B1 Preliminary facts for kids
The B1 Preliminary exam helps you show off your English skills! It used to be called Cambridge English: Preliminary or the Preliminary English Test (PET). This exam comes from Cambridge Assessment English, which is famous for its English language tests.
This test is for students who have learned the basics of English and can now use the language in everyday situations. It matches Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Think of it as a way to prove you can understand and use English well enough for many common tasks.
There are two main types of the B1 Preliminary exam. One is called B1 Preliminary for Schools, which is made just for students like you. The other is B1 Preliminary, designed for adults. Both tests help you improve your English and get a valuable certificate.
| Year started | 1943 |
|---|
What is the B1 Preliminary English Exam?
The B1 Preliminary exam is an important test for English learners. It shows you have practical English skills for daily life. This exam is set at Level B1 of the CEFR. This means you can handle most everyday conversations and written English.
A Look at the Exam's Past
The B1 Preliminary exam has a long history. It first appeared in 1943 to help foreign service members learn English during a big global event. After that event ended, the exam was paused.
It was brought back in 1980 and became fully available in the 1990s. The exam has been updated several times to make sure it's always fair and helpful. The current version was launched in March 2004.
Two Versions: For Schools and Adults
The B1 Preliminary exam comes in two different versions:
- B1 Preliminary: This version is made for adult learners. It's part of the Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
- B1 Preliminary for Schools: This version is designed especially for students your age. It's part of the Cambridge English Qualifications for schools.
Both versions have the same exam structure. They both test the same skills and lead to the same certificate. This means the certificate you get from B1 Preliminary for Schools is just as valuable!
How B1 Preliminary for Schools Helps You
The main difference between the two versions is the topics they use. B1 Preliminary for Schools uses topics that are interesting and relevant to school-aged students. This makes the exam more fun and relatable for you. It helps you develop real-life communication skills using subjects you already know.
How the Exam is Structured
Both versions of the B1 Preliminary exam have three main parts, called "papers." These papers test all four important language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
The Speaking part of the exam is done face-to-face with an examiner. For the Reading, Writing, and Listening parts, you can choose how you want to take them. You can either use a computer or write your answers on paper.
Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Reading and Writing: This paper tests how well you can understand written English and write clearly. You'll read different texts and complete writing tasks.
- Listening: This paper checks your ability to understand spoken English. You'll listen to recordings and answer questions.
- Speaking: In this paper, you'll talk with an examiner and another student. You'll show how well you can communicate in English.
Understanding Your Exam Score
After you take the exam, you'll get a Statement of Results. This shows how well you did. If you score high enough, you'll also receive a certificate.
What Your Grade Means
Since 2016, your results include scores on the Cambridge English Scale. You get a score for each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and an overall score. You also get a grade and a CEFR level for the whole exam.
Your overall score is an average of your scores from each paper. The B1 Preliminary exam aims to test you at CEFR Level B1. However, it can also show if you are at a higher level (B2) or a slightly lower level (A2).
Here's what the grades mean:
| Grade | Cambridge English Scale Score (120–170) | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 160–170 | B2 |
| Grade B | 153–159 | B1 |
| Grade C | 140–152 | B1 |
| CEFR Level A2 | 120–139 | A2 |
If your score is between 102 and 119, it will be on your Statement of Results. However, you won't receive the B1 Preliminary certificate at this level.
Why Take the B1 Preliminary Exam?
Taking the B1 Preliminary exam shows that you can use English effectively. It proves you have the skills to handle everyday communication. For example, you can read simple books and articles. You can also write basic letters about familiar topics. It helps you take notes during lessons or meetings.
This qualification can be very useful for your education. It can also help you in the future if you want to work somewhere that uses English. It's a great step towards taking higher-level English exams like B2 First or C1 Advanced. Many schools and universities around the world recognize this exam. They use it to see how good your English is.
Related English Exams
- Cambridge Assessment English
- Cambridge English Qualifications
- A2 Key
- B2 First
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiencyde:Cambridge ESOL#Allgemeines Englisch
