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 1Speaking
In the PEIC B1 speaking exam, what is the main purpose of the interactive task in which you discuss a topic with the examiner?
- To translate sentences from your first language into English
- To show you can exchange opinions and keep a conversation going Correct answer.
- To recite a prepared speech from memory without interruption
- To read a short passage aloud with accurate pronunciation
Explanation
The interactive task assesses spoken interaction: initiating, responding, agreeing, disagreeing politely and developing a topic with the examiner. A memorised monologue or translation does not demonstrate the ability to sustain a two-way exchange, which is what the examiner is listening for.
Question 2Speaking
You want to give yourself thinking time in Part 2 of the speaking test. Which phrase is the most natural for a B1 candidate?
- Question is difficult, I must search my brain.
- I am thinking now very deeply about this question.
- Wait, wait, wait, I have nothing to say.
- That's a good question, let me think for a second. Correct answer.
Explanation
Natural fillers such as 'That's a good question, let me think' keep the turn and sound fluent while buying time. The other options are either over-formal, literal translations from another language, or abrupt and impolite, and they damage the impression of communicative competence.
Question 3Speaking
Which response best shows B1-level ability to disagree politely during a discussion?
- I see your point, but I think the opposite is also true. Correct answer.
- No, you are wrong and I am right about this.
- I don't want to talk about this topic anymore.
- That is a stupid idea, sorry to say it.
Explanation
Polite disagreement at B1 usually acknowledges the other view before offering a contrast, using markers such as 'I see your point, but...'. This softens the disagreement and keeps the interaction cooperative, which is exactly what the examiner rewards in a discussion task.
Question 4Speaking
Which question form is correct when you ask the examiner for their opinion in a discussion?
- What do you think about living in a big city? Correct answer.
- What do you think about live in a big city?
- What are you thinking about to live in a big city?
- What you think about living in a big city?
Explanation
Opinion questions follow the pattern 'What do you think about + noun or -ing form', so 'living in a big city' is correct after 'about'. The auxiliary 'do' must appear before the subject, and a preposition such as 'about' is followed by a gerund rather than a bare verb.
Question 5Speaking
In the picture-description task, which opening is most effective for a B1 candidate?
- In this picture I can see two people sitting at a table outside a cafe. Correct answer.
- The picture which I am describing now is a picture with people.
- I will now describe every single detail of this photograph.
- Picture is there, I look and say many things about it.
Explanation
A strong opening states the overall scene and then adds specific detail, using the fixed frame 'In this picture I can see...'. This gives the examiner a clear orientation before the candidate moves on to details such as appearance, actions and location.
Question 6Speaking
Which sentence uses the present continuous correctly to describe an action in a photograph?
- The woman wears a red coat and holds an umbrella now.
- The woman wearing a red coat and holding an umbrella.
- The woman is wearing a red coat and is holding an umbrella. Correct answer.
- The woman is wear a red coat and hold an umbrella.
Explanation
Actions visible in a picture are normally described with the present continuous, formed with 'be' plus the -ing form. Both verbs therefore need 'is' and the -ing ending, which option 0 supplies correctly.
Question 7Speaking
Which phrase correctly compares two things when you give your preference in a speaking task?
- I prefer travelling by train because it is more relaxing that flying.
- I prefer travelling by train because it is more relaxing than flying. Correct answer.
- I prefer travelling by train because it is most relaxing than flying.
- I prefer travelling by train because it is relaxing more than flying.
Explanation
Comparison with 'than' requires the comparative form, and 'more relaxing than' is the correct pattern for a long adjective. The word 'than', not 'that', introduces the second item, and the superlative 'most' cannot be used with 'than'.
Question 8Speaking
You did not hear the examiner's question clearly. Which request is most appropriate in the exam?
- Sorry, could you repeat the question a little more slowly, please? Correct answer.
- Repeat, repeat, I cannot understand anything.
- What? Say it again now.
- Speak again please, I am not listening before.
Explanation
Asking for repetition politely with 'Could you... please?' is a recognised communication strategy and is perfectly acceptable in a speaking exam. It keeps the interaction going and shows control of polite request forms, whereas blunt imperatives sound rude.
