B1 Preliminary (PET) Practice Paper 9

Reading

Many companies are now offering flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to work from home part of the week. This change has brought both advantages and challenges to the modern workplace. Working remotely can increase productivity because employees have fewer distractions and can manage their own schedules. However, some people find it difficult to separate their work and home life. Additionally, remote workers may feel isolated and miss the social interaction that happens in an office. Companies have had to adapt by improving their digital communication tools and holding regular video meetings. Younger employees often prefer flexible arrangements, while older staff members sometimes value being in the office every day. The key is finding a balance that works for everyone. Some organizations have introduced 'hybrid' models where employees come to the office two or three days per week. This seems to satisfy most people because they get both independence and team interaction. As remote work becomes more common, offices are changing their purpose – they're becoming spaces for collaboration rather than just desks for individual work.

1. According to the passage, what is one advantage of working remotely?

A) It helps employees feel more social B) It can increase productivity because there are fewer distractions C) It means employees never need to attend meetings D) It makes it easier to separate work and home life

2. Why might remote workers feel unhappy?

A) They have to work longer hours B) They cannot use digital communication tools C) They may feel isolated and miss social interaction D) Their companies do not pay them properly

3. What is a 'hybrid' model?

A) Working from home five days per week B) Never going to the office at all C) Coming to the office two or three days per week and working from home the rest D) Working in different countries

4. Which group of workers often prefers flexible arrangements?

A) Older staff members B) Younger employees C) Managers only D) People who live far from the office

5. How are offices changing their purpose?

A) They are becoming smaller B) They are closing down completely C) They are becoming spaces for collaboration rather than just desks for individual work D) They are only for important meetings

Real-life notices

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

PLEASE TAKE A TICKET AND WAIT TO BE CALLED

A) You will be served in the order you arrived. B) You should go straight to the front. C) Tickets cost extra money here.

PLEASE QUEUE HERE

A) You should stand in line at this spot. B) This area is closed to the public. C) You can sit down here while you wait.

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.

Use of English

The Future of Customer Service Companies are investing in new technology to improve how ___1___ serve their customers. Many businesses now use chatbots and artificial intelligence to answer questions ___2___ customers don't need to wait long. These systems can handle simple requests quickly, but human staff ___3___ still necessary for complex problems. Social media has become an important platform for customer support. If someone has a complaint, ___4___ might post it on Twitter or Facebook. Companies must respond fast ___5___ they want to keep their reputation good. Some organizations employ people whose ___6___ job is to monitor social media all day. Training is essential for customer service teams. Workers ___7___ to learn how to communicate effectively and stay calm under pressure. A good customer service experience can turn an unhappy customer into a loyal one. ___8___, happy customers are the best advertisement for any business.

1. Gap 1: Which word completes the sentence correctly?

A) they B) them C) their D) theirs

2. Gap 2: Which word is needed here?

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

3. Gap 3: Which verb form is correct?

A) are B) is C) am D) be

4. Gap 4: Which word fits best?

A) they B) she C) he D) it

5. Gap 5: Which word is needed?

A) when B) because C) if D) although

6. Gap 6: Which word completes the phrase?

A) all B) only C) entire D) whole

7. Gap 7: Which verb form is correct?

A) can B) need C) must D) should

8. Gap 8: Which phrase is correct?

A) In the end B) At the end C) By the end D) On the end

Writing

Your local café is looking for new staff. Write an email (120–150 words) to the manager applying for a part-time job. Include: why you want to work there, what experience you have (real or imagined), when you are available to work, and one question you have about the position.