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100+ Free Skills for English B1 SELT Practice Questions

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You hear a man on the phone: "The hotel was lovely, but the room was much smaller than the photos suggested. I'd still recommend it, though." What is the man's overall opinion of the hotel?

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Key Facts: Skills for English B1 SELT Exam

Skills for English: SELT B1 is a Home Office-approved English test from PSI and Qualifications Scotland; its multiple-choice Reading and Listening sections each have three parts and thirty questions at CEFR B1 level, reported as Pass or Fail.

Sample Skills for English B1 SELT Practice Questions

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

1Read this text message: "Hi Pete. You free Saturday? Sam's having a barbecue at 3pm and it looks sunny. I'm driving there, so text me if you want a lift and I'll pick you up. Bob." Why is Bob writing to Pete?
A.To invite Pete to organise a barbecue
B.To offer Pete a lift to the barbecue
C.To complain about the weather on Saturday
D.To ask Pete to drive him to Sam's house
Explanation: The main message is Bob offering to pick Pete up: "text me if you want a lift and I'll pick you up." Identifying the writer's main purpose is the key skill in Reading Part 1. The barbecue and weather are background details, not the reason for writing.
2Read this notice on a shop door: "CLOSED for staff training Wednesday 14th. We reopen as normal on Thursday. Apologies for any inconvenience. Online orders are not affected." What does the notice tell customers?
A.The shop has closed down permanently
B.Online orders will be delayed this week
C.The shop is closed for one day but the website still works
D.The shop is training new staff every Wednesday
Explanation: The notice says the shop is closed only on Wednesday 14th, reopens Thursday, and that "Online orders are not affected." The main message combines a one-day closure with online shopping staying available. Reading Part 1 tests understanding of the central point of a short notice.
3Read this advert: "Bike for sale. Two years old but barely used and in great condition. Selling because I'm moving abroad and can't take it. Collection only – I can't deliver. £85." Why is the owner selling the bike?
A.The bike is in poor condition
B.They need money urgently
C.They have bought a new bike
D.They are moving to another country
Explanation: The advert gives the reason directly: "Selling because I'm moving abroad and can't take it." Locating the stated reason is the focus of this Part 1 task. The price and "collection only" are extra details, not the reason for the sale.
4Read this email to a colleague: "Hi Dan, I can't make the 10am meeting – my train is delayed. Can you start without me and take notes? I'll join by phone if I can. Thanks, Maria." What does Maria want Dan to do?
A.Begin the meeting and write down what is said
B.Cancel the meeting until she arrives
C.Phone her before the meeting starts
D.Reschedule the meeting for the afternoon
Explanation: Maria asks Dan to "start without me and take notes," so the main request is to begin the meeting and record what happens. Part 1 questions test which action the writer is asking for. Joining "by phone if I can" is only a possibility she mentions.
5Read this sign at a swimming pool: "Showers must be used before entering the pool. Please do not run on the wet floor." What are visitors told to do?
A.Swim only after the pool staff arrive
B.Wash before swimming and walk carefully
C.Use the showers after they finish swimming
D.Avoid the deep end of the pool
Explanation: The sign gives two instructions: shower before entering the pool, and do not run on the wet floor (so walk carefully). Recognising the combined instruction is the Part 1 skill here. The other options add rules the sign does not state.
6Read this note left at home: "Mum, the plumber came and fixed the kitchen tap. He says the bathroom one needs a new part, so he'll come back Friday. The bill is on the table." What still needs to be done?
A.Pay the plumber for the kitchen tap
B.Call the plumber to book a visit
C.Repair the bathroom tap on Friday
D.Buy a new kitchen tap
Explanation: The note states the bathroom tap "needs a new part, so he'll come back Friday," so that repair is still outstanding. Part 1 tests careful reading for what is finished versus unfinished. The kitchen tap is already fixed and the visit is already arranged.
7Read this message from a friend: "I loved the book you lent me – I finished it in two days! I'll bring it back when we meet on Sunday. Do you have the second one in the series?" What does the writer ask for?
A.The next book in the series
B.More time to keep the book
C.A recommendation for a new author
D.Help finishing the book
Explanation: The writer ends with a direct question: "Do you have the second one in the series?" This is the request the message is built around. The praise and the plan to return the book are supporting details, not the main request.
8Read this notice in an office kitchen: "Please label any food you leave in the fridge with your name and the date. Unlabelled items will be thrown away every Friday." What will happen to food without a label?
A.It will be moved to a separate shelf
B.It will be shared among staff
C.It will be kept until the owner collects it
D.It will be removed at the end of the week
Explanation: The notice clearly states that "Unlabelled items will be thrown away every Friday," so unlabelled food is removed at the week's end. Part 1 rewards reading the consequence stated in the text. The other options describe outcomes the notice does not mention.
9Read this text: "Don't forget the dentist moved your appointment to 4pm, not 2pm. Same day though. I've put it in the family calendar so we don't miss it again." What change does the message describe?
A.The day of the appointment has changed
B.The appointment has been cancelled
C.The time of the appointment has changed
D.The dentist has changed location
Explanation: The message says the appointment moved "to 4pm, not 2pm" but is on the "same day," so only the time has changed. Distinguishing what changed from what stayed the same is the Part 1 skill being tested here.
10Read this advert: "Spanish lessons for beginners. Small friendly groups, evenings only. First class free so you can try before you decide. Materials included in the price." What is special about the first class?
A.It lasts longer than the others
B.It costs nothing
C.It is held in the daytime
D.It is for advanced learners
Explanation: The advert states the "First class free so you can try before you decide," meaning the first class costs nothing. Reading for a specific offer detail is the focus of this Part 1 item. Lesson level, timing and length are described differently in the text.