Question 9Speaking
In a discussion about free time, which turn best develops the topic rather than just answering?
- I don't know, maybe football or something like that.
- Football, yes.
- I play football.
- I usually play football at weekends, and I've started a team with friends from work. Correct answer.
Explanation
Developing a turn means adding a reason, detail or example beyond the minimum answer, which gives the examiner more language to assess. Option 0 answers the question and then extends it with a related detail about starting a team.
Question 10Speaking
Which sentence correctly uses a conditional to speculate about a hypothetical situation in a discussion?
- If I would have more free time, I will learn to play the guitar.
- If I had more free time, I would learn to play the guitar. Correct answer.
- If I had more free time, I will learned to play the guitar.
- If I have more free time, I would learn to play the guitar.
Explanation
Hypothetical situations use the second conditional: past simple in the if-clause and 'would' plus base verb in the main clause. Mixing 'have' with 'would learn', or putting 'would' in the if-clause, breaks this pattern.
Question 11Speaking
Which linker best fills the gap to organise a longer answer: 'I enjoy city life. ____, it can be very noisy and expensive.'
- However Correct answer.
- Because
- And
- So
Explanation
The second sentence contrasts with the first, so a contrastive linker such as 'However' is needed at the start of the clause. 'Because' introduces a reason, 'so' introduces a result, and 'and' merely adds information without signalling contrast.
Question 12Speaking
A candidate says: 'I have been living in this city for about five years.' What does this sentence show the examiner?
- Correct use of present perfect continuous with 'for' for an ongoing situation Correct answer.
- Correct use of past simple for a finished period of time
- Correct use of future perfect for a plan
- Correct use of present simple for a daily routine
Explanation
The present perfect continuous with 'for' describes a situation that started in the past and is still true now, which is exactly the meaning here. It is a common B1 structure for talking about duration in personal-information tasks.
Question 13Speaking
Which response uses appropriate intonation and wording to show interest while the examiner is speaking?
- Really? That's interesting, I didn't know that. Correct answer.
- I am hearing you but I have no reaction.
- Yes, yes, yes, continue quickly please.
- OK. Next question.
Explanation
Backchannels such as 'Really?' and 'That's interesting' show active listening and encourage the speaker to continue. They also give the candidate a natural turn to react before adding their own comment, which supports a genuine exchange.
Question 14Speaking
Which sentence is the best model for giving a balanced opinion at B1 level?
- I have two opinions and they are both correct always.
- Good, good, very good, but also not good sometimes.
- It is good and bad in the same time, I think so.
- On the one hand it saves time, but on the other hand it costs a lot of money. Correct answer.
Explanation
A balanced opinion is usually built with paired markers such as 'on the one hand... but on the other hand...', which clearly presents two sides. This structure signals organisation and gives the examiner evidence of discourse management at B1.
Question 15Speaking
During a role-play you must ask for information about a course. Which question is the most appropriate and polite?
- Tell me the price of the course now.
- Could you tell me how much the course costs, please? Correct answer.
- How much costs the course?
- The course, how much money?
Explanation
Indirect questions with 'Could you tell me...' are the standard polite way to request information, and they keep statement word order after the introductory phrase. This is a key functional language area for role-play tasks in the B1 speaking exam.
Question 16Speaking
What is the most effective way to handle a part of the task you find difficult, such as an unfamiliar topic?
- Repeat the question word for word several times
- Paraphrase the idea using simpler words you know well Correct answer.
- Stop speaking and wait for the examiner to move on
- Switch to your first language to explain the idea
Explanation
Paraphrasing is a core speaking strategy: when a precise word is missing, the candidate explains the idea with simpler vocabulary and keeps the message going. This demonstrates resourcefulness and maintains fluency, which examiners reward more than silence or a switch of language.
Question 17Speaking
Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a relative clause to extend a description?
- The man, standing near the door, blue jacket wearing.
- The man is standing near the door and he is a blue jacket.
- The man who is standing near the door is wearing a blue jacket. Correct answer.
- The man standing near the door he wears blue jacket.
