Passing the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) Reading exam is not just about how many English words you know; it is about understanding the logic of the test. As a Professor of English and ELT Program Head, I have analyzed the exam patterns to create this comprehensive guide. Below, you will find a breakdown of all 6 parts, the pedagogical logic behind the questions, and the “Expert Strategies” I teach my university students to ensure they reach the B1 threshold (and beyond).
1. Exam Overview: The Numbers
Before diving into the parts, you must understand the “playing field.”
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Parts: 6 distinct sections.
- Total Questions: 32 questions.
- Goal: To prove you can understand the main points of straightforward texts on familiar topics.
2. Part 1: Real-World Messages (Multiple Choice)
The Task: 5 short texts (emails, signs, text messages). You must choose the correct summary (A, B, or C).
- The Professor’s Logic: This part tests Functional Language. The examiner isn’t just asking what the words say; they are asking what the purpose is. Is it a warning? A request? An invitation?
- The “Pro” Strategy: Don’t look for matching words. If the text says “It is mandatory,” and Option A says “It is mandatory,” Option A is probably a trap. Look for the paraphrase (e.g., “You must do this”).
3. Part 2: Matching (People to Profiles)
The Task: 5 descriptions of people and 8 short texts. You must match each person to the correct text.
- The Professor’s Logic: This tests Scanning and Detail Matching. It is the most “logical” part of the exam.
- The “Pro” Strategy: Use the 3-Point Rule. Each person usually has three specific requirements (e.g., “Must be cheap,” “Must be in the evening,” “Must have food”). A text might meet two of these, but it is only correct if it meets all three.
4. Part 3: The Narrative Journey (Long Text Multiple Choice)
The Task: A long text (opinion or story) with 5 multiple-choice questions.
- The Professor’s Logic: This part moves from Fact to Opinion. The first questions are usually about details, while the last question often asks about the “Writer’s Purpose” or overall “Global Meaning.”
- The “Pro” Strategy: Questions follow the order of the text. Read the first question, find the answer in paragraph one, then move to the next. Do not jump around.
5. Part 4: The Gapped Text (Sentence Insertion)
The Task: A text with 5 sentences removed. You must choose the correct sentence from a list of 8 to fill the gaps.
- The Professor’s Logic: This is a test of Cohesion. It checks how sentences “glue” together.
- The “Pro” Strategy: Look for Grammar Anchors. If the sentence after the gap starts with “However, he…,” you know the missing sentence must mention a male person. Look for pronouns (it, they, this) and linking words (but, also, finally).
6. Part 5: The Vocabulary Gap (Multiple Choice Cloze)
The Task: A short text with 6 gaps. You choose the correct word (A, B, C, or D).
- The Professor’s Logic: This is a Lexical Test. It focuses on collocations (words that go together) and fixed phrases.
- The “Pro” Strategy: Look at the word after the gap. Does it need a specific preposition? (e.g., “Interested in,” “Depends on“). The answer is often determined by the grammar surrounding the gap, not just the meaning of the word.
7. Part 6: The Grammar Gap (Open Cloze)
The Task: A short text with 6 gaps. No options are given; you must provide the word.
- The Professor’s Logic: This is a Structural Test. 90% of the time, the missing word is a “small” grammar word: a preposition (at, for), a pronoun (which, who), or an auxiliary verb (has, been).
- The “Pro” Strategy: If you are stuck, read the whole sentence aloud in your head. Your “natural ear” for English will often tell you if a “to” or a “the” is missing.
8. Time Management: The 45-Minute Plan
Do not spend equal time on every part. As a specialist, I recommend this breakdown:
- Parts 1 & 2: 10 minutes (Speed is key).
- Parts 3 & 4: 20 minutes (These require the most deep thought).
- Parts 5 & 6: 10 minutes (Vocabulary and Grammar).
- Final Review: 5 minutes.