About the Skills for English B1 SELT Exam

Skills for English: SELT is a Secure English Language Test approved by the UK Home Office for UK Visas and Immigration, delivered by PSI Services in partnership with Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA). The B1 level sits at the intermediate point of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and is taken as a 4-skill test (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) for work routes such as the Health and Care visa, or as a 2-skill Speaking and Listening test for settlement and citizenship. This practice bank focuses on the two multiple-choice skills: Reading, which has three parts of ten questions each, and Listening, which also has three parts of ten questions each. Reading texts include signs, notices, adverts, leaflets and longer articles, while Listening covers short recordings, a two-speaker conversation and an extended monologue. Results are reported as a Pass or Fail in each skill against the B1 standard rather than as a numerical score.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

The full 4-skill B1 test takes up to 175 minutes; the Reading test allows about 1 hour and the Listening recordings are each played twice.

Passing Score

Pass or Fail per skill against the CEFR B1 standard; candidates must reach B1 in each required skill, with no numerical band score reported.

Exam Fee

Set by the test centre and reseller; 4-skill B1 SELT bookings typically start from around GBP 150 and vary by country and location. (PSI Services LLC in partnership with Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA))

Skills for English B1 SELT Exam Content Outline

18%

Reading Part 1: Short Texts

Ten short texts of 40 to 80 words such as messages, signs, notices and adverts, each with a 3-option multiple-choice question on the main message.

17%

Reading Part 2: Information Texts

One longer text like a leaflet, manual or official letter, tested with True/False/Not Given and multiple-choice items focusing on reading for information and instruction.

15%

Reading Part 3: Extended Text

One long text tested with multiple-choice, matching and note-completion items covering detailed understanding, gist, inference and the writer's opinions.

18%

Listening Part 1: Short Recordings

Ten short dialogues or monologues, each with a 3-option multiple-choice question on identifying key information; each recording is played twice.

17%

Listening Part 2: Conversation

A two-speaker conversation with ten 3-option multiple-choice questions on detail, opinion, attitude and agreement or disagreement.

15%

Listening Part 3: Monologue

An extended monologue such as a talk or tour, tested with note and sentence completion on key information, main ideas and inferred meaning.

How to Pass the Skills for English B1 SELT Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass or Fail per skill against the CEFR B1 standard; candidates must reach B1 in each required skill, with no numerical band score reported.
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: The full 4-skill B1 test takes up to 175 minutes; the Reading test allows about 1 hour and the Listening recordings are each played twice.
  • Exam fee: Set by the test centre and reseller; 4-skill B1 SELT bookings typically start from around GBP 150 and vary by country and location.

Keys to Passing

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

Skills for English B1 SELT Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn the exact structure of each Reading and Listening part so you know what task type to expect and can manage your time.
2Practise True/False/Not Given carefully: choose Not Given only when the text neither confirms nor denies a statement.
3Read each question before the text or recording and underline the key words you need to listen or look for.
4For Listening, remember each recording is played twice; use the first listening to find answers and the second to check them.
5Watch for qualifying words like 'may', 'up to' and 'usually', as they often change whether a statement is true or false.
6Build everyday B1 vocabulary on work, study, travel and daily life, since the texts use authentic, practical English.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skills for English B1 SELT?

It is a Secure English Language Test at CEFR B1 level, approved by the UK Home Office and delivered by PSI Services with Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA). It proves intermediate English for UK work, study and settlement visa routes.

Which skills does the B1 test cover?

The 4-skill B1 test covers Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. A 2-skill version covering only Speaking and Listening is used for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship applications.

How are the Reading and Listening sections structured?

Reading has three parts with ten questions each (30 total), and Listening has three parts with ten questions each (30 total). Both use mostly 3-option multiple-choice, with some True/False/Not Given, matching and note completion.

How is the B1 SELT scored?

Results are reported as a Pass or Fail in each skill against the CEFR B1 standard, not as a numerical band score. You must reach B1 in every skill required for your visa route.

How long does the B1 SELT take?

The full 4-skill B1 test takes up to about 175 minutes. The Reading test allows roughly one hour for its three parts, and in Listening each recording is played twice before you answer.

Is the Skills for English B1 SELT valid for a UK visa?

Yes. It is one of the four Home Office-approved SELT providers and can be taken at approved centres in over 130 countries; results are usually available within a few days.