Cambridge English Preliminary is a comprehensive exam that covers every area of language ability. If you prefer, you can take the B1 Preliminary exam in a computer-based format at the centre where you register; note that the dates for computer-based exams may differ from those for the paper-based version. The exam is made up of three papers: Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Speaking test is held face to face, with two candidates and two examiners. This format gives a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English in real communication.
After the PET exam, each of the three papers is scored separately, so students can see clearly how they performed in each section. The scores are then averaged into a single, clear overall result, and every student receives a level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Reading and Writing
Reading and Writing Test
It shows that you can read and understand the main points in signs, newspapers and magazines, and that you can use vocabulary and sentence structure correctly.
Reading announcements and other short texts to understand their main message.
The Reading test has 5 parts and 35 questions, while the Writing test has 3 parts and 7 questions. Together they account for 50% of the PET exam.
Reading Section
There are five very short texts, which may be signs and messages, postcards, notes, emails, labels and so on. You read each one and choose which of three sentences best describes it.
There are five short descriptions of people and eight short texts. You match each person to the most suitable text.
There is one long article and 10 sentences. You read the article and decide whether each sentence is true or false.
There is one long text and five questions. You read the text and choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) for each question.
There is a short text with 10 numbered gaps, each standing for a missing word. For every gap, you choose the correct word from four options (A, B, C or D).
Writing Section
There are five questions on the same theme. For each one, you are given a complete sentence and a second sentence with one or more words missing, which you must complete.
You write a short text of 35-45 words. The task tells you who to write to and what kind of text to produce (a postcard, note, email and so on).
You choose between two tasks: an informal letter of about 100 words or a story.
1 hour 30 minutes
In total, you write between 130 and 145 words.
Listening
Listening Test
It shows that you can follow and understand a range of spoken material, such as announcements and discussions about everyday life.
Listening for and noting down specific details; identifying the topic, context, function and the speaker's opinion; and listening for gist, specific information and attitudes.
The Listening test has 4 parts and 25 questions, and accounts for 25% of the PET exam.
There are seven short recordings, each with one question and three pictures. You listen to each recording and choose the correct answer.
There is a longer recording, either a talk by a teacher or an interview, together with six questions. You listen to the recording and choose the correct answer (A, B or C) for each question.
There is a longer, informal conversation and six sentences. You listen to the conversation and decide whether each sentence is true or false.
The Listening test lasts 36 minutes, including 6 minutes for transferring your answers.
Speaking
Speaking Test
It tests how well you speak English by having you ask and answer questions. The Speaking test is held face to face, with two candidates and two examiners, which makes the exam more realistic and more reliable.
Making and responding to suggestions, discussing alternatives, and reaching agreement.
The Speaking test has 4 parts and is run by two examiners. One examiner asks you questions and guides the test, giving you material with topics to talk about. The other examiner listens and takes notes on what you say, which is assessed at the end of the conversation.
10-12 minutes for each candidate
