B1 Preliminary for Schools cheat sheet

Paper 1 Reading has 6 parts, 32 questions, 45 minutes total including transfer time to the answer sheet.

Part 1: 5 short texts (signs, messages, labels); each question offers three options and tests gist or detail.

Part 2: 5 questions matching 8 short descriptions of people to 5 short texts (e.g., activities, courses).

Part 3: 5 multiple-choice questions on one longer text (about 250 words); questions follow text order.

Part 4: 5 gap-fill items in a short factual text; choose one word from four options per gap, testing grammar and collocation.

Part 5: 6 gaps in a short text; write one word per gap with no options, testing grammar and vocabulary.

Part 6: 6 questions on one longer text (about 250 words); write a short answer of 1-5 words per question.

Answers must be transferred to the answer sheet within the 45 minutes; no extra transfer time is given.

Paper 2 Writing has 2 parts, 45 minutes total; both parts are compulsory.

Part 1: write an email of about 100 words in response to a situation and four content notes.

Part 2: choose one of two tasks: an article or a story, each of about 100 words.

Each part is worth 20 marks; total Writing score is 40 marks.

Each task is assessed on Content (5), Communicative Achievement (5), Organisation (5) and Language (5).

Content marks require all four notes (Part 1) or all task points (Part 2) to be addressed clearly.

Organisation assesses use of paragraphs, linking words and clear sequencing of ideas.

Language assesses range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary at B1 level; errors that impede meaning lose marks.

Paper 3 Listening has 4 parts, 25 questions, about 30 minutes; each recording is heard twice.

Part 1: 7 short dialogues or monologues with 3-option multiple-choice pictures or words; tests gist and detail.

Part 2: 6 short dialogues or monologues with 3-option multiple-choice text; tests specific information.

Part 3: 6 gaps in a page of notes; write one or two words per gap based on a longer recording.

Part 4: 6 three-option multiple-choice questions on a longer interview or conversation; questions follow recording order.

There is a pause before each part to read the questions and a pause after each part to check answers.

Answers are written on the answer sheet as you listen; 6 minutes are given at the end to transfer answers.

Spelling must be correct in Part 3 gap-fill; minor spelling errors that do not obscure the word are accepted.

Paper 4 Speaking has 4 parts and lasts 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates.

Part 1: interviewer asks each candidate personal information questions (name, where you live, daily routine, likes).

Part 2: each candidate describes a colour photograph for about 1 minute; the partner answers a short question about it.

Part 3: candidates discuss a situation together using a mind-map prompt for about 2 minutes, then make a decision.

Part 4: interviewer asks questions related to the Part 3 topic; candidates give opinions and justify them.

Assessment is on Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, and Interactive Communication.

Interactive Communication includes initiating, responding, and maintaining the conversation with the partner.

Candidates should ask the partner questions and react to their answers; monologues with no interaction lose marks.