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B1 Preliminary for Schools study materials
B1 Preliminary for Schools study resources

B1 Preliminary for Schools practice questions

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Question 1Reading

Read this short message from a school noticeboard: 'The chess club meets on Tuesdays after school in Room 12. New members are welcome - just bring your own chess clock if you have one.' What does the notice tell new members to do?

  1. Ask a teacher for permission to join the club
  2. Buy a chess clock before their first meeting
  3. Arrive before the school day starts
  4. Come to Room 12 on Tuesday with a clock if they own one Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states the meeting day and room, and says members should bring a chess clock only if they already have one. The phrase 'if you have one' makes the clock optional, not something to buy. No permission or early arrival is mentioned.

Question 2Reading

A school email says: 'The swimming gala has been moved from Friday to the following Monday because the pool is being cleaned.' Why was the gala moved?

  1. Too few students signed up
  2. The weather will be bad on Friday
  3. A teacher is away on Monday
  4. The pool is being cleaned Correct answer.

Explanation

The email gives the reason directly with 'because the pool is being cleaned'. This is the only cause stated. The other options introduce reasons that do not appear in the text.

Question 3Reading

Read the sign: 'Library books must be returned before the end of term. Books returned late will cost 20p per day.' A student returns a book three days after the deadline. What happens?

  1. The student pays 20p
  2. The student cannot borrow books again
  3. The student pays nothing
  4. The student pays 60p Correct answer.

Explanation

The charge is 20p for each late day, so three late days cost 3 × 20p = 60p. The sign gives a daily rate, not a single fixed fine. Nothing in the sign says borrowing stops.

Question 4Reading

A poster says: 'Film Club - Wednesdays, 4–6 p.m., Drama Studio. Free popcorn for the first 30 students.' What do we know about the popcorn?

  1. It is only for club members
  2. Everyone who comes gets it free
  3. Only the first 30 students get it free Correct answer.
  4. You must pay for it

Explanation

The phrase 'for the first 30 students' limits the free popcorn to the earliest arrivals. It is a condition on who receives it, not a price for everyone. The poster says nothing about payment or membership.

Question 5Reading

Read this text message: 'Hi Sam, I can't meet at the café at 3. My bus is late. Can we make it 3.30 instead? - Alex' What is Alex asking Sam to do?

  1. Meet at a different café
  2. Meet half an hour later than planned Correct answer.
  3. Cancel the meeting completely
  4. Come by bus to the meeting

Explanation

Alex changes the time from 3 to 3.30, which is thirty minutes later. The café and the meeting itself stay the same. The bus delay is the reason for the change, not a new plan.

Question 6Reading

A leaflet about a school trip says: 'Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof jacket. Lunch is provided, but you must bring your own water bottle.' Which item must students bring themselves?

  1. A waterproof jacket
  2. Comfortable shoes
  3. A water bottle Correct answer.
  4. Lunch

Explanation

The leaflet says lunch is provided, so food is not needed. Shoes and a jacket are things to wear, while the word 'must' marks the water bottle as the required item to bring. The instruction separates what is supplied from what students provide.

Question 7Reading

Read the note: 'Football practice is cancelled today because the coach is ill. Check the website for the new date.' What should players do to find the new date?

  1. Ask the coach in person
  2. Go to the pitch at the usual time
  3. Wait for a phone call
  4. Look at the website Correct answer.

Explanation

The note tells players to 'check the website for the new date', which is a direct instruction. The coach is ill, so asking in person is not possible. No phone call or pitch visit is mentioned.

Question 8Reading

A café menu for a school trip reads: 'Sandwich £3.50, Salad £4.00, Soup £2.50. Students get £1 off any meal.' A student buys a salad. How much does it cost?

  1. £2.50
  2. £3.50
  3. £4.00
  4. £3.00 Correct answer.

Explanation

The salad costs £4.00, and students receive £1 off any meal, so the price becomes £4.00 − £1.00 = £3.00. The discount applies to the listed price of the chosen meal. The other figures are either full prices or the price of a different item.

Question 9Reading

Read this paragraph from a student magazine: 'Our science club built a small robot last term. At first it could only move forwards. After six weeks of testing, it could turn corners and pick up a tennis ball.' What does the paragraph mainly describe?

