B1 Preliminary key terms

A task where you pick one answer from three or four options, often A, B or C. In B1 Reading and Listening, only one option matches the text or recording exactly.

A wrong answer option written to look tempting. It may repeat a word from the text but state a different fact, so read the whole sentence before choosing.

The main idea or general meaning of a text or recording, without every detail. Questions on gist ask what the writer or speaker is mainly saying.

The single most important point a paragraph or short text makes. It is usually stated near the beginning or end and is supported by the other sentences.

A question that asks for one specific fact, such as a time, price or name. The answer is stated in the text, so scan for the matching words.

Reading quickly to find one piece of information, such as a date or a name, without reading every word. Move your eyes down the page looking for key words.

Reading fast to get the general sense of a text. You look at titles, first sentences and repeated words rather than stopping at unknown vocabulary.

The sentence that states the main point of a paragraph, often the first one. Finding it helps you answer questions about purpose and main idea quickly.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a space or indentation. Each paragraph in a B1 text usually carries one clear point.

A short title above a section of text that tells you what it is about. Matching headings to paragraphs tests whether you understand the main idea of each part.

A short public notice, such as on a shop door or at a station, giving a rule or message. B1 Reading often asks you to choose the sentence that means the same as the sign.

A short written message informing people about something, for example a change of opening hours or a cancelled class. Notices use few words, so every word matters.

To say the same thing using different words. Correct answers often paraphrase the text rather than copy it, so train yourself to spot matching meanings.

A word with a similar meaning to another word, such as 'cheap' and 'inexpensive'. Recognising synonyms is the key skill for matching questions in B1 Reading.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as 'early' and 'late'. Noticing opposites helps you reject wrong options that contradict the text.

A task where you write one word or phrase into a blank space so the sentence is complete and correct. Check grammar as well as meaning before you decide.

A short text with several words removed and replaced by gaps, each with options or a word to supply. Read the whole text first to understand the topic.

Words that naturally go together in English, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Learning whole phrases helps you choose the right word in gap tasks.

A task where you decide whether a statement agrees with the text or recording. The statement must match completely; one wrong detail makes it false.

Writing short key words while you listen so you can answer questions later. Do not write full sentences; use abbreviations and symbols to keep up with the speaker.

Listening to catch specific facts such as a price, a platform number or a time. Read the questions first so you know which information to wait for.

The most important word in a question or sentence, which tells you what information to look or listen for. Underline key words before you read or listen.

The way a word is spoken, including its sounds and stress. In the Speaking test, clear pronunciation matters more than having a perfect accent.

The extra force given to one syllable in a word, or one word in a sentence. Putting stress on the right syllable keeps your speech easy to understand.

The rise and fall of your voice when you speak. It shows whether you are asking a question, finishing a point or expressing surprise.

The ability to speak without long pauses and with a natural flow. In B1 Speaking, keeping going and linking ideas matters more than avoiding every mistake.

A short sound or phrase such as 'well' or 'you know' used while you think of the next word. A few fillers sound natural; too many make you harder to follow.

Taking turns to speak in a conversation, without interrupting or staying silent too long. In paired speaking tasks, invite your partner with short questions.

A speaking task where you imagine a situation, such as buying a ticket, and act it out with a partner or examiner. Use polite requests and clear questions.

Fixed phrases used for real purposes, such as asking for directions, apologising or making suggestions. Learning them whole makes speaking tasks faster and more natural.

A speaking task where you talk about what you can see in a photograph, using present continuous for actions and prepositions for position.

The subject being discussed or written about, such as holidays, school or sport. In the Writing and Speaking tests you must stay on the given topic.

A letter written to someone you do not know well, such as a company or a course leader. Use full forms, polite phrases and a clear reason for writing.

A message to a friend or family member, using contractions, friendly greetings and everyday language. B1 Writing often asks for a short email of about 100 words.

The level of formality in your language, from casual to polite and official. Choosing the wrong register, such as slang in a formal letter, loses marks.

A word such as 'however', 'because' or 'although' that joins ideas and shows their relationship. Using a few correctly improves the coherence of your writing.

The quality of a text that makes it easy to follow, because ideas are in a logical order and connected clearly. Paragraphs and linking words both help.

The number of words you are told to write, for example about 100 words. Going far over or under can lose marks, so count roughly before you finish.