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Preliminary (PET) Speaking – Sample Tests

B1, Preliminary (PET) / By John Hayward

Speaking at B1 level involves candidates showing that they are able to communicate e ectively in everyday
situations. You won’t be asked to explain scienti c details or economic concepts, but you will need to be
prepared to talk about common topics such as family, friends, work, travel or your social life.
To help you prepare, we’ve designed 5 complete Preliminary (PET) Speaking tests in Cambridge style
booklets just like you would see on exam day. These can be used in the classroom or at home. All the exams
are in the updated 2020 format.

GET PRELIMINARY (PET) SPEAKING TESTS:

Digital – 3.95€ Paperback – Amazon

GET ALL CAMBRIDGE SPEAKING TESTS (PET, FCE, CAE):

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Contents
1. Format of Preliminary (PET) Speaking
1.1. Part 1 – Interview
1.2. Part 2 – Long Turn
1.3. Part 3 – Collaborative Task
1.4. Part 4 – Discussion
2. Tips and Tricks for Preliminary (PET) Speaking
3. Get Preliminary PET Speaking Sample Tests

Format of Preliminary (PET) Speaking

Part 1 – Interview
In Preliminary (PET) Speaking Part 1, you will be asked a couple of personal questions. This interview is
individual and lasts for 2-3 minutes. The examiner will always ask your name and where you are from. Then,
they will ask a personal question or two about a common topic like your hobbies. Answers should be
extended beyond a couple of words, but don’t need to be too long. Remember, this is the rst time the
examiners will hear you speak, so make a good impression!

For more typical Speaking Part 1 questions, check our Cambridge Speaking Part 1 post.

Example of Preliminary (PET) Speaking Part 1

Part 2 – Long Turn

Part 2 of the Preliminary PET Speaking exam is also individual. You have to describe a picture in detail for
about a minute. The important thing here is to organise your ideas using linking words (and, but, so,
however, also etc.) It’s also a chance to show o your vocabulary knowledge. Talk about all the di erent
details in the picture using the best language you know.

The topics for this part of the exam are normally related to everyday activities and the pictures always
include people doing things. For more details about PET Speaking Part 2 and a plan of how to speak for a
minute, check our post about Describing a Picture.
 Example of Preliminary (PET) Speaking Part 2

Part 3 – Collaborative Task

In Part 3, you will be speaking with your partner. The examiner will give you a set of pictures and describe a
situation to you. You then need to discuss the options in the pictures with your partner for 2-3 minutes. You
can talk about which ideas are good or bad before making a decision about the best option.

Interaction between you and you partner is essential in PET Speaking Part 3. The examiners want to see you
asking questions and having a real conversation with your partner. Don’t worry if you don’t talk about all
the di erent pictures. They are there to give you ideas and encourage discussion.
 Example of Preliminary (PET) Speaking Part 3

Part 4 – Discussion

In the discussion stage of Preliminary (PET) Speaking, you will be asked a series of questions by the
examiner. These questions are always based on the same topic as in the previous stage. For example, if you
discussed di erent travel options in Part 3, the discussion in Part 4 will also be about travel. Sometimes the
examiner will ask you a question directly in this part of the exam, but they may also encourage you to talk
together with your partner.

The questions in PET Speaking Part 4 can be more di cult than the previous parts of the exam and you
don’t have them written down. Listen carefully and, if necessary, ask the examiner to repeat.

Example of Preliminary (PET) Speaking Part 4

Tips and Tricks for Preliminary (PET) Speaking

 Relax and try to focus on the individual parts of the exam. If one part is di cult, you can always
improve later on.
Be careful with basic vocabulary and grammar. Mistakes with simple language can cost you points.
Include some complex language while you are speaking. If you can use conditionals, relative clauses
or passive, you might get extra points.
Don’t forget to interact with the examiner and your partner.
Very short answers are bad! Always extend your answers with words like and, but, so, because etc.
If you don’t know a word, think about something di erent to say. It is natural to forget vocabulary,
but you don’t want to lose time.
Stay positive and friendly. A personal touch makes a big di erence to the impression that you give
the examiners.

Get Preliminary PET Speaking Sample Tests

Breakout English o ers 5 complete Preliminary PET Speaking tests. The sample tests are designed to be as
close as possible to the same style, format and level as the real exam in order to get the best practice
possible.

Digital – 3.95€ Paperback – Amazon

GET ALL CAMBRIDGE SPEAKING TESTS (PET, FCE, CAE):

Get all 3 levels of Breakout English’s Cambridge Speaking tests and save compared to buying individually.

Digital – 9.95€

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