I85PREP
⌘ K
B1 Preliminary study materials
B1 Preliminary study resources

B1 Preliminary practice questions

One question at a time. Build your B1 Preliminary understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Reading

Read this notice: 'The museum café closes at 4 p.m. on weekdays but stays open until 7 p.m. at weekends.' A visitor arrives at the café at 5 p.m. on Saturday. What can they do?

  1. Ask staff to reopen it
  2. Find the café closed
  3. Wait until Monday
  4. Buy a drink there Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice gives two closing times: 4 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. at weekends. Saturday is part of the weekend, so 5 p.m. is still within opening hours and the café is serving customers.

Question 2Reading

Read this text: 'Book club meets on the first Thursday of each month in the library. New members are always welcome, and there is no fee.' Which statement is true?

  1. The club meets every week
  2. You must pay to join the club
  3. Only library staff can join
  4. Members meet once a month Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says the club meets on the first Thursday of each month, which means one meeting per month. It also states there is no fee and new members are welcome, so payment and staff-only membership are both contradicted.

Question 3Reading

Read this email: 'Hi Sam, sorry I missed your call. I'm in a meeting until 3, then driving to Leeds. Text me after 5 and I'll reply straight away. - Priya' When will Priya most likely answer a text?

  1. After 5 p.m. Correct answer.
  2. During the meeting
  3. Before 3 p.m.
  4. While driving

Explanation

Priya asks Sam to text after 5 and promises to reply straight away, so that is when an answer is expected. She is busy in a meeting until 3 and then driving, so earlier contact is unlikely to get a quick reply.

Question 4Reading

Read this sign: 'Staff only beyond this point.' A customer walks past the sign into the area. What does the sign mean?

  1. Staff must not go further
  2. The area is for employees Correct answer.
  3. Customers may enter with a ticket
  4. The area is closed today

Explanation

'Staff only' restricts an area to employees of the place, so customers are not allowed past the sign. It says nothing about tickets, closing times, or limits on staff themselves.

Question 5Reading

Read this note: 'Please leave your keys at reception when you go out. The cleaner needs them to lock up at 6.' What should residents do when leaving?

  1. Hand their keys to reception Correct answer.
  2. Return before 6
  3. Take their keys with them
  4. Lock the cleaner out

Explanation

The note directly asks people to leave their keys at reception when they go out, because the cleaner uses them to lock the building. Carrying keys away would prevent the cleaner from locking up.

Question 6Reading

Read this text: 'The 8.15 train to Bristol is delayed by twenty minutes. Passengers should wait on platform 2.' What time is the train now expected?

  1. 8.45
  2. 8.15
  3. 8.20
  4. 8.35 Correct answer.

Explanation

The train was due at 8.15 and is delayed by twenty minutes, so adding twenty minutes gives 8.35. The platform number 2 tells passengers where to wait but does not change the time.

Question 7Reading

Read this advertisement: 'Join our gym this month and pay no joining fee. Monthly membership is £25.' What does a new member pay to start?

  1. A reduced joining fee
  2. £25 plus a joining fee
  3. Nothing at all
  4. Only the £25 monthly fee Correct answer.

Explanation

The advertisement cancels the joining fee for people who join this month, leaving only the monthly membership of £25. There is still a monthly cost, so joining is not completely free.

Question 8Reading

Read this text: 'The library is on the second floor. Take the stairs next to the information desk and turn left at the top.' Where is the library?

  1. On the ground floor
  2. On the second floor Correct answer.
  3. Next to the information desk
  4. Behind the stairs

Explanation

The first sentence states plainly that the library is on the second floor. The stairs and information desk are only landmarks used to help people find the way there.

Question 9Reading

Read this message: 'The match has been moved from Saturday to Sunday at 10 a.m. because of the weather.' What has changed?

  1. The team playing
  2. The day and time Correct answer.
  3. The place of the match
  4. The sport being played

Explanation

The message says the match moved from Saturday to Sunday and gives a new start time of 10 a.m. The sport, the teams, and the venue are not mentioned as changing.

Question 10Reading

Read this text: 'Although the concert started late, the band played for the full two hours, so nobody missed the final song.' What happened?

