Speaking Success: A Guide to the B1 Preliminary (PET)

The exam’s structure, and all four parts of the Speaking test — practised by Philo and Sophia.

•The Speaking test, at a glance

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test lasts 12–17 minutes and is taken in pairs (occasionally in a group of three), with two examiners present: the Interlocutor, who talks to you and runs the test, and the silent Assessor, who only listens and grades. It has four parts:

1. Interview
2–3 min
2. Describing a Photograph
2–3 min
3. Collaborative Task
2–3 min
4. Discussion
3 min

Speaking is one of four skills tested across the whole B1 Preliminary exam (alongside Reading, Writing, and Listening) — but the rest of this guide is about Speaking’s own four parts, below.

1Interview (2–3 minutes)

The examiner asks each of you, in turn, some simple questions about yourself: your name, where you live, your studies or work, your free time. In the second half, you are each asked one longer question, and you should talk for a little longer: four or five sentences, not one.

ExaminerPhilo, where do you live?
PhiloI live in Alexandria, near the harbour. It’s a very busy part of the city, but I like it because I can walk to the Library in ten minutes.
ExaminerSophia, tell us about something you enjoy doing in your free time.
SophiaI really enjoy walking by the sea in the evening. It’s quiet, and I usually go with a friend, so we can talk about our day. In the summer we sometimes take some food and stay until it’s dark.

Tip

2Describing a Photograph (2–3 minutes)

Each of you is given one colour photograph and talks about it on your own for about one minute. You describe what you can see: the place, the people, what they are doing, the weather, how they might feel. Your partner then does the same with a different photograph on the same theme. If you don’t know a word, don’t stop: describe the thing in another way.

Where things are

  • "In this photo I can see…"
  • "On the left / On the right…"
  • "In the background / In the foreground…"
  • "Next to the window, there’s…"

What people are doing

  • "A man is cooking…"
  • "They’re sitting at a table and…"
  • "She’s wearing a blue coat."

Guessing

  • "It looks like a market."
  • "I think they might be friends."
  • "Perhaps it’s a holiday."
  • "They seem to be happy."

When you don’t know the word

  • "It’s a kind of…"
  • "It’s something you use for…"
  • "It looks like a…"

Remember

Worked example — people at a market

Philo In this photo I can see a busy market, probably in a town square. In the foreground there’s a woman who’s selling fruit — oranges, lemons and some kind of melon. She’s smiling and talking to a customer, an old man with a basket. In the background, there are a lot of other people walking between the stalls. It looks like a sunny day, because some people are wearing hats and the light is very bright. I think it might be early in the morning, because the stalls are still very full. Everybody seems quite relaxed and happy.

3Collaborative Task (2–3 minutes)

The examiner describes a situation and gives you both a sheet of pictures with different ideas — for example, a friend is moving to a new town and you want to give a present: here are some ideas. You talk together: talk about each idea, say what you think, ask your partner’s opinion, and try to agree on the best one. There is no right answer. The examiners want to see that you can discuss, suggest and respond.

Suggesting

  • "Shall we start with…?"
  • "What about…?"
  • "Why don’t we choose…?"

Asking your partner

  • "What do you think?"
  • "Do you agree?"
  • "Which one do you prefer?"

Agreeing and disagreeing

  • "Yes, that’s a good idea."
  • "I agree with you."
  • "I’m not sure, because…"
  • "I see what you mean, but…"

Deciding

  • "So, which one shall we choose?"
  • "I think the best one is…"
  • "OK, let’s choose…"

Beyond “I think” and “good”

Easy ways to vary your language at B1

Instead of “I think”

  • “In my opinion…”
  • “For me…”
  • “I believe…”

Instead of “good”

  • “useful”, “interesting”, “fun”
  • “a great idea”

Instead of “bad”

  • “boring”, “expensive”
  • “not very practical”

Worked example — a present for a friend who is moving away

SophiaShall we start with the book about the new town? I think it’s a good idea, because she can learn about the place before she arrives.
PhiloYes, that’s useful. But maybe it’s a bit boring? What do you think about the photo album?
SophiaOh, I like that one! She can remember all her friends here. It’s more personal.
PhiloI agree. The money for the train ticket is practical too, but it isn’t very special.
SophiaThat’s true. So, which one shall we choose?
PhiloI think the best one is the photo album. OK?
SophiaOK, let’s choose the album.

4Discussion (3 minutes)

The examiner asks you both more general questions on the same topic as Part 3 — for example, about friends, moving house, or presents. You can answer the examiner, but you should also talk to your partner: agree, disagree, and add your own ideas.

ExaminerDo you think it’s difficult to move to a new town?
PhiloYes, I think so, especially at the start, because you don’t know anybody. But after a few months it’s easier.
SophiaI agree with Philo. And I think it’s easier if you join a club or a sports team, because you meet people quickly.
ExaminerIs it better to give presents or to receive them?
SophiaFor me, giving presents is better. I love the moment when somebody opens a present I chose.

•How Speaking Is Scored

Examiners assess five things. Four are marked by the silent Assessor, and one — Global Achievement — is marked by the Interlocutor who has been talking to you throughout:

Grammar and Vocabulary

Using simple grammar accurately, and some more complex forms; using the right words for everyday topics.

Discourse Management

Speaking for a little longer than one sentence, with ideas that are relevant and connected (and, but, because, so).

Pronunciation

Being easy to understand: clear sounds, word stress and intonation.

Interactive Communication

Starting and responding in a conversation, asking your partner questions, and keeping the discussion going.

Global Achievement

An overall impression of how well you communicated across the whole test.