  1. How the robot improved over time Correct answer.
  2. Where the club meets each week
  3. Why the club chose a tennis ball
  4. How much the robot cost to build

Explanation

The paragraph contrasts the robot's early ability with what it could do after testing, so the main idea is improvement. Details about cost, meeting place, or the reason for the ball are not given. The focus stays on the change in the robot's skills.

Question 10Reading

A letter from a school says: 'We are writing to invite your class to a workshop on recycling. The workshop is free, but places are limited, so please reply by 10 May.' What is the main purpose of the letter?

  1. To describe how recycling works
  2. To invite a class to a free workshop Correct answer.
  3. To announce that a workshop is cancelled
  4. To ask for money for a workshop

Explanation

The letter opens by inviting the class to a workshop and gives practical details about cost and reply date. Its purpose is the invitation itself. It does not ask for payment, cancel anything, or teach the topic.

Question 11Reading

Read the sentence: 'If you want to join the drama club, you need to sign up by Friday, although late applications may still be considered.' What does the sentence suggest about late applications?

  1. They cost more than early ones
  2. They are impossible after Friday
  3. They might be accepted but are not guaranteed Correct answer.
  4. They will definitely be refused

Explanation

The word 'may' shows possibility rather than certainty, and 'still be considered' means they will be looked at. Together this means late applications are possible but not promised. The sentence gives no information about cost.

Question 12Reading

A blog post says: 'I joined the school choir last year. I was really nervous at first, but now I look forward to every rehearsal. My favourite part is the concert at the end of term.' How does the writer feel about the choir now?

  1. Sorry that they joined
  2. Bored by the rehearsals
  3. Still very nervous
  4. Enthusiastic about it Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer says they 'look forward to every rehearsal' and name a favourite part, which shows enjoyment. The nervousness is described as a past feeling ('at first'). Nothing suggests boredom or regret.

Question 13Reading

Read the notice: 'Bake sale in the school hall on Saturday, 10 a.m. All cakes are 50p. Money raised will go towards new sports equipment.' What will happen to the money?

  1. It will buy new sports equipment Correct answer.
  2. It will be given to the teachers
  3. It will pay for the hall
  4. It will buy more cakes

Explanation

The notice says the money raised 'will go towards new sports equipment', which states the purpose directly. The hall is only the location and is not a cost mentioned. Teachers and extra cakes are not part of the plan.

Question 14Reading

A student writes: 'The trip to the museum was great, but I wish we had had more time in the space exhibition. We only had twenty minutes there.' What is the student's complaint?

  1. The museum was closed
  2. The space exhibition was boring
  3. The trip was too expensive
  4. The visit to one exhibition was too short Correct answer.

Explanation

The student says 'I wish we had had more time' and gives the short length of the visit, so the complaint is about limited time. The exhibition is described as something they wanted more of, not as boring. No cost or closure is mentioned.

Question 15Reading

Read the text: 'The school shop is open at break and lunchtime. You can buy pens, notebooks and calculators there, but not textbooks - those are available from the main office.' Where can a student get a textbook?

  1. At breaktime only
  2. From the school shop
  3. From the main office Correct answer.
  4. At lunchtime only

Explanation

The text lists what the shop sells and then says textbooks are 'available from the main office'. This contrast tells us the shop does not sell them. Break and lunchtime are opening hours for the shop, not for textbooks.

Question 16Reading

A message from a teacher reads: 'Could everyone in 9B bring their art folders to Thursday's lesson? We'll be finishing the posters, so you'll need your sketches.' Why does the teacher want the folders?

  1. Students must hand in their folders for marking
  2. Students need their sketches to finish posters Correct answer.
  3. Students need to take their work home
  4. The folders will be used in a different class

Explanation

The teacher says the class will finish posters and 'you'll need your sketches', and the sketches are in the folders. This explains the request. There is no mention of marking, another class, or taking work home.

Question 17Reading

Read the review: 'The new school café is cheap and the staff are friendly. However, it gets very crowded at lunchtime, so you may have to wait for a table.' What is the reviewer's main criticism?