Explanation
A defining relative clause with 'who' adds information about the person and shows more complex sentence structure at B1. The clause follows the noun it describes and has its own subject and verb, which the other options fail to supply correctly.
Question 18Speaking
A candidate says: 'It depends on the weather. If it's sunny, we'll probably go to the beach.' Which function is being performed?
- Describing a finished past event
- Reporting someone else's words
- Speculating about a likely future with a first conditional Correct answer.
- Making a formal complaint
Explanation
The first conditional with 'if' plus present simple and 'will' plus base verb expresses a realistic future possibility. The phrase 'it depends on' introduces the condition, so the whole turn is speculation about what will probably happen.
Question 19Speaking
Which repair phrase is most useful when you realise you have made a mistake mid-sentence?
- No, no, no, that was terrible English.
- Mistake, mistake, ignore me completely.
- I am wrong, forget everything I said.
- Sorry, I mean... let me say that again. Correct answer.
Explanation
Self-repair phrases such as 'Sorry, I mean...' allow the candidate to correct an error smoothly without losing fluency or confidence. This is a recognised speaking strategy because it keeps the message clear while showing awareness of accuracy.
Question 20Speaking
Which turn best combines a personal example with a general statement in a discussion about learning languages?
- Learning languages, yes, it is a thing that people do.
- I study every morning and that is all I can say about it.
- Adults need practice. Practice is needed by adults.
- Generally, adults need regular practice. For example, I study twenty minutes every morning. Correct answer.
Explanation
A strong B1 turn moves between a general claim and a supporting personal example, often signalled by 'For example'. This structure shows the examiner that the candidate can generalise and illustrate, not merely list personal facts.
Question 21Speaking
Which sentence uses a modal verb most appropriately to make a polite suggestion to a discussion partner?
- You must take the earlier train immediately.
- You will take the earlier train.
- You are taking the earlier train now.
- You might want to consider taking the earlier train. Correct answer.
Explanation
'Might want to' is a soft, tentative suggestion that leaves the decision with the listener, which suits a polite discussion. 'Must' and 'will' impose an obligation or prediction, and the present continuous states a fact rather than offering advice.
Question 22Speaking
In a monologue task you must talk for about one minute about a memorable trip. Which structure gives the clearest organisation?
- Repeat the question in different words until time is up
- List as many adjectives as possible without any order
- Give the ending first, then jump between unrelated details
- Set the scene, describe two or three key events in order, then say how you felt about it Correct answer.
Explanation
A simple narrative frame of orientation, sequenced events and evaluation gives coherence and helps the candidate fill the time naturally. Sequencers such as 'first', 'then' and 'in the end' signal this structure clearly to the examiner.
Question 23Speaking
A candidate says: 'The thing what I liked most was the food.' What is the error and the best correction?
- 'Most' should be 'more': 'The thing what I liked more...'
- 'Liked' should be 'like': 'The thing what I like most...'
- 'What' should be 'that' or omitted: 'The thing that I liked most...' Correct answer.
- There is no error; 'what' is correct after 'thing'
Explanation
In a defining relative clause after a noun such as 'thing', English uses 'that' or 'which', or no relative pronoun at all; 'what' cannot follow a noun. The corrected version keeps the same meaning while removing the relative pronoun error.
Question 24Speaking
Which feature most clearly distinguishes a B1 speaker from an A2 speaker in a discussion task?
- Sustaining and linking ideas across several turns with reasons and examples Correct answer.
- Producing single words in answer to each question
- Speaking only about familiar everyday objects
- Reading prepared sentences from notes
Explanation
At B1 the candidate is expected to keep a conversation going, connect ideas and support opinions with reasons, whereas A2 performance tends to be short, formulaic and dependent on the examiner's prompts. Sustained, linked turns therefore mark the step up in level.
Question 25Speaking
Why should a candidate avoid learning a fully scripted answer for the discussion part of the speaking exam?
- Scripts are forbidden by the exam regulations in all cases
- Scripted answers are always too short to score any marks
- The examiner is not allowed to hear prepared language
- A script cannot respond to the examiner's follow-up points and sounds unnatural Correct answer.
