang and casual language. (Correct answer)
Using formal language.

Correct answer: Using slang and casual language.

Formal writing requires a professional and objective tone, which means avoiding informal expressions, slang, contractions, and colloquialisms. These elements can undermine the credibility and seriousness of the writing, making it inappropriate for academic or professional contexts. Maintaining formal language ensures clarity, precision, and respect for the audience.

Question 44: What is the best way to handle a long pause when you need thinking time in the speaking test?

Stay completely silent
Repeat random vocabulary words
Say 'next question please'
Use a filler phrase like 'That's an interesting question…' to buy time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use a filler phrase like 'That's an interesting question…' to buy time

Filler phrases maintain the flow of conversation and signal to the examiner that you are processing.

Question 45: A speaker says they 'absolutely loved' the film. How did they feel about it?

They enjoyed it very much (Correct answer)
They didn't watch it
They disliked it
They felt bored

Correct answer: They enjoyed it very much

'Absolutely loved' shows strong positive feelings.

Question 46: Which of the following sentence is correct?

Neither of them lives here. (Correct answer)
Neither of they live here.
Neither Aiza or Marco live here.

Correct answer: Neither of them lives here.

When 'neither of' is followed by a pronoun, the pronoun must be in the objective case (e.g., 'them,' not 'they'). Additionally, 'neither' acts as a singular subject, so the verb must be singular ('lives,' not 'live'). Option C is incorrect because 'neither' pairs with 'nor,' not 'or,' in correlative conjunctions.

Question 47: Which phrase is most appropriate for expressing an opinion in the B1 Preliminary speaking test?

'Everyone knows that …'
'You must agree that …'
'In my opinion, …' (Correct answer)
'Obviously …'

Correct answer: 'In my opinion, …'

'In my opinion' is a clear, polite way to introduce a personal view.

Question 48: What is the importance of a clear conclusion in an essay?

To provide detailed examples.
To confuse the reader.
To summarize the main points and restate the thesis. (Correct answer)
To introduce new ideas.

Correct answer: To summarize the main points and restate the thesis.

A clear conclusion effectively brings the essay to a close by reiterating the main arguments in a new way and reminding the reader of the essay's central thesis. It provides a sense of completeness and reinforces the key takeaways, leaving a lasting impression. It should not introduce new information but rather synthesize what has already been discussed.

Question 49: Which sentence correctly uses an article?

I saw the elephant at a zoo today first.
I saw a elephant at zoo.
I saw elephant at the zoo.
I saw an elephant at the zoo. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I saw an elephant at the zoo.

'An' goes before vowel sounds and 'the' marks the specific zoo.

Question 50: Which sentence uses the present perfect correctly?

I finished the homework since Monday.
I have finish the homework yesterday.
I have already finished the homework. (Correct answer)
I am already finished the homework.

Correct answer: I have already finished the homework.

The present perfect uses 'have/has + past participle'; 'already' and 'finished' are correctly combined here.

Question 51: Which word is an adjective?

run
beautiful (Correct answer)
quickly
happiness

Correct answer: beautiful

'Beautiful' describes a noun, making it an adjective.

Question 52: In the Speaking test, candidates are typically grouped how?

By video only
Alone only
In pairs (sometimes groups of three) (Correct answer)
In groups of ten

Correct answer: In pairs (sometimes groups of three)

Candidates usually take the Speaking test in pairs, occasionally in threes.

Question 53: Which connector best shows contrast: 'I was tired, ___ I finished my homework.'?

so
but (Correct answer)
and
because

Correct answer: but

'But' introduces a contrasting idea.

Question 54: What is the correct spelling of the word that means 'not clear'?

Unclear (Correct answer)
Uncleer
Unclere
Uncleer

Correct answer: Unclear

The correct spelling of the word meaning 'not clear' is 'unclear'. This word is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to the adjective 'clear'. Options B, C, and D contain common misspellings of the base word 'clear' or incorrect letter combinations.

Question 55: What is the main idea of the listening passage?

The importance of speaking in a second language.
The history of language learning.
The challenges of learning to write.
Improving listening skills for language learners. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Improving listening skills for language learners.

The subsequent questions (Q5-Q12) all revolve around advice, challenges, resources, and strategies for improving listening skills in language learning. This consistent theme confirms that the primary focus of the passage is on enhancing listening comprehension for language learners. Therefore, 'Improving listening skills for language learners' is the main idea.

Question 56: Email: 'Please find the report attached. Let me know if anything is unclear.' What should you do if confused?

Print the report
Delete the email
Ignore it
Contact the sender (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Contact the sender

The sender invites you to ask if anything is unclear.

Question 57: Which organisation produces the B1 Preliminary exam?

Cambridge Assessment English (Correct answer)
Pearson
TOEFL
IELTS

Correct answer: Cambridge Assessment English

Cambridge Assessment English develops and administers B1 Preliminary.

B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam

The Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) certifies intermediate English proficiency at CEFR level B1, testing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for everyday communication.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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