  1. The concert began on time
  2. The audience heard the whole show Correct answer.
  3. The band played for less than two hours
  4. The final song was cancelled

Explanation

The text says the band played for the full two hours despite the late start, so the audience heard everything including the last song. 'Although' contrasts the late start with the complete performance.

Question 11Reading

Read this review: 'The hotel was cheap and close to the beach, but the rooms were noisy at night.' What is the writer's main criticism?

  1. The noise Correct answer.
  2. The beach
  3. The price
  4. The location

Explanation

The word 'but' introduces the negative point, which is that the rooms were noisy at night. The price and location are described positively, and the beach is not criticised.

Question 12Reading

Read this text: 'Please note that the pool will be closed on Tuesday morning for cleaning and will reopen at 2 p.m.' What should swimmers do on Tuesday morning?

  1. Use the pool after 2 p.m. Correct answer.
  2. Ask staff to open the pool
  3. Clean the pool themselves
  4. Swim before 2 p.m.

Explanation

The pool is closed all Tuesday morning and reopens at 2 p.m., so swimming is only possible from 2 p.m. onwards. The closure is for cleaning by staff, not for swimmers to do themselves.

Question 13Reading

Read this text: 'Tickets bought online cost £10; at the door they cost £14.' A group of four buys online. How much do they save in total?

  1. £10
  2. £16 Correct answer.
  3. £56
  4. £4

Explanation

Each online ticket saves £4 compared with the door price, and four tickets give a total saving of £16. Adding the difference once instead of four times gives the wrong figure.

Question 14Reading

Read this sentence from a letter: 'I'm afraid I won't be able to make it on Friday after all.' What is the writer doing?

  1. Arranging a new time
  2. Cancelling a plan Correct answer.
  3. Asking for directions
  4. Accepting an invitation

Explanation

The phrase 'I'm afraid I won't be able to make it' is a polite way of saying the writer cannot come, which cancels the Friday arrangement. No alternative date is suggested in the sentence.

Question 15Reading

Read this text: 'The course is free for students, but you must bring your own laptop.' What do students need to do?

  1. Register before Friday
  2. Borrow a laptop
  3. Pay a small fee
  4. Bring a laptop Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says the course is free but students must bring their own laptop. The word 'but' signals the one condition attached to attending.

Question 16Reading

Read this text: 'We apologise for the delay. The engineer is on his way and the lift should be working again within the hour.' What is the situation?

  1. The building is closed
  2. The engineer has left
  3. The lift is too small
  4. The lift is broken Correct answer.

Explanation

An engineer is coming to fix the lift and it will work again within the hour, so it is currently out of order. The delay and apology confirm a temporary problem.

Question 17Reading

Read this text: 'Sam offered to collect the parcel, but it turned out the shop was shut.' What does this tell us?

  1. The parcel was lost
  2. The shop was open
  3. Sam did not get the parcel Correct answer.
  4. Sam collected the parcel

Explanation

The shop being shut means Sam could not collect the parcel despite offering to. 'But it turned out' introduces the problem that stopped the plan.

Question 18Reading

Read this text: 'The festival runs from Friday to Sunday. Entry is free on Friday, but tickets cost £5 on Saturday and Sunday.' Which day is the cheapest?

  1. Saturday
  2. All days cost the same
  3. Friday Correct answer.
  4. Sunday

Explanation

Entry is free on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday each cost £5, so Friday is the cheapest day. Free is lower than any ticket price.

Question 19Reading

Read this text: 'The station car park is for rail passengers only. Cars left by non-passengers may be clamped.' Who may park there?

  1. Only station workers
  2. People travelling by train Correct answer.
  3. Anyone for a short time
  4. Anyone who pays a fine

Explanation

'For rail passengers only' restricts the car park to people using the trains. Non-passengers risk having their cars clamped, so paying a fine is not a way to gain permission.

Question 20Reading

Read this text: 'If you would like to help at the animal shelter, call us before 5 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.' Which person can volunteer?

  1. A 14-year-old who calls on Saturday
  2. A 16-year-old who calls on Sunday
  3. A 17-year-old who calls on Wednesday Correct answer.
  4. A 12-year-old who calls at 6 p.m.

