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A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
Information for candidates
Exam format
B1 Preliminary is made up of four papers developed
to test your English skills:
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary Reading paper has six parts. There are different types of texts and questions. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Multiple-choice)
Part 2 (Matching)
Part 3 (Multiple choice)
Part 4 (Gapped text)
Part 5 (Multiple choice cloze)
Part 6 (Open cloze)
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary Writing paper has two parts. You have to show that you can write different types of text in English. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Writing an email)
Part 2 (Choice between an article or a story)
30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time
The B1 Preliminary Listening paper has four parts. For each part, you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Part 1 (Multiple choice)
Part 2 (Multiple choice short texts)
Part 3 (Gap fill)
Part 4 (Multiple choice)
12–17 minutes per pair of candidates
The B1 Preliminary Speaking test has four parts and is taken with another candidate. Exceptionally the test may be taken with 3 candidates. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.
Part 1 (Interview)
Part 2 (Extended turn)
Part 3 (Discussion)
Part 4 (General conversation)
Choosing your Speaking Test partner
If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note however that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.
Groups of three candidates
Almost all A2 Key Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.
Frequently asked questions and exam day tips
Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.
Sample tests
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete a B1 Preliminary digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer Keys
There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B1 Preliminary handbook.
Vocabulary list
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Speaking test video
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B1 Preliminary speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.
Information for candidates
A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
Exam format
B1 Preliminary is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills:
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary Reading paper has six parts. There are different types of texts and questions. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Parts:
1 (Multiple choice)
2 (Matching)
3 (Multiple choice)
4 (Gapped text)
5 (Multiple choice)
6 (Open cloze)
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary Writing paper has two parts. You have to show that you can write different types of text in English. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Parts:
1 (Writing an email)
2 (Article or a story)
30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time
The B1 Preliminary Listening paper has four parts. For each part, you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
Parts:
1 (Multiple choice)
2 (Multiple choice)
3 (Gap fill)
4 (Multiple choice)
12–17 minutes per pair of candidates
The B1 Preliminary Speaking test has four parts and is taken with another candidate. Exceptionally the test may be taken with 3 candidates. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.
Parts:
1 (Interview)
2 (Extended turn)
3 (Discussion)
4 (General conversation)
Choosing your Speaking Test partner
If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note however that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.
Groups of three candidates
Almost all A2 Key Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.
Frequently asked questions and exam day tips
Information for candidates:
The Information for Candidates booklet is packed with study tips, exam advice and frequently asked questions. A great way to help your learners feel fully prepared for their exam.
Sample tests
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer keys
There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B1 Preliminary handbook.
Vocabulary list
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Speaking test video
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B1 Preliminary speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.