  1. The staff are unfriendly
  2. The tables are too small
  3. The food is expensive
  4. It is crowded at lunchtime Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'However' introduces the negative point, which is crowding and waiting for a table. The price and staff are both praised, so they are not criticisms. Table size is not mentioned.

Question 18Reading

A poster reads: 'Chess tournament - open to all years. Sign up in the library by Wednesday. Players of all levels welcome.' Who can take part?

  1. Only students in the top year
  2. Only experienced players
  3. Only students who use the library
  4. Any student, whatever their level Correct answer.

Explanation

The poster says it is 'open to all years' and welcomes 'players of all levels', so any student can join regardless of skill. The library is where to sign up, not a condition of entry. No year group is excluded.

Question 19Reading

Read the sentence: 'Although the weather was terrible, the school sports day went ahead as planned, and most students took part.' What does the sentence tell us?

  1. The event happened despite bad weather Correct answer.
  2. The event was moved to another day
  3. Few students attended the event
  4. The event was cancelled because of rain

Explanation

'Although' signals a contrast: bad weather did not stop the event, which 'went ahead as planned'. The sentence also says most students took part. Cancelling, low attendance, and a new date all contradict the text.

Question 20Reading

A school website says: 'Lost property is kept in the office for two weeks. After that, unclaimed items are given to charity.' What happens to items not claimed within two weeks?

  1. They are thrown away
  2. They are kept for another month
  3. They are given to charity Correct answer.
  4. They are returned to the shop

Explanation

The website states that after two weeks, unclaimed items 'are given to charity'. This is the stated outcome. There is no mention of throwing items away, a longer storage period, or returning them to shops.

Question 21Reading

Read this extract from a story: 'Maya looked at the noticeboard and sighed. The audition list was full - every name but hers. She had practised for weeks, but she had signed up a day too late.' How does Maya feel?

  1. Excited about a new part
  2. Pleased that she signed up
  3. Angry with the other students
  4. Disappointed about missing the audition Correct answer.

Explanation

Maya sighs and notices that every name except hers is on the list, after practising for weeks. This shows disappointment at missing out. She does not blame others, and signing up late caused the problem, so she is not pleased.

Question 22Reading

A school newsletter says: 'Thanks to everyone who donated books to the library appeal. We received over 500 books, far more than we expected. We now have enough fiction for the next two years.' What surprised the organisers?

  1. The number of books donated Correct answer.
  2. The quality of the books
  3. The cost of the appeal
  4. The size of the library

Explanation

The phrase 'far more than we expected' shows that the quantity received was a surprise. The newsletter gives a number, over 500, as the key fact. Quality, cost, and library size are not discussed.

Question 23Reading

Read the two sentences: 'Tom said he would help with the decorations. In the end, he did not turn up at all.' What does the second sentence show?

  1. Tom did not do what he promised Correct answer.
  2. Tom finished the decorations alone
  3. Tom forgot the date of the event
  4. Tom arrived very late

Explanation

The first sentence records a promise and the second reports that Tom 'did not turn up at all'. Together they show the promise was not kept. Arriving late, finishing alone, and forgetting the date all contradict or go beyond the text.

Question 24Reading

A leaflet says: 'Join the gardening club! No experience needed - we'll teach you everything. Tools are provided, but please wear old clothes.' Which statement is true?

  1. Members must buy new clothes for the club
  2. Members do not need to bring tools or experience Correct answer.
  3. Members must bring their own tools
  4. Members need gardening experience to join

Explanation

The leaflet says 'no experience needed' and 'tools are provided', so neither experience nor tools are required. The clothing instruction is to wear old clothes, which means using clothes you already have rather than buying new ones.

Question 25Reading

Read the paragraph: 'The head teacher announced that the school day would start fifteen minutes later from September. Some students cheered, but parents pointed out that buses would still arrive at the old time.' What problem do the parents identify?

  1. The buses would leave too early
  2. Students would arrive before school starts Correct answer.
  3. The school day would be too long
  4. The change would cost money

Explanation

If school starts fifteen minutes later but buses keep their old timetable, students will be dropped off before lessons begin. The parents' concern is this gap. The text does not mention earlier buses, a longer day, or any cost.