Explanation
Discussion requires reacting to what the examiner actually says, and a memorised script cannot adapt to follow-up questions or unexpected angles. Recited language also tends to sound flat and may not answer the specific prompt, reducing both interaction and communicative effectiveness.
Question 26Speaking
The examiner asks: 'What do you usually do at the weekend?' Which reply keeps the exchange going in a B1 speaking test?
- Yes, I do.
- I usually meet friends and we go cycling, and sometimes we try a new café in town. Correct answer.
- That is a question about my free time activities at the weekend.
- Weekend is good for me because no work and I sleep.
Explanation
A B1 answer should be extended: give the main activity, add a second detail and, where possible, a short comment. Option 0 does this naturally in one connected turn. Repeating the question or giving a bare 'yes' shows only A1/A2 range.
Question 27Speaking
In the picture description task the examiner says: 'Tell me what you can see.' Which opening is the most suitable for a B1 candidate?
- There is a photograph and I am looking at it now.
- The picture is very nice and I like it very much.
- A picnic, a park, a family, some food and a dog.
- In the picture I can see a family having a picnic in a park. Correct answer.
Explanation
Picture description needs a clear framing phrase plus concrete content, usually with a present continuous verb for the action. Option 1 supplies both an opening locator and descriptive detail. Personal reactions and bare word lists do not fulfil the task.
Question 28Speaking
A candidate wants to check that the examiner has understood a point. Which question is the most appropriate in the exam?
- Is it clear for you now?
- Shall I explain that again for you?
- Do you understand what I mean?
- Sorry, could I put that another way? Correct answer.
Explanation
Candidates should manage their own message, not check the examiner's comprehension. Offering to rephrase your own point keeps the turn polite and keeps responsibility with the speaker. Questions that ask the examiner whether they understood sound inappropriate in a test.
Question 29Speaking
The examiner asks about a topic you have never thought about. Which turn shows the best B1 strategy?
- I have no idea. Sorry.
- I don't know anything about that, so can we talk about something else?
- Nobody has ever asked me that question before.
- That's not a topic I know much about, but I suppose it could be useful because it saves time. Correct answer.
Explanation
A strong strategy is to admit limited knowledge briefly, then still produce language by speculating with 'I suppose' or 'it could be'. This keeps the interaction going and shows range. Refusing the topic or stopping at an apology gives the examiner nothing to assess.
Question 30Speaking
Which sentence uses a future form most naturally to talk about a personal plan in a speaking task?
- I am going to visit my sister next month because she has moved house. Correct answer.
- I visit my sister next month for her new house.
- I will probably going to visit my sister next month.
- I would visit my sister next month if I have time.
Explanation
Plans and intentions are normally expressed with 'be going to' plus a bare infinitive, and a reason clause makes the turn fuller. Mixing 'will' with 'going to' is a common B1 error. Present simple for a single future arrangement and a conditional for a fixed plan are both inaccurate here.
Question 31Speaking
In a discussion the examiner says: 'Some people think school uniforms are a good idea.' Which reply best shows agreement and then adds a reason?
- I am agree with the people who say this.
- I agree with that idea because uniforms save families money on clothes. Correct answer.
- That is an interesting question about uniforms in schools.
- Uniforms, yes, I think so, maybe.
Explanation
A B1 discussion turn should state a position clearly and support it with a reason introduced by 'because'. Option 0 does both in one short, accurate sentence. Hesitant fragments, a grammar error with 'agree', and a comment on the question all fail to develop the point.
Question 32Speaking
Which sentence uses the past simple and past continuous together correctly to set a scene in a narrative task?
- While I was walking home, I was seeing an old friend.
- While I was walking home, I saw an old friend. Correct answer.
- I walked home when I was seeing an old friend.
- I was walking home and I was seeing an old friend.
Explanation
The past continuous sets the background action and the past simple reports the shorter event that happened during it. 'See' is a state-like verb here and is not normally used in the continuous form for a single meeting. Only option 2 applies this contrast correctly.
Question 33Speaking
A candidate says: 'It was really good, really nice, really fun.' What is the main weakness of this turn in a B1 speaking test?
- The adjectives are too formal for a speaking test.
- The sentence needs a question tag at the end.
