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100+ Free Skills for English B2 Practice Questions

Pass your Skills for English: SELT B2 (Reading and Listening) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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In the sentence below, choose the option closest in meaning to the underlined word. The volunteers worked _tirelessly_ to clear the beach of plastic.

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to track
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Key Facts: Skills for English B2 Exam

Skills for English: SELT B2 is a PSI/Qualifications Scotland UKVI test; this bank drills its two auto-marked sections, Reading (about 75 minutes) and Listening (about 40 minutes, recordings played twice), where 59 out of 90 certifies B2.

Sample Skills for English B2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Skills for English B2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Read the text, then answer the question. The community library will extend its opening hours from next month. On weekdays it will now stay open until 9 p.m. instead of 6 p.m., though Saturday hours remain unchanged at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library will continue to be closed on Sundays. What change is described in the text?
A.Saturday hours are reduced to end at 5 p.m.
B.The library will now open on Sundays.
C.Weekday opening time moves to 9 a.m.
D.Weekday closing time moves from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Explanation: The text states that on weekdays the library 'will now stay open until 9 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.', so the weekday closing time is extended. This is the only stated change to the schedule. In B2 reading, you must locate the specific detail that answers the question and ignore information that is unchanged.
2Read the text, then answer the question. Dr Okafor's research focused on how urban green spaces affect residents' wellbeing. Her team surveyed 2,400 people living within 500 metres of a park and compared them with a similar group living further away. Those near parks reported lower stress levels, but the study found no measurable difference in physical fitness between the two groups. According to the text, what did the study find about physical fitness?
A.People near parks were significantly fitter.
B.People far from parks were fitter.
C.Fitness was not measured in the study.
D.There was no measurable difference between the groups.
Explanation: The text states the study 'found no measurable difference in physical fitness between the two groups'. This directly answers the question. B2 detail questions reward reading the exact wording rather than assuming a result that seems likely.
3Read the text, then answer the question. The new recycling scheme accepts glass, paper and most plastics, but it does not take food waste or garden cuttings. Residents must use the green bin for recyclables and put general rubbish in the black bin. Collection days alternate weekly between the two bins. Which item is NOT accepted in the recycling scheme?
A.Glass bottles
B.Newspapers
C.Food waste
D.Plastic containers
Explanation: The text states the scheme 'does not take food waste or garden cuttings', so food waste is the excluded item. The other three (glass, paper, most plastics) are explicitly accepted. Negative-detail questions ask you to find what does not fit.
4Read the text, then answer the question. When booking the conference room, staff should email the facilities team at least 48 hours in advance. Bookings made with less notice cannot be guaranteed. Cancellations should also be sent by email; rooms cancelled fewer than 24 hours before the booking may still be charged to the department. What is the minimum notice required to guarantee a room booking?
A.24 hours
B.One week
C.48 hours
D.No notice is needed
Explanation: The text says staff 'should email the facilities team at least 48 hours in advance' and that bookings with less notice 'cannot be guaranteed', so 48 hours is the minimum for a guaranteed booking. The 24-hour figure relates only to cancellation charges.
5Read the text, then answer the question. The museum's new exhibition traces the history of printing from hand-copied manuscripts to digital publishing. Visitors begin in a room of medieval scrolls, move through a working replica of an early printing press, and finish in an interactive gallery exploring how text spreads online today. Where does the exhibition begin?
A.At the printing press replica
B.In the interactive digital gallery
C.In a room of medieval scrolls
D.In a hall of modern newspapers
Explanation: The text states that visitors 'begin in a room of medieval scrolls', so that is the starting point of the exhibition route. Following the order of a described sequence is a common B2 reading skill.
6Read the text, then answer the question. Although the company reported record sales last year, its profits actually fell. Rising costs for raw materials and shipping meant that even as more units were sold, each sale earned less than before. Managers have warned that prices may rise unless these costs stabilise. Why did profits fall despite record sales?
A.Fewer units were sold than expected.
B.Rising costs reduced the earnings on each sale.
C.The company lowered its prices deliberately.
D.Customers returned many of the products.
Explanation: The text explains that 'rising costs for raw materials and shipping meant that even as more units were sold, each sale earned less than before'. The cause of falling profit is higher costs cutting the margin per sale, not lower sales volume.
7Read the text, then answer the question. The city council has approved a trial of car-free Sundays in the historic centre. During the trial, only buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles will be allowed on the main streets between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shopkeepers have mixed views: some expect more foot traffic, while others worry about deliveries. Which vehicles will still be allowed during the car-free hours?
A.Private cars and taxis
B.Buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles
C.Delivery vans only
D.All vehicles with a permit
Explanation: The text states that 'only buses, cyclists and emergency vehicles will be allowed on the main streets' during the trial hours. These are the explicitly permitted users, so the other categories are excluded.
8Read the text, then answer the question. The training programme is open to all employees who have completed at least six months of service. Applicants must obtain their line manager's approval and submit the form before the end of the month. Places are limited, so early applications are encouraged. What must applicants do before applying?
A.Complete five years of service
B.Pay a registration fee
C.Pass an entrance examination
D.Get their line manager's approval
Explanation: The text states that 'applicants must obtain their line manager's approval and submit the form before the end of the month'. Manager approval is a stated requirement, while the only service condition is six months, not five years.
9Read the text, then answer the question. Unlike many migratory birds, the resident robins in the garden stay throughout the winter. They survive the colder months by feeding on berries and the insects they find under fallen leaves, and they become noticeably bolder around people who put out food. What does the text say about these robins in winter?
A.They migrate to warmer regions.
B.They stop feeding until spring.
C.They remain in the garden all winter.
D.They avoid people completely.
Explanation: The text says the robins 'stay throughout the winter' and are 'resident', in contrast to migratory birds. They remain in the garden rather than leaving for warmer places.
10Read the text, then answer the question. The online form has three sections. The first asks for your contact details, the second for your employment history, and the third allows you to upload supporting documents. You cannot move to the next section until the current one is fully completed. What is required before moving to the next section?
A.Uploading at least one document
B.Completing the current section fully
C.Paying an application charge
D.Contacting the support team
Explanation: The text states 'You cannot move to the next section until the current one is fully completed.' Full completion of the present section is the condition for advancing.

