B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the intermediate level of the CEFR (B1 level). It is made up of four parts and designed to prove that students can successfully use the English language in the real world. B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools, also known as PET for Schools, is a qualification that shows a student can handle everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level.
Because B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is specially tailored to suit the interests of young students, it increases their motivation to learn English. And because it is based on familiar topics and situations, it gives them the confidence to use their English and inspires them to move on to further qualifications.
It is targeted at Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale and is aimed at students who want to:
- understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- deal with everyday situations when going out
- ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations with friends, family and at school
- write letters or make notes on familiar matters.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools follows exactly the same format and tests at the same level as B1 Preliminary (PET), also known as Preliminary English Test (PET). The only difference is in the content and treatment of topics, which in B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools have been particularly targeted to the interests and experience of young students.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is recognized by the private sector. It is also officially recognized in Greece by the state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:
|
Level of recognition |
Overall score |
|
B2 |
160-170 |
|
B1 |
140-159 |
It is also recognized in several countries and can be used for academic and professional purposes that require language competence certification of this level.
PAPER 1: READING
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 6 parts
Number of questions: 32 questions in total
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (5 questions -1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short texts with three options A, B and C next to each text. Candidates should read each text and decide what situation, the text would appear in.
Part 2 (5 questions -1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short descriptions of people and eight short texts to read. Candidates have to match each person to a text.
Part 3 (5 questions -1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text followed by five multiple-choice questions with four options, A, B, C and D. Candidates have to read the text and answer the five questions.
Part 4 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five sentences have been removed from a longer text. Candidates have to find the missing five sentences from the eight sentences, A-H, provided.
Part 5 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text with six numbered spaces. Each space represents a missing word and candidates have to choose the right answer from a choice of four (A, B, C or D).
Part 6 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A short text with six numbered spaces. Candidates have to think of the correct word to fill the gap.
PAPER 2: WRITING
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 2 parts
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
Candidates have to write an email of 100-120 words in response to information given (a standard rubric, an email and a set of four prompts presented as notes).
Part 2
Candidates have a choice of two questions: an article or a story to write around 100 words. For the article, candidates read a magazine or an article announcement that gives the topic that they must write about. For the story, candidates are given the first sentence of the story.
PAPER 3: LISTENING
Duration: 30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
Number of questions: 25 questions
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (7 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Seven short recordings. For each recording there is a question and three pictures (A, B or C). Candidates have to listen to the recordings and choose the right visual image which best answers the question.
Part 2 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Six short dialogues each with a context sentence. A question or a sentence to complete follows with three options. Candidates listen to the text, then choose the option which best answers the question or completes the sentence.
Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer monologue and a page of notes or sentences, summarizing the content of the text. Six pieces of information have been removed. Candidates have to listen to the recording and fill in the missing information.
Part 4 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text in the form of an interview. Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, choosing the correct answer form a choice of three options.
PAPER 4: SPEAKING
Duration: 12-17 minutes per pair of candidates
Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates
Number of parts: 4 parts
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
General conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks each candidate questions about their personal details, daily routines, likes, dislikes, etc.
Part 2
The examiner gives each candidate one coloured photograph to describe for about 1 minute each.
Part 3
The examiner sets up the situation by giving candidates images to look at. Prompts are designed to generate discussion about an imaginary situation. The candidates discuss their ideas together, making and responding to suggestions, discussing alternatives, making recommendations and negotiations agreement.
Part 4
Candidates are encouraged to discuss further and broaden the topic introduced in Part 3. The interlocutor directs the interaction by asking candidates questions. Candidates in turn respond either individually or through interaction with each other.
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
B1 Preliminary results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Candidates will receive a separate score for each of the 4 skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) on their Statement of Results which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These four scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.
For B1 Preliminary, the following scores will be used to report results:
|
Cambridge English Scale Score |
Grade |
CEFR level |
|
160 -170 |
Grade A |
B2 |
|
153–159 |
Grade B |
B1 |
|
140–152 |
Grade C |
B1 |
|
120–139 |
Level A2 |
A2 |
Scores between 102 and 119 are also reported for B1 Preliminary. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 102 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.
The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
Additional services:
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