AI-generated practice paper in the style of B1 Preliminary (PET) — original material, not a reproduction of any real exam paper.
Listening
Listen first, then answer. Planning a Team Lunch
1. Where does George suggest going for lunch?
2. What information does Alice want to collect before booking?
3. How many people does George expect to attend?
4. What is the budget per person that George mentions?
5. When does Alice say she will book the table?
Show transcript
george: Hi Alice, I wanted to ask you about organizing the team lunch next Friday. Have you had a chance to think about it yet?
alice: Oh yes, I've been thinking about it! I was wondering if we should go somewhere different this time. We always go to that Italian place near the office.
george: That's fair. What did you have in mind? There's a new Thai restaurant that opened last month on Market Street. My sister went there and said the food was really good.
alice: Thai sounds great! But we need to check if anyone has dietary restrictions. I know Marcus is vegetarian, and I think Sarah mentioned she doesn't eat shellfish.
george: Good point. I'll send out an email to the team asking about preferences. How many people are we expecting? Last time we had about twelve.
alice: I'd estimate the same number. Oh, and we should probably book a table in advance since it's new and might be busy. I can do that once we've confirmed the headcount.
george: Perfect! What's your budget per person? Last time we spent about fifteen pounds, including drinks.
alice: I think that's reasonable. Maybe we could go up to eighteen if it means better quality food. Let me know what the team says about dietary needs, and I'll book the table by Wednesday.
george: Sounds good. Thanks for taking this on, Alice. I'll get the email out this afternoon.
Reading
Working as a freelancer has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Unlike traditional office jobs, freelancers have the freedom to choose their own projects and manage their own schedules. However, this independence comes with challenges.
One major advantage is flexibility. You can work from home, a café, or anywhere with an internet connection. This suits people who have family commitments or prefer working at their own pace. Additionally, freelancers often earn more per hour than employed workers because they can take multiple projects simultaneously.
On the other hand, freelancers must handle admin tasks themselves, including taxes and invoicing. There's also no guaranteed income, which can be stressful. Finding reliable clients and maintaining professional relationships is crucial for success.
Many platforms now connect freelancers with businesses seeking temporary help. These websites have made it easier to find work, though competition is fierce. Despite the difficulties, thousands of people worldwide have successfully built profitable freelance careers by developing strong skills and building trust with clients.
1. What is mentioned as an advantage of freelance work?
2. According to the passage, where can a freelancer work?
3. Which of the following is a challenge for freelancers?
4. What does the passage say about online platforms for freelancers?
5. What is necessary for building a successful freelance career?
Real-life notices
Read each notice. Which sentence (A, B or C) is closest in meaning?
CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
ROAD CLOSED FOR REPAIRS — USE DIVERSION
PLEASE RETURN TRAYS TO THE COUNTER
LIFT OUT OF ORDER — PLEASE USE STAIRS
DOORS CLOSE 2 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE
Use of English
Sarah decided to become a freelance designer last year. Since then, she ___1___ learned many valuable lessons about running her own business. At first, she was worried about ___2___ enough clients, but her portfolio impressed many companies. Now she ___3___ between three and five projects at the same time.
One thing she didn't expect was how much time she would spend on paperwork. Every month, she ___4___ invoices and records her expenses carefully. She also has to ___5___ her taxes, which can be complicated. Despite these challenges, Sarah is very happy ___6___ her decision. She earns more money than before and has the flexibility to ___7___ her own hours. She recently joined a professional network, which has helped her ___8___ other designers and discover new opportunities.
1. Gap 1: Which verb form completes this sentence correctly?
2. Gap 2: Which word best fits here?
3. Gap 3: Which verb form is correct?
4. Gap 4: Which verb completes this phrase?
5. Gap 5: Which verb form is needed?
6. Gap 6: Which preposition is correct?
7. Gap 7: Which verb is correct?
8. Gap 8: Which verb phrase is correct?
Writing
Write an email (120–150 words) to a potential client explaining why you would be a good fit for their freelance project. Mention your relevant skills, your experience, and what you can offer. Use an appropriate email format with a greeting and closing.