Free B1 Preliminary Exam Questions and Answers

For this question, choose the correct answer. You will hear a customer talking to a shop assistant. Which umbrella does the customer buy? Exhibit (recording transcript): Assistant: Would you like the large green umbrella? It's our most popular one. Customer: It's nice, but I lost my last one on a bus, so I don't want to spend much. Have you got a small folding one? Assistant: Only this black one, I'm afraid. We sold the green ones yesterday. Customer: That's fine. I'll take it.

• AA. A large green umbrella
• BB. A small green folding umbrella
• CC. A small black folding umbrella

For this question, choose the correct answer. You will hear two friends talking about a film they have just seen. What do they both like about it? Exhibit (recording transcript): Boy: I wasn't sure about the main actor, but the music was lovely. Girl: The music? I didn't really notice it. The actor was fine. But the ending, wow! Boy: I know. I didn't see that coming at all.

• AA. The ending
• BB. The main actor
• CC. The music

You will hear an interview with a girl called Priya, who has just won a swimming race. For the question, choose the correct answer. Interviewer: Did you do anything different before the race? Priya: Well, everybody expected me to train harder than ever, but my coach told me to rest for three days. At first I hated the idea. I thought I'd get slower. But on the day I felt much fresher than usual, so I'm glad I listened. How did Priya feel about her coach's advice?

• AA. She was unsure at first but later decided it had helped her.
• BB. She thought it was the right plan from the very beginning.
• CC. She still believes she should have trained harder instead.

In Part 2 you are describing a photograph of a boy fishing by a river with his grandfather. You have already said where they are and what they are wearing. Which sentence should you say next?

• AA. My grandfather taught me to fish when I was seven, and I still go every summer.
• BB. The boy looks happy, and perhaps he is enjoying spending time with his grandfather.
• CC. I prefer fishing to football because it is quieter and you can relax more.

The examiner asks four questions in Part 1. Match each question to the most suitable answer. There is one extra answer that you do not need. Questions 1. How often do you play sport? 2. What did you do last weekend? 3. Who do you usually have lunch with? 4. What are you going to do after the exam? Answers A. I visited my cousins and we played football in the park. B. Usually twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. C. My classmates, because we all stay at school at lunchtime. D. I'm going to sleep for a long time, I think. E. I've lived in the same house since I was born.

Put the items in order, then reveal.

The examiner asks you: 'What do you like doing in your free time?' Which answer is best?

• AA. I like swimming and meeting friends. Last week we went to the pool and then had pizza.
• BB. My free time is usually from five o'clock to eight o'clock after I finish my homework.
• CC. I think free time is very important for teenagers because they study for many hours.

In Part 2 you are describing a photograph of two girls riding bicycles along a country road. One of them is laughing. You want to say how they are feeling. Which sentence is the best way to do this?

• AA. They are called Sara and Nina, and they are sisters who live in a village near here.
• BB. I have a bicycle at home, and I ride it to school every day, so I know how it feels.
• CC. They look happy, perhaps because it is a sunny day and they are enjoying the ride.

In Part 2 you choose to write a story. Your story must begin with this sentence: 'The phone rang just as Sara was leaving the house.' Put the sentences below in the best order to continue the story. A Then she heard a quiet voice say, 'Sara, it's me. Don't be afraid.' B 'Hello?' she said, but nobody answered. C In the end she found out that it was her brother, calling from his new phone to surprise her. D She stopped and looked at the screen, but she did not know the number. E She decided to answer it anyway.

Work out the matching from the exhibit, then reveal.

In Part 3 your partner says, 'We could have the party in the park.' Complete your reply. Write ONE word. 'Yes, but what ___ the weather? It might rain.'

Type your answer, then reveal.

In Part 1 the examiner says, 'Tell me about your family.' Complete the student's answer. Write ONE word. 'There are five people ___ my family: my parents, my two brothers and me.'

Type your answer, then reveal.