100+ Free B1 Preliminary Practice Questions

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Question 1

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You hear a woman ordering food. 'I'll have the soup to start, and then the grilled fish. No dessert, thank you.' What does the woman order?

Only grilled fish

Fish and dessert

Soup and grilled fish

Soup and dessert

to track

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Key Facts: B1 Preliminary Exam

B1 Preliminary (PET) is Cambridge English's CEFR Level B1 qualification with four papers (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking); 57 Reading and Listening items are objectively marked, and results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale 140-170, where 140 is a pass.

Sample B1 Preliminary Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your B1 Preliminary exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1You see this sign on a shop door: 'CLOSED FOR STAFF TRAINING. We reopen tomorrow at 9 a.m.' What does the sign tell customers?

A.Customers can shop after 9 a.m. today

B.The shop is open but training is taking place inside

C.The shop has closed down permanently

D.The shop will not open again until the next day

Explanation: In Reading Part 1 you read short real-world texts for the main message. 'CLOSED FOR STAFF TRAINING' plus 'We reopen tomorrow at 9 a.m.' means the shop is shut today and will open the following morning. The correct answer paraphrases the message rather than repeating its exact words.

2A text message reads: 'Hi Sam, I can't make the cinema at 7. Can we meet at 8 instead? Let me know if that's a problem. Jo.' Why has Jo sent the message?

A.To tell Sam the cinema is closed

B.To ask Sam to change the time they meet

C.To invite Sam to the cinema for the first time

D.To cancel their plans completely

Explanation: Reading Part 1 messages test understanding of the writer's purpose. Jo cannot come at 7 and suggests 8 'instead', so the message asks to move the meeting time. The phrase 'Can we meet at 8 instead?' signals a request to reschedule.

3A notice in a library says: 'Please switch phones to silent. You may take calls in the entrance hall only.' What must visitors do?

A.Answer phone calls in the entrance hall, not in the library

B.Turn their phones off completely before entering

C.Leave their phones with staff at the desk

D.Make calls anywhere as long as they speak quietly

Explanation: This Part 1 notice gives a rule about phone use. Phones must be silent inside, and calls are allowed 'in the entrance hall only'. So visitors may take calls there but not in the library itself.

4An email from a sports centre says: 'Your booking for Court 2 on Friday is confirmed. Arrive 10 minutes early to collect your key.' What should the reader do?

A.Bring their own key for Court 2

B.Phone to confirm the booking again

C.Pay for the court when they arrive

D.Come early on Friday to pick up a key

Explanation: In Part 1 you identify the action required. The booking is already 'confirmed', and the reader is asked to 'arrive 10 minutes early to collect your key'. The instruction is to get there ahead of time for the key.

5A sign at a swimming pool reads: 'Showers must be used BEFORE entering the pool.' What does this mean?

A.Showers are only for people who have finished swimming

B.You can shower after swimming if you want

C.You have to shower before you get into the water

D.Showering before swimming is not allowed

Explanation: Part 1 signs often test small but important words. 'BEFORE entering the pool' tells swimmers to shower first, then get in. The word 'must' shows this is a rule, not a choice.

6A note left in a kitchen reads: 'Tom, I've used the last of the milk. I'll buy more on my way home tonight. Don't worry about it. Mum.' What is Mum doing in this note?

A.Asking Tom to go and buy milk now

B.Telling Tom she will replace the milk later

C.Complaining that Tom finished the milk

D.Reminding Tom to drink his milk

Explanation: This Part 1 note tests the writer's purpose. Mum says she used the last milk and 'I'll buy more on my way home', plus 'Don't worry about it.' She is reassuring Tom that she will get more.

7A notice in a museum café says: 'Outside food and drink may not be consumed in this area.' What are visitors NOT allowed to do?

A.Take photographs of the museum

B.Buy food from the café counter

C.Eat or drink things they have brought from elsewhere

D.Sit at the café tables to rest

Explanation: In Part 1, formal words like 'may not be consumed' express prohibition. 'Outside food and drink' means items not bought there, and 'may not be consumed in this area' forbids eating or drinking them. So visitors cannot have their own food and drink there.

8A message on a noticeboard reads: 'Lost: small grey cat near Oak Street. Friendly but shy. Reward offered. Please call if seen.' Why did the writer put up this message?

A.To give away a cat to a new home

B.To warn people about a dangerous animal

C.To get help finding a missing pet

D.To sell a pet for a good price

Explanation: This Part 1 text tests purpose. 'Lost: small grey cat' and 'Please call if seen' show the writer's pet is missing and they want help. The 'reward' encourages people to report a sighting.

9A sign by a footpath reads: 'Path closed due to flooding. Please use the alternative route signposted to your right.' What should walkers do?

A.Wait until the water goes down

B.Follow the signs to take a different path

C.Walk carefully along the flooded path

D.Turn back and go home

Explanation: Part 1 signs give clear instructions. The path is closed and walkers are told to 'use the alternative route signposted to your right'. The action is to follow the signs to another path.

10Read this advert: 'BIKE FOR SALE. Three years old, recently serviced, new tyres. Some scratches but works perfectly. £90.' What does the advert tell buyers about the bike?

A.It has marks on it but is in good working order

B.It is brand new and has never been used

C.It needs repairs before it can be ridden

D.It comes with a free helmet

Explanation: In Part 2-style detailed reading you match facts to options. The advert says 'Some scratches but works perfectly', meaning the bike has marks yet functions well. 'Recently serviced, new tyres' supports its good condition.

