Free B1 Preliminary Exam Questions and Answers
B1 Preliminary is a Cambridge certification exam. This page has free practice questions for it with answers and explanations, set out the way the real exam asks them, plus a timed practice test that scores you against the pass mark.
If you searched for B1 Preliminary dumps, an ExamTopics discussion or a free PDF, this is the question bank for it: practice questions with verified answers and explanations, a timed practice test and updates whenever Cambridge changes the exam.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
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- Questions in our bank
- 1000+
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- First 10, with answers
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- 130 mins · 70%
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Recommended: Switch to Test Mode to start a practice test that simulates the real exam experience.
Question #1
A notice at a zoo reads: 'PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS. They may become ill or aggressive.' What does the notice mean?
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The notice is a prohibition: do not feed. 'Ill or aggressive' is the reason, not a description of the zoo.
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Question #2
Choose the correct word: 'I'm not very good ___ playing tennis.'
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The adjective 'good' takes the preposition 'at' for skills.
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Question #3
Choose the correct word: 'She asked me ___ I had finished my homework.'
Correct answer: D
Explanation
A reported yes/no question uses 'if' or 'whether'.
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Question #4
Ben writes to Tom: 'I can't come to the match on Saturday because I have to look after my little sister. Maybe we could go to the cinema on Sunday instead?' Why is Ben writing?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
He declines Saturday and proposes Sunday; he is not busy all weekend.
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Question #5
Which sentence has the same meaning as 'It's a long time since I last saw Maria'?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
'It's a long time since' equals present perfect negative with 'for'.
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You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in B1 Preliminary, the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
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Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
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Question #6
Which TWO sentences are correct? Choose two.
Select 2 answers.
Correct answer: B, D
Explanation
'Suggest' and 'enjoy' are followed by the -ing form, not the infinitive.
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Question #7
Which is the best opening for an informal email to a friend in the Part 1 task?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
A friend is addressed informally; formal openings are inappropriate in register.
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You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in B1 Preliminary, the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
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Question #8
Which sentence uses the past simple correctly?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
A finished past time (yesterday) needs the past simple.
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You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in B1 Preliminary, the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
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Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
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One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
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Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
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Question #9
Choose the best linking word: 'I wanted to go out. ___, it was raining, so I stayed home.'
Correct answer: C
Explanation
'However' contrasts with the previous sentence and can start a new one.
Continue with B1 Preliminary
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in B1 Preliminary, the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
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Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
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Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
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Question #10
In Part 2 you choose the story and are given the first sentence: 'Anna opened the door and could not believe what she saw.' What should you do?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The given sentence must begin the story and the narrative should follow it.
Continue with B1 Preliminary
Unlock the full question bank
You have read the first 10 questions. A subscription opens every question in B1 Preliminary, the full timed practice test, and your progress and weak-topic reporting.
Single exam
$19.99for 30 days
Full question bank and practice test for one exam, for 30 days.
Single exam
$49.99for 1 year
One exam for a full year. Nothing renews and nothing to cancel.
Full access
$39.99/mo
Every exam in the catalogue, month to month.
Full access
$199.99/yr
Every exam in the catalogue for a year.
Already subscribed? Sign in to pick up where you left off.
Discussion
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/
- Q1: What is the B1 Preliminary exam?
- A: B1 Preliminary is a professional examination offered by Cambridge.
- Q2: Are there practice questions for B1 Preliminary?
- A: Yes. The first ten are free to read with their answers and no account is needed; the rest of the bank and the practice test come with access to the exam.
- Q3: How should I prepare for B1 Preliminary?
- A: Start from the official Cambridge exam objectives, which define what is actually tested, and practise against questions written to them rather than to a syllabus someone has guessed at.
- Q4: Where do I register for B1 Preliminary?
- A: Registration is handled by the awarding body — see https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/ for the current fee, the testing options and the booking process.



