B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 18

Reading

Sarah works as an event coordinator for a marketing company. Last month, she organized the company's annual team day, which took place at a local adventure park. She had been planning the event for six weeks before it happened. The main challenge was the weather. Sarah had arranged for a backup indoor venue, which proved to be a good decision when rain arrived on the morning of the event. Although some activities had to be cancelled, the team still enjoyed team-building games and a catered lunch inside. After the event, Sarah collected feedback from employees. Most people said they appreciated the effort she had made, though a few suggested that the outdoor activities should have been scheduled for a different season. Sarah is already thinking about next year's event and wants to include more indoor options from the start. She has also decided to send out a survey earlier so that people can give their opinions before planning begins. Sarah's manager has praised her problem-solving skills and offered her more responsibilities in the company's events team.

1. How long did Sarah spend planning the team day?

A) One week B) Six weeks C) One month D) Three months

2. Why did Sarah's backup plan become important?

A) The budget was reduced B) The company changed the date C) The weather was bad D) The adventure park closed

3. What does the text suggest about the team's opinion of the event?

A) They were disappointed with most activities B) They thought it was too long C) They generally appreciated Sarah's efforts D) They wanted it to be longer

4. What change does Sarah want to make for next year's event?

A) Choose a different venue B) Include more indoor options from the beginning C) Increase the budget significantly D) Reduce the number of team activities

5. What did Sarah's manager offer her?

A) A pay increase B) A promotion to senior coordinator C) More responsibilities in the events team D) The chance to work from home

Real-life notices

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

NO ENTRY — STAFF ONLY

A) Everyone can come in here. B) Only workers can go in here. C) This door is always locked.

FRAGILE — HANDLE WITH CARE

A) This item breaks easily, so be gentle with it. B) This item is very heavy. C) This item cannot be moved.

CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

A) Children can come here alone. B) An adult needs to be with any child here. C) Only adults are allowed here.

ROAD CLOSED FOR REPAIRS — USE DIVERSION

A) Drivers must find another route. B) The road is open as normal. C) Only bicycles can use this road.

PLEASE RETURN TRAYS TO THE COUNTER

A) Trays should stay on the table. B) Customers should bring their tray back to the counter when finished. C) Trays are not provided in this restaurant.

Use of English

Working in a busy office can be challenging. Many people find that they need to improve their time management skills. Here are some useful tips that can help you become more productive. First, you should ___1___ a daily to-do list and prioritize your most important tasks. Second, try to ___2___ distractions when you are concentrating on a project. Third, it is important to take regular breaks so that you don't get tired. Additionally, ___3___ with your colleagues about deadlines will prevent confusion. Many successful professionals have ___4___ that organizing their workspace helps them focus better. If you ___5___ these suggestions, you will probably find that work becomes less stressful. Remember that developing good habits takes time, so don't expect immediate results. Finally, ___6___ your progress regularly and celebrate your achievements. Some people find it useful to use apps or tools to help them stay organized. ___7___ consistent and patient with yourself, and you will gradually see improvements. Building a productive routine is an ___8___ investment in your career.

1. Gap 1: First, you should ___1___ a daily to-do list

A) make B) do C) write D) create

2. Gap 2: try to ___2___ distractions when you are concentrating

A) avoid B) prevent C) stop D) reduce

3. Gap 3: ___3___ with your colleagues about deadlines

A) Speak B) Communicate C) Discuss D) Share

4. Gap 4: professionals have ___4___ that organizing their workspace helps

A) found B) decided C) discovered D) agreed

5. Gap 5: If you ___5___ these suggestions

A) follow B) use C) apply D) try

6. Gap 6: ___6___ your progress regularly

A) Check B) Review C) Look D) Notice

7. Gap 7: ___7___ consistent and patient with yourself

A) Stay B) Be C) Remain D) Keep

8. Gap 8: is an ___8___ investment in your career

A) important B) significant C) valuable D) necessary

Writing

You work at a local café and your manager has asked you to write a short email suggesting two changes that would improve the customer experience. Write 120–150 words explaining what changes you would make and why they would be helpful. Remember to use an appropriate greeting and closing for a workplace email.