B1 Preliminary for Schools key terms

A question type where you pick the correct answer from three options, usually A, B or C. In B1 Reading and Listening, the wrong options often repeat words from the text, so read carefully before deciding.

A wrong answer option that looks attractive because it uses words from the text or recording but gives incorrect information. Spotting distractors is a key B1 skill in both Reading and Listening tasks.

The main idea or general meaning of a text or recording, rather than the small details. B1 questions often ask what a text is mainly about, so you need to understand the overall message.

A specific piece of information such as a time, price, name or reason. B1 Reading and Listening tasks often test whether you can find exact details quickly and accurately.

Reading a text quickly to get the general idea without stopping at every word. It helps you answer questions about the main topic before you look for specific information.

Looking through a text quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a date, a name or a price. Your eyes move fast until you spot the word or number you need.

To express the same meaning using different words. In B1 Reading and Listening, the correct answer often paraphrases the text instead of copying its exact words, so look for matching meaning.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word, such as 'cheap' and 'inexpensive'. Knowing synonyms helps you match questions to texts during the exam.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Antonyms help you understand contrast words and check whether an answer option is true or false.

The most important point that a text or speaker is communicating. It is usually found in the first or last paragraph of a short text or in the opening sentence of a talk.

A sentence, often at the start of a paragraph, that states what the paragraph is about. Finding topic sentences helps you understand the structure of longer B1 reading texts.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a space. Texts in B1 Reading are short and clearly organised into paragraphs, which helps you locate information.

A short title above a section of text that tells you what it is about. In B1 Reading tasks, headings help you match sections to topics or decide where information belongs.

A question type where you connect items from two lists, for example matching people to the activities they want to do. Read all options first, then eliminate the ones that clearly do not fit.

A task where you complete a text by writing a missing word or phrase into each space. B1 gap fills often test grammar and collocation, so read the whole sentence before choosing.

A text with words removed at regular intervals that you must replace. It tests your understanding of grammar and vocabulary in context rather than isolated word knowledge.

A natural word partnership, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Learning common collocations helps you choose the right word in gap-fill and writing tasks.

The words and situation around a word that help you understand its meaning. When you meet an unknown word in the exam, use the context to guess rather than stopping.

Working out information that is not stated directly, using clues in the text or recording. B1 questions sometimes ask what a writer suggests rather than what they say openly.

Writing short words or symbols while listening so you remember key facts. In B1 Listening, notes help you keep track of times, places and reasons before answering questions.

Listening to understand the general message without catching every word. This skill is tested in B1 tasks where you must identify the main topic or the speaker's purpose.

The reason a person is speaking, such as to apologise, invite, complain or give information. B1 Listening questions often ask why someone is talking or what they want to do.

The communicative job a sentence does, for example making a request, giving advice or offering help. Recognising functions helps you choose the correct response in Speaking and Listening tasks.

The way speakers take turns in a conversation without talking over each other. In the B1 Speaking test, you must let your partner speak and respond to what they say.

Two or more people talking and responding to each other. B1 Speaking tasks reward candidates who ask their partner questions and react to their answers, not just give long speeches.

A short instruction, question or picture that tells you what to talk or write about. Read the prompt carefully so your answer covers everything it asks for.

The activity you must complete in the exam, such as writing an email or discussing a photo. Each task has a word limit or a time limit that you must respect.

The maximum or minimum number of words allowed for a written answer. In B1 Writing, going far over or under the limit can lose marks, so plan before you write.

Making short notes about what you will say before you write or speak. A quick plan helps you organise ideas, include all required points and use the correct format.

A first version of a piece of writing that you can improve later. In the exam you may not have time for a full second draft, but checking your work is still essential.

Checking and improving a piece of writing for mistakes in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Leave a few minutes at the end of the B1 Writing test to edit your answer.

The level of formality in language, such as formal for a letter of complaint and informal for an email to a friend. Using the wrong register can make writing sound unnatural.

Language used in official or polite situations, often with full forms and polite phrases such as 'I am writing to...'. B1 Writing tasks may ask for a formal email or letter.

Relaxed language used with friends and family, often with contractions and simple phrasal verbs. Emails to friends in the B1 Writing test are usually informal.

Marks such as full stops, commas, question marks and apostrophes that make writing clear. Correct punctuation is part of the B1 Writing assessment, so check it before finishing.

Writing words with the correct letters in the correct order. B1 Writing is marked for spelling, so learn common irregular words and check your answer at the end.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'because' or 'in addition' that connects ideas. Using linking words makes B1 writing and speaking more coherent and easier to follow.

Showing how two ideas are different, often with words like 'but', 'although' or 'on the other hand'. Contrast language is useful in B1 writing and in answering discussion questions.

The quality of ideas being organised and connected so the reader or listener can follow them easily. Good B1 answers use clear paragraphs and linking words to create coherence.