Explanation

Volunteers must be at least 16 and must call before 5 p.m. on a weekday. Only the 17-year-old who calls on Wednesday meets both conditions of age and timing.

Question 21Reading

Read this text: 'The shop has moved to larger premises around the corner. The old building was too small for the growing number of customers.' Why did the shop move?

  1. It needed more space Correct answer.
  2. The rent was too high
  3. Customers complained
  4. The building was sold

Explanation

The text explains that the old building was too small for the growing number of customers, so the shop needed larger premises. Size, not cost or complaints, is the stated reason.

Question 22Reading

Read this text: 'The workshop is aimed at beginners, though those with some experience may still pick up useful tips.' Who is the workshop mainly for?

  1. Teachers of the subject
  2. People new to the subject Correct answer.
  3. Experts only
  4. People who dislike tips

Explanation

The phrase 'aimed at beginners' identifies the main audience as people new to the subject. Experienced people may benefit too, but they are a secondary group, not the target.

Question 23Reading

Read this text: 'You don't need to book - just turn up on the day, though places are limited.' What does the writer advise?

  1. Booking well in advance
  2. Coming on a different day
  3. Arriving early to get a place Correct answer.
  4. Waiting for a phone call

Explanation

Booking is unnecessary, but places are limited, so the sensible advice is to arrive early to secure one. The text warns about limited places without asking for a booking.

Question 24Reading

Read this text: 'The café was packed, so we decided against waiting and ate elsewhere.' What did the people do?

  1. Left without eating
  2. Waited for a table
  3. Ate in the café
  4. Went to another place Correct answer.

Explanation

Because the café was full, the group chose not to wait and ate somewhere else instead. 'Decided against waiting' shows they rejected the café rather than staying.

Question 25Reading

Read this text: 'Tickets are cheaper if bought as a family group, but each adult must be with at least one child.' A couple with no children wants the family price. What applies?

  1. They can borrow a child
  2. They can buy family tickets
  3. They must pay the adult price Correct answer.
  4. They get in free

Explanation

The family price requires each adult to be with at least one child, so a couple without children does not qualify. They would therefore pay the standard adult price instead.

Question 26Reading

Read this notice: 'The museum is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday it opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.' A visitor arrives at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday. What can they do?

  1. Enter and stay until 5 p.m. Correct answer.
  2. Wait until 5 p.m. to enter.
  3. Come back on Monday.
  4. Enter and stay until 4.30 p.m.

Explanation

The notice says the museum is open on Wednesday until 5 p.m. Since the visitor arrives at 4.30 p.m., they have half an hour before closing and can go in. The closing time is when the museum shuts, not when visitors must arrive.

Question 27Reading

Read this email: 'Hi Ben, I've booked the tennis court for 6 p.m. on Thursday. Can you bring the balls? I'll bring the rackets. See you there. - Alex' What does Alex ask Ben to do?

  1. Come at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
  2. Bring the balls. Correct answer.
  3. Book the court.
  4. Bring the rackets.

Explanation

Alex writes 'Can you bring the balls?' which is a direct request for Ben to bring them. The other details are arrangements Alex has already made or information about the meeting time.

Question 28Reading

Read this sign: 'No entry for unauthorised vehicles beyond this point.' Who is allowed to drive past the sign?

  1. All drivers.
  2. Only cyclists.
  3. Nobody at all.
  4. Drivers with permission. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sign bans 'unauthorised' vehicles, which means vehicles without permission. Therefore authorised vehicles, those with permission, may pass. The sign does not ban everyone.

Question 29Reading

Read this text: 'The café is looking for a weekend assistant. Previous experience is not necessary as training will be given.' What does the café say about experience?

  1. You need experience in a café.
  2. You need weekend experience.
  3. You do not need any. Correct answer.
  4. You must have some.

Explanation

The phrase 'Previous experience is not necessary' means that applicants do not need to have done the job before. Training will be provided instead.

Question 30Reading

Read this message: 'The swimming pool is closed today because of a problem with the water. We hope to reopen tomorrow.' What is the reason for the closure?

  1. A swimming competition.
  2. Building work.
  3. A water problem. Correct answer.
  4. A staff holiday.

Explanation

The message gives the reason as 'a problem with the water'. The other options are not mentioned in the text.