- The turn uses repetition of one intensifier and vague adjectives instead of specific description. Correct answer.
- The past tense should be used with 'fun'.
Explanation
Repeating 'really' with general adjectives shows limited range and gives the examiner little evidence of vocabulary. B1 candidates should replace vague words with specific description, for example 'the atmosphere was relaxed and lively'. Formality, tense with 'fun', and question tags are not the issue here.
Question 34Speaking
Which phrase is the most effective way to introduce a contrasting point in a discussion turn?
- As a result, living alone can be quite lonely.
- On the other hand, living alone can be quite lonely. Correct answer.
- For example, living alone can be quite lonely.
- In addition, living alone can be quite lonely.
Explanation
Contrast needs a linker that signals an opposing idea, and 'on the other hand' does exactly that. The other linkers signal addition, illustration, and consequence, so they misrepresent the relationship between the ideas. Choosing the right connector is a key B1 discourse skill.
Question 35Speaking
During a role-play the examiner plays a receptionist and asks: 'How can I help you?' Which opening turn is the most appropriate?
- I want information about the evening course, please. Correct answer.
- Evening course. Information. Please.
- You must tell me about the evening course now.
- Give me the information about your evening course.
Explanation
Role-play requests need a polite formula such as 'I'd like' or 'Could you tell me' or, at minimum, a softened 'I want ... please'. Option 0 is polite and clear. Imperatives with 'give me' or 'you must' are too direct for a service encounter, and a word list is not a turn.
Question 36Speaking
Which turn best shows the candidate checking and confirming understanding of the examiner's instruction?
- So, if I understand correctly, you'd like me to compare the two photos, is that right? Correct answer.
- What? I don't understand the instruction.
- Comparing photos is difficult for me.
- I will now compare the two photos for you.
Explanation
Checking understanding involves restating the task in your own words and inviting confirmation, which is exactly what option 0 does. It also buys thinking time naturally. Simply starting the task, complaining, or saying nothing useful does not confirm comprehension.
Question 37Speaking
A candidate says: 'If I had more time, I would learn to play the guitar.' Which function does this sentence perform in a discussion?
- Talking about an unreal present situation. Correct answer.
- Describing a habitual past action.
- Making a polite request to the examiner.
- Giving a factual statement about the present.
Explanation
The second conditional with 'if' plus past simple and 'would' plus infinitive describes an imagined situation that is not true now. Here the speaker does not have enough time. It is not a past habit, a real present fact, or a request.
Question 38Speaking
In a monologue about a person you admire, which sentence best combines several clauses into a fluent B1 turn?
- My grandmother is admired by me. She lives in a village. She is patient.
- My grandmother, who lives in a small village, is someone I admire because she is always patient. Correct answer.
- I admire my grandmother who is patient and lives in a village and is old.
- My grandmother she lives in a small village and I admire her and she is patient.
Explanation
Fluent B1 speech links ideas with a relative clause and a reason clause instead of chaining short sentences with 'and'. Option 0 uses a non-defining relative clause plus 'because' smoothly. The other options contain a double subject, choppy short sentences, or repetitive 'and' chaining.
Question 39Speaking
A candidate uses 'actually' at the start of a turn to correct a wrong assumption made by the examiner. Which use is correct?
- Actually, I am going to start my answer now.
- Actually, the weather was sunny and warm yesterday.
- Actually, I've never been to Scotland, so I can't compare the two cities. Correct answer.
- Actually, I agree with you completely.
Explanation
'Actually' introduces a correction or a surprising contrast to what was just said or assumed. Option 0 corrects the examiner's assumption politely and then explains. Using it before simple agreement, a neutral announcement, or plain description adds no corrective meaning and sounds misplaced.
Question 40Speaking
Which feature of a B1 speaking turn best helps the examiner follow a longer answer?
- Speaking as quickly as possible to show fluency.
- Repeating the question in different words before answering.
- Using only short sentences to avoid mistakes.
- Using a clear opening statement, then sequencing ideas with linkers such as 'first', 'then' and 'finally'. Correct answer.
