B1 Preliminary

The B1 Preliminary Reading section has six parts. There are different types of texts and questions. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Multiple choice):

• Read five real-world notices, messages and other short texts for the main message.
• 5 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 2 (Matching):

• Match five descriptions of people to eight short texts on a particular topic, showing detailed comprehension.
• 5 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 3 (Multiple choice):

• Read a longer text for detailed comprehension, gist, inference and global meaning, as well as writer’s attitude and opinion.
• 5 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 4 (Gapped Text):

• Read a longer text from which five sentences have been removed. Show understanding of how a coherent and well-structured text is formed.
• 5 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 5 (Multiple Choice):

• Read a shorter text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete gaps.
• 6 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 6 (Open cloze):

• Read a shorter text and complete six gaps using one word for each gap.
• 6 questions
• 1 mark for each correct answer

The B1 Preliminary Writing section has two parts. You have to show that you can write different types of text in English. This paper accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Writing an email):

• Write about 100 words, answering the email and notes provided.
• 1 question
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 2 (Article or a story):

• Write about 100 words, answering the question of their choosing.
• Choose one question from a choice of two.
• The question has a maximum of 20 marks available

The B1 Preliminary Listening section has four parts. For each part, you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. This section accounts for 25% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Multiple choice):

• Identify key information in seven short monologues or dialogues and choose the correct visual.
• 7 questions.
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 2 (Multiple choice):

• Listen to six short dialogues and understand the gist of each.
• 6 questions.
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 3 (Gap fill):

• Listen to a monologue and complete six gaps.
• 6 questions.
• 1 mark for each correct answer

Part 4 (Multiple choice):

• Listen to an interview for a detailed understanding of meaning and to identify attitudes and opinions.
• 5 questions.
• 1 mark for each correct answer

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test has four parts and is taken with another candidate. Exceptionally the test may be taken with 3 candidates. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.

Part 1 (Interview):

• Respond to questions, giving factual or personal information. (2 minutes)

Part 2 (Extended turn):

• Describe one colour photograph, talking for about 1 minute. (3 minutes)

Part 3 (Discussion):

• Make and respond to suggestions, discuss alternatives and negotiate agreement. (2 minutes)

Part 4 (General conversation):

• Discuss likes, dislikes, experiences, opinions, habits, etc. (3 minutes)

Choosing your Speaking Test

Partner
If you would like to be paired together with a friend/classmate, you can request this when you register for the exam. Please note however that research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn’t matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.

Groups of three candidates
Almost all A2 Key Speaking Tests are conducted in groups of two candidates. However, if there is an uneven number of candidates at an exam session there will be one test with a group of three candidates, normally at the end of the day or before a long break. The test format is exactly the same but will last a little longer. Please note that you cannot request to take your test in a group of three.