B1 Preliminary flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Reading Part 6 word limit

In Part 6 of the B1 Preliminary Reading paper, each gap must be filled with exactly one word. Writing two words, even if correct in meaning, scores zero for that gap.

Reading Part 2 text use

In Part 2, there are eight short texts and five questions. Each text can be used only once, so three texts are distractors. Matching a text twice is always wrong.

Reading Part 3 question order

The five multiple-choice questions in Part 3 follow the order of the information in the text. The answer to question 2 is found after the answer to question 1.

Reading Part 5 option type

Part 5 has six gaps and four options per gap. It tests grammar and vocabulary, such as verb forms, prepositions, collocations and linking words, not text comprehension.

Reading Part 1 text types

Part 1 uses five short real-world texts such as signs, notices, labels, postcards or text messages. Each has a multiple-choice question with three options.

Reading Part 4 sentence gap

Part 4 contains a factual text with five missing sentences. Candidates choose from three options for each gap; the missing sentence must fit both grammar and meaning.

Reading transfer time

The Reading paper lasts 45 minutes and includes time to transfer answers to the answer sheet. No extra transfer time is given at the end.

Reading total questions

The B1 Preliminary Reading paper has 32 questions in 6 parts. Each correct answer earns one mark, and there is no negative marking.

Writing Part 1 email notes

Part 1 gives an email with four notes. The response must address all four notes to achieve full Content marks; missing one note reduces the Content score.

Writing Part 1 word count

The Part 1 email should be about 100 words. Writing far fewer than 80 words usually means the Content criterion cannot be fully met.

Writing Part 2 story opening

A Part 2 story task provides a first sentence that must be copied exactly. Changing the sentence, even slightly, affects the Content score.

Writing assessment criteria

Writing is marked on four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language. Each is scored from 0 to 5, giving a maximum of 20 per task.

Writing article content points

An article task usually gives a title and two content points. Both points must be developed in the article; ignoring one limits the Content score.

Writing organisation linking words

Organisation marks depend on clear linking, such as because, however, also, finally, and on paragraphing. Simple but accurate links are better than complex wrong ones.

Writing Part 2 choice

In Part 2 candidates choose one task, either an article or a story. There is no mixed task; the choice is between these two text types only.

Writing time allocation

The Writing paper lasts 45 minutes for two tasks. A common split is about 20 minutes for Part 1 and 20 minutes for Part 2, leaving 5 minutes to check.

Listening Part 1 format

Part 1 has seven short dialogues, each with a picture question and three options. The recording is heard twice, and the pictures show the difference between options.

Listening Part 3 note completion

Part 3 requires completing six gaps in notes with one or two words. Answers must be spelled correctly and must not exceed two words.

Listening Part 4 true/false

Part 4 contains six statements about a short talk. Candidates decide if each statement is true or false according to what the speaker says.

Listening transfer time

The Listening paper lasts about 30 minutes, followed by 6 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet. Answers written after this time are not marked.

Listening Part 2 question type

Part 2 has six multiple-choice questions on one longer conversation or interview. Questions test detail, opinion and agreement rather than single words.

Listening self-correction

In Listening, speakers often correct themselves, for example saying a price then changing it. The final figure or fact is the correct answer.

Listening total questions

The B1 Preliminary Listening paper has 25 questions across 4 parts. Each correct answer is worth one mark, and there is no negative marking.

Listening second hearing purpose

Each recording is played twice. The second hearing is for checking answers and catching details missed the first time, not for changing correct answers without reason.

Speaking Part 2 photo description

In Part 2 each candidate describes one photograph for about one minute. The description should cover people, place, actions and visible details, without interaction from the partner.

Speaking Part 3 discussion

In Part 3 candidates discuss a task together for about two minutes and then make a decision. They should ask questions and respond to the partner, not only give opinions.

Speaking assessment criteria

Speaking is assessed on Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, and Interactive Communication. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5.

Speaking Part 1 questions

Part 1 contains personal questions about name, home, studies, work and free time. Answers should be short but complete, usually one or two sentences.

Speaking Part 4 topic link

Part 4 questions relate to the topic of the Part 3 task. Candidates answer the interviewer's questions and may be asked to give reasons or examples.

Speaking test duration

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test lasts 10 to 12 minutes. It has four parts and is usually taken by two candidates with two examiners.

Interactive Communication criterion

Interactive Communication assesses turn-taking, responding to the partner and keeping the interaction going. It is one of the four Speaking assessment criteria.

Speaking Part 2 no interaction

In Part 2 the candidate describes a photograph alone for about one minute. The partner does not speak during this description; interaction is assessed in Parts 3 and 4.