Question 31Reading

Read this text: 'The train to Oxford leaves from platform 3 at 9.15 a.m. and arrives at 10.05 a.m.' How long does the journey take?

  1. 1 hour 10 minutes
  2. 1 hour
  3. 45 minutes
  4. 50 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

The journey starts at 9.15 a.m. and ends at 10.05 a.m. From 9.15 to 10.00 is 45 minutes, and from 10.00 to 10.05 is 5 minutes, making 50 minutes in total.

Question 32Reading

Read this text: 'The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the airport every hour from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.' What does the hotel provide?

  1. A free bus to the airport. Correct answer.
  2. A free taxi to the airport.
  3. A free train to the airport.
  4. A paid bus to the airport.

Explanation

The text says the hotel offers a 'free shuttle bus to the airport'. A shuttle bus is a bus service, and it is free.

Question 33Reading

Read this text: 'Please return your books by the date shown on the receipt. You can renew them online if you need more time.' What should you do if you need more time?

  1. Renew the books online. Correct answer.
  2. Return the books late.
  3. Buy the books.
  4. Pay a fine at the desk.

Explanation

The text says 'You can renew them online if you need more time.' Renewing means extending the loan period, and the text tells you to do it online.

Question 34Reading

Read this text: 'The film starts at 7.30 p.m., but doors open at 7 p.m.' What time can you go into the cinema?

  1. 8 p.m.
  2. 7 p.m. Correct answer.
  3. 6.30 p.m.
  4. 7.30 p.m.

Explanation

The text says 'doors open at 7 p.m.', which is when people can enter. The film starting at 7.30 p.m. is a separate time.

Question 35Reading

Read this email: 'Dear Mr Jones, I am writing to confirm your appointment with Dr Smith on 12 May at 3 p.m. Please arrive ten minutes early to complete some forms.' What should Mr Jones do?

  1. Arrive at 3 p.m.
  2. Complete forms online before the visit.
  3. Arrive at 2.50 p.m. Correct answer.
  4. Arrive at 3.10 p.m.

Explanation

The email asks Mr Jones to arrive ten minutes early. Ten minutes before 3 p.m. is 2.50 p.m. The forms are completed at the appointment, not online.

Question 36Reading

Read this text: 'The course is suitable for beginners, but those with some knowledge will also find it useful.' Who is the course for?

  1. Both beginners and people with some knowledge. Correct answer.
  2. Only people with some knowledge.
  3. Only advanced learners.
  4. Only beginners.

Explanation

The text says the course is 'suitable for beginners' and that 'those with some knowledge will also find it useful'. This means both groups can benefit.

Question 37Reading

Read this text: 'The shop will be closed for refurbishment from 1 to 15 June. We apologise for any inconvenience.' What is happening to the shop?

  1. It is changing its opening hours.
  2. It is closing permanently.
  3. It is moving to a new location.
  4. It is being improved. Correct answer.

Explanation

Refurbishment means work to improve or decorate a building. The shop will be closed during this work, but the closure is temporary, from 1 to 15 June.

Question 38Reading

Read this text: 'Although the weather was terrible, the outdoor concert went ahead as planned.' What happened?

  1. The concert was moved indoors.
  2. The concert was cancelled.
  3. The concert was postponed.
  4. The concert took place. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'went ahead as planned' means the concert happened despite the bad weather. 'Although' introduces a contrast, showing the weather did not stop it.

Question 39Reading

Read this text: 'The new sports centre is open to everyone, but members pay less for classes.' What is the advantage of membership?

  1. Cheaper classes. Correct answer.
  2. Priority booking.
  3. Longer opening hours.
  4. Free entry to the centre.

Explanation

The text says members pay less for classes, which means classes are cheaper for them. Free entry, longer hours and priority booking are not mentioned.

Question 40Reading

Read this text: 'You must be over 18 to use the gym. Under-16s may use the swimming pool if accompanied by an adult.' Who can use the swimming pool alone?

  1. A 15-year-old.
  2. A 17-year-old. Correct answer.
  3. A 12-year-old.
  4. A 10-year-old.

Explanation

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, so a 17-year-old is not under 16 and may use the pool alone. The other ages are all under 16 and need an adult.

