essay for pet exam

Exam English ✓

• B1 Preliminary (PET)
• B1 Preliminary for Schools
• Cambridge exams

Free Practice Tests for learners of English

B1 preliminary (pet) writing.

Two parts - 45 minutes

• Writing part 1: write an email
• Writing part 2: write an article OR a story

Scoring The Writing section is worth 25% of the total score for the exam.

• Writing part 1 is marked out of 20
• Writing part 2 is marked out of 20
• Communicative Achievement
• Organisation

How to prepare for B1 Preliminary (PET) Writing

• read the instructions carefully before you start each section
• think about the timing. Spend 25 minutes on each part
• study these vocabulary topics
• study grammar at B1 level
• practise writing short texts, including emails

Writing tests

• part 1 - email
• part 1 - email 2
• part 2 - article
• part 2 - story

PET Sections

• Preliminary (PET)

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• B1 Preliminary (PET)
• B2 First (FCE)
• C1 Advanced (CAE)
• C2 Proficient (CPE)

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• Part 1 0 / 25
• Part 2 0 / 25
• Part 3 0 / 25
• Part 4 0 / 25
• Part 5 0 / 25
• Part 6 0 / 25
• Part 1 0 / 20
• Part 2 0 / 20
• Part 3 0 / 20
• Part 4 0 / 20
• Part 1 NEW 0 / 10
• Part 2 NEW 0 / 10
• Part 3 NEW 0 / 10
• Part 4 NEW 0 / 10

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Type: Email

Write your email to Nina using all the notes.

Write your email to Sam using all the notes.

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B1 preliminary preparation, resources for teachers and learners.

Here you can find links to all of our free resources to help prepare for B1 Preliminary exams, whether you are a teacher or a learner.

On this page:

Exam essentials

Essential reading for teachers and learners wanting to find out about the exam.

Teacher essentials

Resources to help you prepare learners for B1 Preliminary exams.

Learner essentials

Information for candidates and resources that can be used at home or in the classroom for self-study.

On-the-go practice with Test & Train

Test & Train is an easy-to-use practice tool to help you get ready for your B1 Preliminary exam through short, sharp workouts. With over 300 practice questions, you can use it anytime, anywhere and as many times as your like!

Get started today

Official Cambridge English preparation materials

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats .

Vocabulary list

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.

B1 Preliminary vocabulary list

Sample tests (paper-based, digital and computer-based)

Free: paper-based sample test.

Sample papers for B1 Preliminary

Free: Digital sample tests

During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which offer you even more benefits.

If you are planning to take your exam during March 2024, please contact your chosen exam centre to discuss their schedules.

Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam .

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are four parts to this test.
• Each question carries one mark.
• You will hear each recording twice.
• For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.

B1 Preliminary Digital Listening Sample Test

Time: 45 minutes

• Questions 1-32 carry one mark.

B1 Preliminary Digital Reading Sample Test

• Answer the Part 1 question and one question from Part 2
• Each question in this paper carries equal marks.

B1 Preliminary Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript:

B1 Preliminary Listening Sample 1 answer key

B1 Preliminary Listening Sample Test 1 tapescript

B1 Preliminary Reading Sample Test 1 answer key

Free: Computer-based sample tests

During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which will offer you even more benefits. Information on the switch and what this means for you can be found on our Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page.

Make a note of your answers as you do the test.

Reading sample test

Writing sample test

Listening sample test

Answer keys :

Reading and Writing answer key

Listening answer key

There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B1 Preliminary handbook .

How to convert practice test scores

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Digital exam information

Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams .

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.

Watch the video tutorial  for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary digital exam.

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking digital exams.

Computer-based exam information

Have you thought about taking computer-based exams? Find out more about the benefits of computer-based exams .

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a computer-based exam.

Watch the video tutorial below for help on how to complete a B1 Preliminary computer-based exam.

Help your students prepare for computer-based exams with our Teaching tips for computer-based Cambridge English qualifications .

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking computer-based exams.

Speaking test video with examiners' commentary

This video will help your students understand what happens during a speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Kenza and Mohammed's speaking test

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Exam Preparation Journey resource packs

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

Handbook for teachers

B1 Preliminary handbook for teachers

B1 Preliminary handbook for teachers Listening Audio

Lesson plans

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

B1 Preliminary lesson plans

Teacher guides

Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your students’ writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions tailored to each writing type in the Writing paper.

Mock test toolkit

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Supporting learners with dyslexia

Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers

Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.

Teacher webinars

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page . We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

Free online learning activities

We have hundreds of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your B1 Preliminary exam.

Find out more

Exam information for candidates

Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day, and useful links.

B1 Preliminary: Information for candidates

Social media

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.

Exam tip videos

Get great tips for taking your B1 Preliminary exams with our video playlist.

Write & Improve: Practise your writing for free

Write & Improve is a free online tool to help you practise and improve your writing. Just choose a task, write or upload your answer and use the feedback to quickly improve.

Improve your learning with the Exam Lift app

• learn English on the go – anytime and anywhere
• develop the skills you need for the B1 Preliminary exam
• receive instant feedback on your performance.