About the Skills for English B2 Exam

The Skills for English: SELT B2 is a computer-based Secure English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration for visa routes that require CEFR B2 English, such as the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Innovator, Start-up and degree-level Student visas. It is delivered worldwide by PSI Services in partnership with Qualifications Scotland (formerly the SQA), and assesses Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking in a single test session. This practice bank covers the two objectively marked sections, Reading and Listening, at B2 level. The Reading section (about 75 minutes) presents texts of varying lengths with multiple-choice, true/false/not given, sentence-completion and matching tasks, while the Listening section (about 40 minutes) plays each recording twice and uses multiple-choice and completion questions. Each skill is reported on a 0 to 90 scale, and a score of at least 59 out of 90 is required to certify at B2. Results are usually available within a few days.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Reading about 75 minutes and Listening about 40 minutes; the full four-skill B2 session runs about 175 to 190 minutes including Writing and Speaking.

Passing Score

Each skill is scored from 0 to 90, with 59 out of 90 the minimum needed to certify at B2 in Reading and Listening.

Exam Fee

Set locally by PSI and shown at booking; the B2 four-skill SELT is typically around 150 to 200 GBP depending on country and test centre. (PSI Services (UK) Ltd, in partnership with Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA))

Skills for English B2 Exam Content Outline

12%

Reading: detail and comprehension

Locating specific facts, figures, instructions and stated information in texts and answering multiple-choice questions accurately.

13%

Reading: vocabulary in context

Deducing word meaning from context, with synonyms, collocations, word forms and linking words at B2 level.

11%

Reading: inference and writer's opinion

Identifying implied meaning, attitude, purpose and the writer's viewpoint beyond what is stated directly.

19%

Reading: true/false/not given and matching

Judging whether statements are confirmed, contradicted or absent, and matching headings or topics to paragraphs.

9%

Listening: gist and main idea

Grasping the overall message, situation, purpose or speaker intention in announcements, conversations and talks.

11%

Listening: detail and specific information

Catching numbers, times, names and precise facts in recordings played twice with one or more speakers.

10%

Listening: conversations and responses

Following dialogue and choosing the most appropriate reply or completion in everyday spoken exchanges.

15%

Listening: monologues, attitude and opinion

Following longer talks and lectures and recognising a speaker's argument, attitude, opinion or change of view.

How to Pass the Skills for English B2 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Each skill is scored from 0 to 90, with 59 out of 90 the minimum needed to certify at B2 in Reading and Listening.
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Reading about 75 minutes and Listening about 40 minutes; the full four-skill B2 session runs about 175 to 190 minutes including Writing and Speaking.
  • Exam fee: Set locally by PSI and shown at booking; the B2 four-skill SELT is typically around 150 to 200 GBP depending on country and test centre.

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 B2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practise skimming a text for gist first, then scanning for the specific detail each question asks about.
2For true/false/not given, choose Not Given whenever the text simply says nothing about the statement rather than guessing.
3Build B2 vocabulary in context by learning synonyms, collocations and common linking words, not just isolated definitions.
4Use the fact that listening recordings play twice: answer on the first listen, then confirm or correct on the second.
5Read every question and its options before a recording starts so you know exactly what information to listen for.
6Time yourself, since Reading allows about 75 minutes for several texts and you must keep moving to finish all questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skills for English: SELT B2 test?

It is a computer-based four-skill Secure English Language Test, approved by UK Visas and Immigration and delivered by PSI Services with Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA), that proves CEFR B2 English for work and study visa routes.

How are the Reading and Listening sections structured?

Reading lasts about 75 minutes and uses texts of varying lengths with multiple-choice, true/false/not given, sentence-completion and matching tasks. Listening lasts about 40 minutes, plays each recording twice, and uses multiple-choice and completion questions.

What score do I need to pass at B2?

Each skill is reported on a 0 to 90 scale, and you must achieve at least 59 out of 90 in every skill, including Reading and Listening, to certify at CEFR B2 for your visa application.

Which visas require Skills for English B2?

B2 is the level required for routes such as the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Innovator, Start-up and degree-level Student visas; always check current UK Government guidance for your specific route.

How many times are listening recordings played?

In the Skills for English B2 Listening section, each recording is played twice, giving you a first chance to choose your answer and a second chance to check it.

How soon will I get my results?

Reading and Listening are marked automatically during the session, and Writing and Speaking are assessed by trained markers afterwards; results are usually available online within a few days, often three to five.