B1 Preliminary for Schools flashcards
B1 Preliminary for Schools · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Reading Part 1 format
- Five short texts such as signs, messages or labels. Each has a three-option multiple-choice question testing gist or specific detail.
- Reading Part 2 format
- Five questions matching eight short descriptions of people to five short texts. Candidates choose the text that fits each person.
- Reading Part 3 format
- One longer text of about 250 words followed by five four-option multiple-choice questions. Questions follow the order of the text.
- Reading Part 4 format
- A short factual text with five gaps. For each gap, candidates choose one word from four options, testing grammar and collocation.
- Reading Part 5 format
- A short text with six gaps. Candidates write one word per gap with no options given, testing grammar and vocabulary.
- Reading Part 6 format
- One longer text of about 250 words followed by six questions. Candidates write short answers of one to five words.
- Reading timing
- The Reading paper lasts 45 minutes and includes time to transfer answers to the answer sheet. No extra transfer time is given.
- Reading Part 6 answer length
- Answers must be one to five words. Full sentences are not required, and extra words that do not change meaning are usually accepted.
- Writing Part 1 task
- Write an email of about 100 words in response to a situation. Four content notes must be addressed in the email.
- Writing Part 2 task
- Choose one of two tasks: an article or a story, each about 100 words. Both options carry equal marks.
- Writing assessment criteria
- Each task is marked on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language. Each criterion is worth five marks, total twenty per task.
- Writing Content marks
- Content assesses whether all four notes in Part 1 or all task points in Part 2 are addressed clearly and relevantly.
- Writing Organisation marks
- Organisation assesses paragraphing, linking words and clear sequencing of ideas so the reader can follow the text easily.
- Writing Language marks
- Language assesses range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary at B1 level. Errors that impede meaning reduce the score.
- Writing total marks
- Writing has two parts, each worth 20 marks. The total Writing score is 40 marks, and both parts are compulsory.
- Writing time limit
- The Writing paper lasts 45 minutes. Candidates should divide time between Part 1 and Part 2, leaving time to check work.
- Listening Part 1 format
- Seven short dialogues or monologues, each with a three-option multiple-choice question using pictures or words. Tests gist and detail.
- Listening Part 2 format
- Six short dialogues or monologues, each with a three-option multiple-choice question in text form. Tests specific information.
- Listening Part 3 format
- A longer recording with six gaps in a page of notes. Candidates write one or two words per gap; spelling must be correct.
- Listening Part 4 format
- A longer interview or conversation with six three-option multiple-choice questions. Questions follow the order of the recording.
- Listening repetitions
- Each recording is heard twice. There is a pause before each part to read questions and a pause after to check answers.
- Listening answer transfer
- Candidates write answers on the answer sheet as they listen. Six minutes are given at the end to transfer answers.
- Listening total questions
- The Listening paper has four parts and 25 questions. It lasts about 30 minutes, plus 6 minutes for transferring answers.
- Listening Part 3 spelling rule
- Spelling must be correct in Part 3 gap-fill answers. Minor spelling errors that do not obscure the intended word are accepted.
- Speaking Part 1 content
- The interviewer asks each candidate personal information questions such as name, where they live, daily routine and likes.
- Speaking Part 2 task
- Each candidate describes a colour photograph for about one minute. The partner then answers a short question about it.
- Speaking Part 3 task
- Candidates discuss a situation together using a mind-map prompt for about two minutes, then make a decision together.
- Speaking Part 4 task
- The interviewer asks questions related to the Part 3 topic. Candidates give opinions and justify them with reasons.
- Speaking assessment criteria
- Candidates are assessed on Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, and Interactive Communication.
- Interactive Communication
- This criterion assesses initiating, responding and maintaining conversation with the partner, including asking questions and reacting.
- Speaking duration
- The Speaking test lasts 10 to 12 minutes per pair of candidates and has four parts, including a discussion with the partner.
- Speaking partner interaction
- Candidates should ask the partner questions and react to their answers. Monologues with no interaction lose Interactive Communication marks.