Question 41Reading

Read this text: 'The restaurant does not take bookings. Customers are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.' What does this mean?

  1. You must arrive before 6 p.m.
  2. You cannot reserve a table in advance. Correct answer.
  3. You must book a table online.
  4. You can only eat outside.

Explanation

First-come, first-served means the earliest customers get tables first, and the restaurant does not take bookings. Therefore you cannot reserve a table ahead of time.

Question 42Reading

Read this text: 'The bike is in good condition, but one of the tyres needs replacing soon.' What does the seller say about the bike?

  1. It works well but will soon need a new tyre. Correct answer.
  2. It has just had a new tyre.
  3. It needs a new tyre immediately.
  4. It is in perfect condition.

Explanation

The bike is in good condition overall, but one tyre 'needs replacing soon'. This means it is usable now but will need a new tyre in the near future.

Question 43Reading

Read this text: 'The tour lasts approximately two hours, depending on traffic.' What does this tell us about the tour length?

  1. It is always shorter than two hours.
  2. It is always longer than two hours.
  3. It may be shorter or longer than two hours. Correct answer.
  4. It is exactly two hours.

Explanation

'Approximately' means about, and 'depending on traffic' shows the time can vary. So the tour may take more or less than two hours.

Question 44Reading

Read this text: 'The festival was cancelled last year because of heavy rain, so this year it will be held indoors.' Why will the festival be indoors this year?

  1. To avoid problems with the weather. Correct answer.
  2. Because tickets are cheaper indoors.
  3. Because the outdoor venue is closed.
  4. Because more people are expected.

Explanation

The text explains that last year's festival was cancelled because of heavy rain, so moving indoors is to avoid a similar weather problem. The other reasons are not given.

Question 45Reading

Read this text: 'The company has decided to extend the return period from 14 to 30 days.' What has changed?

  1. The company now charges for returns.
  2. Customers now have less time to return items.
  3. The company no longer accepts returns.
  4. Customers now have longer to return items. Correct answer.

Explanation

Extending the return period from 14 to 30 days means customers have more time, not less. The change is an increase in the number of days allowed.

Question 46Reading

Read this text: 'The lecture is aimed at students, but members of the public are welcome if there are seats available.' Who can attend the lecture?

  1. Students first, then the public if there is space. Correct answer.
  2. Anyone, but they must book a seat.
  3. Only students.
  4. Only members of the public.

Explanation

The text says the lecture is aimed at students and the public are welcome 'if there are seats available'. This means students have priority and the public can attend only if there is room.

Question 47Reading

Read this text: 'The museum's new exhibition has proved so popular that it has been extended until the end of August.' What does this mean?

  1. The exhibition has been moved to a larger room.
  2. The exhibition has been cancelled.
  3. The exhibition will run for longer than planned. Correct answer.
  4. The exhibition is now free to enter.

Explanation

To extend an exhibition means to make it run for a longer period. The text says it has been extended until the end of August, so it will continue beyond its original closing date.

Question 48Reading

Read this text: 'The council has agreed to repair the playground, but work will not begin until the new year.' What is the situation with the playground?

  1. Repairs are planned but will start later. Correct answer.
  2. Repairs have already started.
  3. Repairs have been cancelled.
  4. Repairs will finish before the new year.

Explanation

The council has agreed to repair the playground, so the work is planned. However, it will not begin until the new year, so it has not started yet.

Question 49Reading

Read this text: 'The hotel charges £10 per night for parking, but guests who book directly with the hotel receive it free.' How can a guest get free parking?

  1. By booking through a travel agent.
  2. By paying in cash.
  3. By booking directly with the hotel. Correct answer.
  4. By staying for more than one night.

Explanation

The text states that guests who book directly with the hotel receive parking free. Booking through other means or staying longer does not qualify according to the text.

Question 50Reading

Read this text: 'The company's profits rose slightly last year, despite a fall in sales.' What happened to profits and sales?

  1. Profits went down and sales went up.
  2. Profits went up a little and sales went down. Correct answer.
  3. Both profits and sales went up.
  4. Both profits and sales went down.

Explanation

Profits 'rose slightly' means they increased a little. Sales experienced 'a fall', which means they decreased. The two moved in opposite directions.