B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 15

Reading

Marcus has always loved coffee, so last month he decided to start his own mobile coffee cart. He wanted to work independently and earn extra money while helping customers enjoy quality beverages. Before opening, he researched local regulations, obtained the necessary permits, and bought secondhand equipment from online marketplaces to keep costs low. His first location was outside a busy train station, where he noticed many commuters rushing to work without time to visit cafés. Sales were slow at first because people didn't know about his cart. However, after placing attractive signs and offering loyalty cards, business improved significantly. Now Marcus serves around 150 customers daily. Although the work is physically demanding—he starts at 5 a.m. and finishes at 2 p.m.—he enjoys interacting with regular customers who have become friends. Next year, he hopes to hire an employee so he can expand to a second location. Marcus believes that starting small and listening to customer feedback are key to success in this business.

1. Why did Marcus choose to start a coffee cart business?

A) He wanted to work for a large company. B) He loved coffee and wanted to work independently and earn extra money. C) He needed to escape from his previous job urgently. D) His family forced him to try something new.

2. What did Marcus do before opening his cart?

A) He borrowed money from a bank. B) He researched regulations, obtained permits, and bought secondhand equipment. C) He asked his friends for advice about marketing. D) He visited every coffee shop in the city.

3. Why were sales slow at the beginning?

A) The coffee was not good quality. B) The location was too far from the train station. C) People didn't know about his cart. D) He didn't have enough equipment.

4. What does Marcus plan to do next year?

A) Close his current cart and move to another city. B) Hire an employee and expand to a second location. C) Sell his cart to someone else. D) Return to his old job.

5. What time does Marcus start working each day?

A) 3 a.m. B) 4 a.m. C) 5 a.m. D) 6 a.m.

Real-life notices

Read each notice. Which sentence (A, B or C) is closest in meaning?

LAST ADMISSION 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLOSING

A) You can enter at any time, even after closing. B) You must arrive at least half an hour before closing time to get in. C) The building closes thirty minutes after it opens.

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE — TODAY ONLY

A) If you buy one item today, you get a second one free. B) Everything is free today. C) You must buy two items to get a discount tomorrow.

NO PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE MUSEUM

A) You can take pictures anywhere in the museum. B) Taking photos is not allowed inside the museum. C) You need to pay extra to take photos.

SALE ENDS SUNDAY

A) The sale prices are only available until Sunday. B) The sale starts on Sunday. C) The shop is closed until Sunday.

STUDENTS: SHOW YOUR CARD FOR A DISCOUNT

A) Anyone can get the discount, no card needed. B) Students need to show their card to pay less. C) Only teachers get a discount here.

Use of English

Working in a busy office environment can be challenging, but there are ways to stay productive. First, ___1___ is important to organize your workspace and remove unnecessary items. You should also ___2___ regular breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your body. Many people find that ___3___ music while working helps them concentrate better. It's ___4___ to communicate clearly with your colleagues about deadlines and expectations. If you ___5___ have too much work, don't hesitate to ask for help. Taking time for lunch away from your desk ___6___ you to return refreshed. Remember that maintaining a good relationship ___7___ your team members is just as important as meeting work targets. Finally, ___8___ care of your mental health will make your work experience more enjoyable.

1. Gap 1 – Which word fits best?

A) It B) This C) That D) These

2. Gap 2 – Which verb form is correct?

A) take B) takes C) to take D) taking

3. Gap 3 – Which option completes the phrase?

A) listen B) listening to C) to listen D) listen to

4. Gap 4 – Which word is needed?

A) important B) essential C) possible D) difficult

5. Gap 5 – Which word fits best?

A) often B) you C) we D) she

6. Gap 6 – Which verb form is correct?

A) allow B) allows C) allowed D) allowing

7. Gap 7 – Which preposition is correct?

A) with B) at C) to D) from

8. Gap 8 – Which option completes the phrase?

A) Take B) Taking C) To take D) Takes

Writing

Your workplace has decided to introduce a new 'Flexible Working Day' policy where employees can work from home one day per week. Write an email (120–150 words) to your manager explaining whether you think this is a good idea. Say what advantages and disadvantages it might have for you and your team. Use appropriate email language.