B1 Preliminary (PET) Speaking – Practice Test 1 — Explanation

Welcome to this free Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Speaking practice test. It follows the real exam format exactly — the same four parts and the same kinds of examiner question — so you know what to expect on exam day. Each exercise gives you the full examiner script, model answers and useful phrases, plus short questions that check you know how to speak well.

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test lasts 12–17 minutes and is worth 25% of your total mark. You normally take it with another candidate, and there are two examiners: the interlocutor, who talks to you, and the assessor, who only listens and marks.

What is the B1 Preliminary (PET) Speaking exam?

The Speaking test shows that you can take part in a conversation about everyday topics: talk about yourself, describe a photograph, make plans with a partner and share your opinions. You don't need perfect English — you need to communicate clearly, keep the conversation going and interact well with your partner.

The four parts

• Part 1 (2–3 minutes) — Interview. The examiner asks you and your partner simple questions about yourselves: your name, where you live, your work or studies, and your daily life.
• Part 2 (2–3 minutes) — Individual long turn. You each receive a colour photograph and describe it on your own for about one minute while your partner listens.
• Part 3 (2–3 minutes) — Collaborative task. The examiner describes a situation with some pictures, and you and your partner talk together to make a decision.
• Part 4 (about 3 minutes) — Discussion. The examiner asks you both wider questions connected to the topic of Part 3, and you give and explain your opinions.

How you are marked

• Grammar and Vocabulary — a range of everyday structures and words, used with good control.
• Discourse Management — speaking at a reasonable length, with linked, relevant ideas.
• Pronunciation — being clear and easy to understand; you don't need a perfect accent.
• Interactive Communication — starting, keeping going and helping the conversation, especially with your partner.

How to get a good score

• Never answer with one word. Add a reason or an example: not "Yes", but "Yes, I do, because…".
• In Part 2, keep talking for the full minute. Describe the people, the place, the actions and how it might feel.
• In Part 3, talk to your partner, not the examiner. Make suggestions, ask their opinion and react to their ideas.
• In Part 4, give opinions and reasons, and be ready to agree or disagree politely.
• If you don't understand, just ask: "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?" — it costs you no marks.

Ready? Start with Part 1 below, then work through Parts 2, 3 and 4.