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🎧B1 Preliminary for Schools30 dk

ListeningB1 Preliminary for Schools Exam Guide

30
minutes
25
questions
3
task type

Listening is scored on the Cambridge English Scale (B1 Preliminary range about 140-170). Around 140 is a pass at CEFR B1, valid for life.

Task Types

B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening

1

Multiple Choice with Pictures

8 questions

You listen to short extracts and choose the correct picture for each question.

Strategies:

  • Study the pictures first to predict what you will hear.
  • Listen for the whole context, not just one key word.
2

Sentence Completion

8 questions

You listen to a longer monologue and fill gaps in sentences with the missing words.

Strategies:

  • Predict the type of word needed before the recording plays.
  • Write only the words you hear and check the grammar fits.
3

Multiple Choice (Longer Conversation)

8 questions

You listen to a conversation or interview and choose the best of three answers.

Strategies:

  • Read the questions while you have time before the audio.
  • Be careful of distractors that mention but reject an option.
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Golden Tips

  • Use the second listening to confirm answers you weren't sure about.
  • Practise with a range of accents and speaking speeds.
  • Keep listening even if you miss one answer.
  • Check your spelling in the sentence-completion task.
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Common Mistakes

  • Writing a word that doesn't fit the grammar of the sentence.
  • Choosing an option that the speaker actually rejects.
  • Giving up after missing one answer.
  • Forgetting to transfer answers to the answer sheet.

Preparation Resources

Recommended resources for Listening section

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Practice

Cambridge B1 Preliminary Listening Tests

Official listening sample papers with audio and transcripts.

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Guide

English Listening for Teens

Short videos and podcasts with varied accents at B1 level.

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Video

Sentence Completion Practice

Targeted exercises for the note and sentence-completion task.

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B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening | Section Guide | ICS English