About the B1 Preliminary Exam

Cambridge English B1 Preliminary, often called the Preliminary English Test (PET), is an intermediate qualification that proves a learner has mastered the basics of English for everyday work, study and travel at CEFR Level B1. The exam has four equally weighted papers: Reading (six parts, 32 questions in 45 minutes), Writing (two tasks in 45 minutes), Listening (four parts, 25 questions in about 30 minutes) and Speaking (four parts, 12-17 minutes, taken in pairs or threes). Reading tests range from understanding short signs and messages to matching, four-option multiple choice, gapped text, a multiple-choice cloze and an open cloze, while Listening combines three-option multiple choice with a note-completion gap fill. Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale from 140 to 170, with 140 and above representing a pass at Level B1. B1 Preliminary is recognised by schools, employers and many universities worldwide as proof of practical, everyday English. A separate version, B1 Preliminary for Schools, follows the same format with topics aimed at school-age learners.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

About 2 hours 20 minutes in total: Reading 45 minutes, Writing 45 minutes, Listening about 30 minutes and Speaking 12-17 minutes.

Passing Score

Cambridge English Scale 140-170. A score of 140-159 is a pass at Level B1 (Grade C 140-152, Grade B 153-159); 160-170 is Grade A (Level B2). Scores of 120-139 show Level A2 and below 120 receive no certificate.

Exam Fee

Typically around 69 to 120 USD (about 130 to 160 GBP), set by each authorised centre and varying by country and in 2026 with exchange rates. (Cambridge Assessment English (Cambridge University Press & Assessment))

B1 Preliminary Exam Content Outline

11%

Reading Part 5 (Multiple-choice cloze)

Choose the correct vocabulary item from four options to complete six gaps, testing word choice, collocation and meaning.

11%

Reading Part 6 (Open cloze)

Write one word per gap, testing grammar such as articles, prepositions, pronouns, tenses, conjunctions and quantifiers.

12%

Listening Part 1 (Multiple choice)

Hear seven short monologues or dialogues and identify key information such as times, places, prices and decisions.

11%

Listening Part 2 (Multiple choice)

Listen to six short dialogues and choose the answer that matches the gist, opinion or feeling expressed.

11%

Listening Part 3 (Gap fill)

Complete six gaps in notes with a word, number, date or time while listening to a monologue for exact detail.

10%

Listening Part 4 (Multiple choice)

Answer six questions on a longer interview, listening for detailed meaning, attitudes and opinions.

20%

Reading Parts 1-3 (Signs, matching, long text)

Read short real-world texts for the main message, match five people to texts, and read a longer text for gist, detail, inference and opinion.

Reading Part 4 (Gapped text)

Choose which five sentences from a list of eight fit the gaps in a longer text, testing cohesion and structure.

How to Pass the B1 Preliminary Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Cambridge English Scale 140-170. A score of 140-159 is a pass at Level B1 (Grade C 140-152, Grade B 153-159); 160-170 is Grade A (Level B2). Scores of 120-139 show Level A2 and below 120 receive no certificate.
Exam length: 100 questions
Time limit: About 2 hours 20 minutes in total: Reading 45 minutes, Writing 45 minutes, Listening about 30 minutes and Speaking 12-17 minutes.
Exam fee: Typically around 69 to 120 USD (about 130 to 160 GBP), set by each authorised centre and varying by country and in 2026 with exchange rates.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

B1 Preliminary Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn the format of all six Reading parts and four Listening parts so no task type surprises you on exam day.

2Build B1 vocabulary using the official Cambridge B1 Preliminary vocabulary list, focusing on common collocations for the cloze tasks.

3Practise reading short signs and messages for the main message, looking for synonyms rather than the exact words used.

4For Reading Part 6 open cloze, revise grammar words such as articles, prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions and auxiliary verbs.

5Listen to English podcasts, interviews and announcements regularly to prepare for the gist, detail and opinion questions in Listening.

6Do full timed practice papers so you can answer Reading in 45 minutes and transfer your Listening answers within the time allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam?

B1 Preliminary, also known as the Preliminary English Test (PET), is a Cambridge English qualification at CEFR Level B1. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking and shows a learner can handle everyday English for work, study and travel.

How is B1 Preliminary scored?

Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale from 140 to 170. A score of 140-159 is a pass at Level B1 (Grade C 140-152, Grade B 153-159), and 160-170 is Grade A, which shows ability at Level B2.

What score do I need to pass B1 Preliminary?

You need at least 140 on the Cambridge English Scale to pass at Level B1. Candidates scoring 120-139 receive a certificate stating Level A2, while those below 120 do not receive a result or certificate.

How many parts does the B1 Preliminary Reading paper have?

The Reading paper has six parts and 32 questions in 45 minutes: Part 1 multiple choice, Part 2 matching, Part 3 multiple choice, Part 4 gapped text, Part 5 multiple-choice cloze and Part 6 open cloze.

What is in the B1 Preliminary Listening paper?

The Listening paper lasts about 30 minutes and has four parts with 25 questions: three multiple-choice parts (Parts 1, 2 and 4) and a note-completion gap fill (Part 3). You hear each recording twice.

Is B1 Preliminary available on computer in 2026?

Yes. In 2026 B1 Preliminary is offered as both a computer-based and a paper-based exam at authorised centres. It is the same qualification either way, and Speaking is always taken face to face with an examiner.