Explanation
Coherence in a longer turn comes from signposting: state the main point, then order supporting ideas with sequencing linkers. This makes the answer easy to follow and demonstrates discourse ability. Speed, paraphrase of the question, and avoidance of complex sentences do not improve coherence.
Question 41Listening
You hear: "The 9:15 express to Bristol is running fifteen minutes late due to signalling problems." What is the new departure time?
- 9:15
- 9:00
- 9:30 Correct answer.
- 9:45
Explanation
The announcement says the train was due at 9:15 but is delayed by fifteen minutes, so you add 15 to 9:15 to get 9:30. Listening for the original time plus the stated delay is the key skill here.
Question 42Listening
A speaker says: "I was going to drive to the conference, but the train was cheaper, so I changed my mind." How is the speaker travelling?
- By plane
- By car
- By train Correct answer.
- By bus
Explanation
The speaker first considered driving but then changed the plan because the train was cheaper. The final decision, signalled by "changed my mind", is the train.
Question 43Listening
You hear: "Could you put the meeting back to Thursday? I'm in Leeds until Wednesday evening." Why does the speaker want to move the meeting?
- They will be away from the office until Wednesday evening. Correct answer.
- They have another meeting on Wednesday.
- They are free only on Thursday morning.
- They prefer not to meet at all this week.
Explanation
The speaker explains they are in Leeds until Wednesday evening, which is the reason for moving the meeting to Thursday. The location detail is the cause, not a preference for mornings.
Question 44Listening
A recorded message says: "Press one for accounts, two for deliveries, or hold to speak to an operator." A caller wants to ask about a late parcel. Which option should they choose?
- Call back later
- Press two Correct answer.
- Press one
- Hold the line
Explanation
A late parcel is a delivery issue, and the message assigns deliveries to option two. Matching the caller's need to the menu category is the listening task.
Question 45Listening
You hear: "The workshop is full, but we've added a second session on Friday afternoon." What does the speaker tell listeners to do?
- Wait for a cancellation
- Register for the original workshop
- Attend the Friday afternoon session instead Correct answer.
- Join a waiting list
Explanation
The first workshop is full, so the speaker announces an extra session on Friday afternoon as the alternative. The implied instruction is to take that new session.
Question 46Listening
A speaker says: "It's a bit nippy in here, isn't it?" What are they suggesting?
- The room is too noisy.
- The room smells unpleasant.
- The room is too crowded.
- The room is rather cold. Correct answer.
Explanation
"Nippy" is an informal British word meaning cold. The speaker is indirectly hinting that the room is chilly, which is a common polite way to ask for heating.
Question 47Listening
You hear: "I'll pick you up at half seven outside the station." When will the speaker arrive?
- 7:00
- 8:30
- 7:30 Correct answer.
- 6:30
Explanation
In British English "half seven" means half past seven, that is 7:30. Learners often confuse this with the German-style "half seven" meaning 6:30, but English usage is different.
Question 48Listening
A guide says: "The museum closes at five, and the last entry is at half four." What does this mean?
- You can enter until 5:00.
- You must enter by 4:30. Correct answer.
- The museum is closed all afternoon.
- The museum opens at 4:30.
Explanation
Last entry at half four (4:30) means visitors must go in by that time, even though the building stays open until five. The two times serve different purposes.
Question 49Listening
You hear: "I'm afraid I can't make Tuesday after all. Something's come up." What does the speaker mean?
- They will definitely come on Tuesday.
- They want to arrive early on Tuesday.
- They have forgotten which day it is.
- They can no longer attend on Tuesday. Correct answer.
Explanation
"I can't make Tuesday" means the speaker cannot attend, and "something's come up" gives an unexpected reason. The phrase "after all" signals a change from an earlier plan.
Question 50Listening
A speaker says: "The flat's not exactly cheap, but it's right next to the station, which saves me an hour a day." What is the speaker's attitude to the rent?
- They are unsure whether to rent it.
- They have not asked about the price.
- They think it is far too expensive.
- They think it is good value overall. Correct answer.
Explanation
"Not exactly cheap" concedes the rent is high, but the speaker immediately justifies it with the time saved. The overall message is that the cost is acceptable because of the location.