Question 26Reading

Read the school library notice: 'Books can be borrowed for two weeks. If you need them longer, you can renew them once for another week - but only if nobody else has reserved them.' A student borrowed a book on 1 May and nobody else has reserved it. What is the latest date the student can keep the book?

  1. 8 May
  2. 22 May Correct answer.
  3. 15 May
  4. 29 May

Explanation

The notice gives two weeks plus one possible renewal of one week, which is three weeks in total. Three weeks from 1 May is 22 May. The renewal is allowed because nobody has reserved the book.

Question 27Reading

Read the message from a classmate: 'Hi Sam, I've got two tickets for the school concert on Friday. My cousin can't come any more, so would you like her ticket? It's free - just let me know by Thursday.' What does the classmate want Sam to do?

  1. Go to the concert with her cousin
  2. Buy a ticket from her cousin
  3. Reply before Thursday about the free ticket Correct answer.
  4. Give the tickets to someone else

Explanation

The writer offers the cousin's ticket for free and asks Sam to let her know by Thursday. The purpose of the message is to get a reply before that deadline. Nothing in the text asks Sam to pay or to pass the tickets on.

Question 28Reading

Read this sentence from a school newsletter: 'The new sports hall will open in June, unless the builders find more problems with the roof.' What does the sentence suggest about the opening?

  1. The hall will definitely open in June.
  2. The hall may not open in June. Correct answer.
  3. The hall has already opened.
  4. The hall will open earlier than June.

Explanation

'Unless' introduces a condition that could prevent the June opening. So the June date is possible but not certain. The sentence warns that roof problems could cause a delay.

Question 29Reading

Read the sign on the school noticeboard: 'Photography club - new members welcome. Bring your own camera if you have one; we have a few to lend.' What does the sign say about cameras?

  1. You cannot join without a camera.
  2. Everyone must bring a camera.
  3. The club has no cameras at all.
  4. Cameras can be borrowed from the club. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sign says members should bring a camera 'if you have one' and that the club has a few to lend. This means cameras are available to borrow. Bringing your own is preferred but not required.

Question 30Reading

Read the email: 'Dear parents, the Year 8 parents' evening will now take place on Tuesday 12 March instead of Thursday 14 March. The times and rooms are unchanged. Please reply to confirm you can attend.' What has changed?

  1. The date of the evening Correct answer.
  2. The year group invited
  3. The rooms for the evening
  4. The times of the appointments

Explanation

The email says the evening will now be on 12 March instead of 14 March, so the date has changed. It also states that the times and rooms are unchanged. The year group is still Year 8.

Question 31Reading

Read the school rules: 'Mobile phones must be switched off during lessons and kept in bags. They may be used in the dining hall at lunchtime.' Where can students use their phones?

  1. In the dining hall at lunchtime Correct answer.
  2. In bags during lessons
  3. In lessons, if switched off
  4. Anywhere at break time

Explanation

The rules allow phone use in the dining hall at lunchtime. In lessons phones must be off and in bags, which means no use there. Break time is not mentioned as a time for phone use.

Question 32Reading

Read the postcard from a school trip: 'We arrived at the castle this morning. The weather is lovely, and we've already taken hundreds of photos. Tomorrow we're going to the beach, so I hope it stays sunny!' What are they doing tomorrow?

  1. Going to the beach Correct answer.
  2. Visiting a castle
  3. Travelling home
  4. Taking photos at school

Explanation

The postcard says 'Tomorrow we're going to the beach'. The castle visit happened this morning. The writer hopes the sunny weather continues for the beach trip.

Question 33Reading

Read the sentence from a book review: 'The story is exciting, and the characters are believable, but the ending feels rushed.' What is the reviewer's opinion of the ending?

  1. It is boring.
  2. It is the best part.
  3. It is too short or hurried. Correct answer.
  4. It is easy to predict.

Explanation

'Rushed' means done too quickly, so the reviewer feels the ending is hurried. The word 'but' signals a criticism after the positive points. 'Rushed' does not mean boring or predictable.

Question 34Reading

Read the two sentences: 'The science museum was closed for repairs. We went to the art gallery instead.' What does the second sentence tell us?

