Cambridge | B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)
Cambridge | B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) is specifically designed to motivate school-ages learners. It shows that a student can use English for everyday social and study purposes. B1 Preliminary for Schools was formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools).
Exam Information
What is the B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)?
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) is an intermediate-level English language exam designed to evaluate proficiency at Level B1 of the Europe's Common European Framework for languages (CEFR). Notably, B1 Preliminary (PET) and Cambridge English Preliminary for Schools share the same format, with identical question paper levels.
Learn more about the Cambridge English Scale.
Made for school-age learners:
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) stands out for its careful alignment with the interests and experiences of school-age learners. The content and themes are thoughtfully crafted to engage and resonate with this demographic.
Unlocking B1 level proficiency:
At Level B1, learners typically demonstrate the following capabilities:
- Grasping the core points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- Handling the majority of situations encountered while traveling as a tourist in English-speaking countries
- Posing uncomplicated questions and engaging in factual conversations with peers, family members, and within school settings
- Crafting letters, emails, or notes on familiar topics with ease
Who benefits from Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)?
In Switzerland, B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) primarily serves secondary school students, often taken at the conclusion of their third year in secondary school.
Why pursue B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)?
For teenagers and young adults, B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) signifies determination and commitment to pursuing goals. Possessing a B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) certificate enhances applications for apprenticeships, showcasing language proficiency as a valuable asset.
Prepare to empower your future with B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S). Register today and embark on a journey toward expanded opportunities in apprenticeships and beyond.
Format of the exam
You can take your Cambridge exam in two ways: on a computer or on paper.
| Paper | Content | Marks (%of total) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) | Reading: 5 parts/ 35 questions Writing: 3 parts/ 7 questions | 50% | Students need to be able to read texts from signs, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. They will need to show they can use vocabulary and structure by completing tasks such as producing a short message, and writing a story or letter of around 100 words. |
| Listening (36 minutes including 6 minutes' transfer time) | 4 parts/ 25 questions | 25% | Students need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of recorded spoken material, including announcements, interviews and discussions about everyday life. They will also need to be able to understand the attitudes and intentions of the speakers. |
| Speaking (10–12 minutes per pair of candidates) | 4 parts | 25% | Students take part in a conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about their likes and dislikes. They take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three. |
Computer-based exams for convenience
Cambridge B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) exams are available in a convenient computer-based format. There are numerous advantages to taking your exam on a computer including flexible dates, convenient and modern locations, efficient systems as well as speedy results. Read more about digital assessment and its benefits.
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