![](https://exams-owl.com/storage/2021/03/EMWS@3x-8.png")
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 for Schools is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills:
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary for Schools 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 for Schools 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 for Schools 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 for Schools 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. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
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 for Schools 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.
Support and information for parents
Children can have fun learning English with the Cambridge English free games and activities.
Find information and tips to help encourage your children to have fun learning English.
Exam tip videos
B1 Preliminary, B1 Preliminary for Schools exams tips
Exam tips from Cambridge English for taking the B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools exams.
Sample exams
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete a B1 Preliminary for Schools digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer keys and tapescript
Use the answer keys below
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 for Schools handbook.
Vocabulary list
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Self-study activities
Use these activities to practice for your B1 Preliminary for Schools exam.
Speaking test video with examiners’ commentary
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B1 Preliminary for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.
Examiner comments > Cristina and Andrea
Examiner comments > Laura and Claudia
Examiner comments > Yaheli, Fernanda and Lucia
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 for Schools is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills:
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary for Schools Reading paper has six parts. There are different types of texts and questions. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
1 (Multiple choice)
2 (Matching)
3 (Multiple choice)
4 (Gapped text)
5 (Multiple choice)
6 (Open cloze)
45 minutes
The B1 Preliminary for Schools 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.
1 (Writing an email)
2 (Article or a story):
30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time
The B1 Preliminary for Schools 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.
1 (Multiple choice)
2 (Multiple choice)
3 (Gap fill)
4 (Multiple choice)
12–17 minutes per pair of candidates
The B1 Preliminary for Schools 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. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.
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 for Schools 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.
Support and information for parents
Children can have fun learning English with the Cambridge English free games and activities.
Find information and tips to help encourage your children to have fun learning English.
Sample tests
Digital
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary for Schools digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Answer keys and tapescript
Use the answer keys below:
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 for Schools handbook.
Vocabulary list
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.
Self-study activities
Use these activities to practice for your B1 Preliminary for Schools exam.
Speaking test video with examiners’ commentary
These video will help you to understand what happens during the B1 Preliminary for Schools speaking test. You can also download examiners’ comments for this video.
Examiner comments > Cristina and Andrea
Examiner comments > Laura and Claudia
Examiner comments > Yaheli, Fernanda and Lucia