Lexara / B1 Preliminary (PET) / B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 8

B1 · B1 Preliminary (PET)

B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 8

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. B1 Preliminary Listening - Office Coffee Break

1. Why hasn't Alice had a coffee this morning?

A) The coffee machine downstairs is broken B) She arrived at the office late C) She forgot to bring money D) The café next door is closed

2. What is Alice planning to do next summer?

A) Visit George's family B) Take a holiday to Spain C) Work on a special project D) Save money for a new car

3. How much does a coffee cost at the café next door?

A) Two pounds B) Three pounds C) Three pounds fifty D) Four pounds

4. When will the new coffee machine arrive at the office?

A) Today B) Next week C) Next month D) In two weeks

5. What benefit does the café offer after ten purchases?

A) A discount on all drinks B) A free lunch C) A free coffee D) A free pastry

Show transcript

george: Hey Alice, how's your day going? I've just finished the morning team meeting. alice: Oh, hi George! It's been pretty busy so far. I've been dealing with emails since eight o'clock. But I really needed a coffee break. The machine downstairs has been broken for two days now. george: Yeah, I heard about that. That's why I brought my own coffee from home this morning. Have you tried the café next door? They make really good cappuccinos there. alice: Actually, I haven't been there yet. Is it expensive? I'm trying to save money this month because I'm planning a holiday to Spain next summer. george: It's reasonable, not too bad. A coffee costs about three pounds fifty. By the way, did you hear that we're getting a new coffee machine next week? The manager told me they ordered it last month. alice: Oh great! That's good news. I'll definitely try the café in the meantime though. Maybe this weekend I'll check out their menu. Thanks for the recommendation! george: No problem. You should also ask them about their loyalty card. I think you get a free coffee after ten purchases.

Reading

Working from home has become increasingly popular over the past few years, but it brings both advantages and challenges. Many employees appreciate the flexibility and extra time they gain by not commuting. However, some managers worry that remote workers feel disconnected from their teams. Communication tools like email and video calls help, but they cannot fully replace face-to-face interactions. Companies are now adopting hybrid models, where staff work both from home and in the office. This approach seems to offer the best of both worlds. Employees can enjoy flexibility while still maintaining connections with colleagues. Some companies have discovered that productivity actually increases when workers have control over their schedule. Nevertheless, not all jobs are suitable for remote work. Customer service roles and creative teamwork often require more direct collaboration. The key is finding the right balance for each organization's needs. As work continues to evolve, it's clear that the traditional five-day office week may become less common.

1. What is one advantage of working from home mentioned in the passage?

A) Employees earn more money B) Workers save time by not commuting C) Managers can supervise better D) Companies need fewer offices

2. What concern do some managers have about remote workers?

A) They work longer hours B) They cost more to employ C) They feel isolated from the team D) They need more training

3. According to the passage, what is a hybrid model?

A) Workers travel between different offices B) Staff work both from home and in the office C) Companies hire only part-time employees D) Employees work in shifts

4. Which type of job is mentioned as less suitable for remote work?

A) Writing and research B) Data analysis C) Customer service roles D) Financial planning

5. What does the passage suggest about the traditional five-day office week?

A) It will always remain the standard B) It may become less common C) It should be completely eliminated D) It is better for all workers

Real-life notices

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

OPEN 24 HOURS

A) This place never closes. B) This place is only open for 24 minutes. C) This place opens at a different time every day.

MEMBERS GET 10% OFF ALL PURCHASES

A) Non-members pay less than members. B) Members pay less than the normal price. C) Only members can enter the shop.

BIKES HALF PRICE — This week only

A) You can buy a bike for less money this week. B) Bikes are not allowed in the shop this week. C) You must return your bike this week.

SCHOOL TRIP: MEET AT THE GATE, 8.30AM SHARP

A) Students can arrive any time before 8.30. B) Students must be at the gate by 8.30 exactly. C) The trip starts at the school gate at 8.30 in the evening.

ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR BEFORE LEAVING THE STORE

A) You can take items and pay later. B) You need to pay for everything before you go. C) Some items in the store are free.

Use of English

A Career Change at 35 Jenny always worked as an accountant, but last year she decided ___1___ a career change. She had been feeling unhappy for years, and she knew something had ___2___ to change. After much consideration, she enrolled ___3___ a marketing course. Her friends thought she was mad, but they ___4___ supportive nonetheless. The course was challenging, ___5___ Jenny worked hard every evening after her day job. She was determined to succeed because she believed her new path would be more rewarding. Six months later, Jenny found a junior marketing position ___6___ a tech company. Although the salary was lower than before, she felt much happier. Her manager noticed that she was motivated and quick ___7___ learn new skills. Jenny is now grateful that she ___8___ the courage to take the risk.

1. Gap 1: Which verb form is correct?

A) to make B) making C) to do D) having made

2. Gap 2: Which verb completes the phrase?

A) should be B) to be C) been D) being

3. Gap 3: Which preposition is correct?

A) on B) in C) for D) at

4. Gap 4: Which word fits here?

A) was B) were C) are D) have been

5. Gap 5: Which connector is appropriate?

A) but B) so C) although D) because

6. Gap 6: Which preposition completes the phrase?

A) at B) for C) in D) with

7. Gap 7: Which words complete the phrase 'quick ___ learn'?

A) to B) at C) in D) for

8. Gap 8: Which verb form is correct?

A) finds B) found C) had found D) has found

Writing

You have just started a new job at a company. Write an email (120-150 words) to your manager describing your first week. Include: what tasks you have been doing, how you feel about the team, and one thing you would like help with. Use appropriate formal email language and a variety of verb tenses.

Keep your streak going

Up next: B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 9

Next paper →

← Back to B1 Preliminary (PET) papers