  1. They visited the science museum first.
  2. They chose a different place to visit. Correct answer.
  3. The art gallery was also closed.
  4. They decided to go home.

Explanation

'Instead' shows that the art gallery replaced the science museum as the place they visited. The first sentence explains why the original plan failed. The second sentence gives the alternative plan.

Question 35Reading

Read the paragraph from a student magazine: 'Our class has been growing vegetables behind the science block since March. At first, nothing seemed to grow. Then we realised the plants were getting too much water, and after we changed our routine, the beans and tomatoes started to appear.' What was the problem at first?

  1. The class planted the wrong vegetables.
  2. The plants were not getting enough sun.
  3. The plants were being overwatered. Correct answer.
  4. The class forgot to water the plants.

Explanation

The text says the plants were getting too much water, which means they were overwatered. After the class changed its routine, the vegetables started to grow. The problem was too much water, not too little.

Question 36Reading

Read the note from a teacher: 'Could you collect the art supplies from the office before break? The delivery arrived late yesterday, so they may still be in boxes.' What does the teacher want the student to do?

  1. Deliver boxes to the office
  2. Open the boxes in the office
  3. Pick up the art supplies before break Correct answer.
  4. Order more art supplies

Explanation

The note asks the reader to collect the supplies from the office before break. The supplies may still be in boxes, but opening them is not the request. The delivery has already arrived, so ordering more is not needed.

Question 37Reading

Read the advertisement: 'Summer drama workshop for ages 12–15. Five mornings, £40. No experience necessary. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.' What does the advertisement suggest?

  1. You must have acting experience.
  2. You should book soon if you want a place. Correct answer.
  3. The workshop lasts five full days.
  4. The workshop is in the afternoon.

Explanation

'Places are limited, so book early' tells readers to book soon. The workshop is for five mornings, not full days. No experience is necessary, so experience is not required.

Question 38Reading

Read this extract from a story: 'As soon as the final bell rang, Leo grabbed his bag and ran to the bus stop. He had been waiting for this afternoon all week.' What can we understand about Leo?

  1. He was worried about missing the bus.
  2. He was excited about something happening that afternoon. Correct answer.
  3. He did not like school.
  4. He had forgotten his bag.

Explanation

Leo ran to the bus stop and had been waiting for the afternoon all week, which shows excitement about a planned event. There is no mention of worry about the bus or dislike of school. He grabbed his bag, so he did not forget it.

Question 39Reading

Read the school website page: 'The cafeteria now offers a vegetarian option every day. Students who bring their own lunch can eat in the cafeteria, but they must buy a drink there.' What must students with their own lunch do?

  1. Pay a fee to enter
  2. Eat outside the cafeteria
  3. Buy a drink in the cafeteria Correct answer.
  4. Choose the vegetarian option

Explanation

The webpage says students with their own lunch may eat in the cafeteria but must buy a drink there. The vegetarian option is a general offer, not a requirement for these students. No entry fee is mentioned.

Question 40Reading

Read the sentence: 'The homework club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, but this week the Wednesday session has been moved to Thursday.' When does the homework club meet this week?

  1. Monday and Wednesday
  2. Tuesday and Thursday
  3. Monday and Thursday Correct answer.
  4. Wednesday and Thursday

Explanation

The usual days are Monday and Wednesday, but this week the Wednesday session is moved to Thursday. So this week the club meets on Monday and Thursday. Wednesday is no longer a meeting day this week.

Question 41Reading

Read the flyer: 'Book club - first Friday of every month, 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the library. Bring a book you have enjoyed and tell us why. Refreshments provided.' What should students bring?

  1. Refreshments to share
  2. A list of books to borrow
  3. A book they liked Correct answer.
  4. Nothing at all

Explanation

The flyer asks students to bring a book they have enjoyed and explain why. Refreshments are provided, so students do not need to bring them. The other options are not mentioned.

Question 42Reading

Read the paragraph: 'The school council wanted to make the playground more fun. They asked students for ideas and received over a hundred suggestions. In the end, they chose two: a table-tennis table and a mural painted by students.' What did the council do with the suggestions?

  1. They ignored all of them.
  2. They asked teachers to decide.
  3. They used every suggestion.
  4. They chose two of them to use. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph says the council received over a hundred suggestions and chose two of them. This shows they used the ideas but selected only two. They did not ignore the suggestions or pass the decision to teachers.

Question 43Reading

Read the label on a school trip form: 'Please return this form to your tutor by Friday 5 May. Forms received after this date may not be processed in time for the trip.' What happens if a form arrives after 5 May?

  1. It may be too late to process it. Correct answer.
  2. The trip will be cancelled.
  3. It will definitely be accepted.
  4. It will be sent back to the tutor.

Explanation

The label says late forms 'may not be processed in time', which means there is a risk they will be too late. It does not promise acceptance or rejection. The trip itself is not said to be cancelled.

Question 44Reading

Read the conversation in a school corridor: 'A: Have you finished the history project yet? B: Not quite - I've done the research, but I still need to write the conclusion.' What has B completed?

  1. The research Correct answer.
  2. The whole project
  3. Nothing so far
  4. The conclusion

Explanation

B says 'I've done the research', which means the research is complete. The conclusion still needs to be written, so the project is not finished. B has therefore completed part of the work.

Question 45Reading

Read the sign at the school entrance: 'Visitors must report to reception and wear a visitor badge at all times while on site.' What are visitors required to do?

  1. Return the next day
  2. Go straight to the classroom
  3. Sign in at reception and wear a badge Correct answer.
  4. Wear a badge only in reception

Explanation

The sign requires visitors to report to reception and to wear a visitor badge at all times. 'At all times' means the badge must be worn everywhere on site, not only in reception. Going straight to a classroom would break the rule.

Question 46Reading

Read the review: 'The school play was funny and the acting was strong. However, the music was so loud that I could not hear some of the lines.' What was the main problem for the reviewer?

  1. The story was not funny.
  2. The actors forgot their lines.
  3. The music made the dialogue hard to hear. Correct answer.
  4. The play was too short.

Explanation

The reviewer says the loud music meant some lines could not be heard. This is the specific criticism in the review. The acting and humour are praised, and the length is not mentioned.

Question 47Reading

Read the paragraph: 'The school has installed water fountains in every corridor. The aim is to reduce the number of plastic bottles students buy. Since the fountains were installed, the school has used 30% fewer bottles.' What is the result of installing the fountains?

  1. Students buy more bottles.
  2. The fountains are only in one corridor.
  3. The corridors are now closed.
  4. The school has used fewer plastic bottles. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph states that bottle use has fallen by 30% since the fountains were installed. This is the result described. The fountains are in every corridor, and the aim was to reduce bottle purchases, not increase them.

Question 48Reading

Read the sentence from a letter: 'We would be grateful if you could return the signed permission slip by Monday, as we need to confirm numbers with the coach company.' Why is the slip needed by Monday?

  1. To pay for the trip
  2. To book the coach company
  3. To confirm the number of students going Correct answer.
  4. To choose the trip date

Explanation

The letter says the slip is needed to confirm numbers with the coach company. The coach company has already been contacted, so booking is not the purpose. Payment and choosing the date are not mentioned in the sentence.

Question 49Reading

Read the text: 'The school shop used to sell only stationery. Last year it started selling school uniforms, and this term it has added a small café area. The manager says the shop is now busier than ever.' What has happened to the school shop?

  1. It has stopped selling stationery.
  2. It has become less popular.
  3. It has moved to a new building.
  4. It has expanded the range of things it offers. Correct answer.

Explanation

The shop began with stationery, added uniforms, and now has a café area, so it has expanded what it offers. The text does not say stationery has stopped. The manager says it is busier than ever, so it has not become less popular.

Question 50Reading

Read the sentence: 'Although the team had practised for months, they lost the final match by one goal.' What does the sentence emphasise?

  1. The team practised a lot but still lost. Correct answer.
  2. The team won the final match.
  3. The team did not practise at all.
  4. The final match was cancelled.

Explanation

'Although' contrasts the long practice with the loss, emphasising that the effort did not lead to victory. The team practised for months, so they did practise. They lost by one goal, so they did not win, and the match was not cancelled.