B1 Preliminary for Schools preparation

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary for Schools.

B1 Preliminary for Schools vocabulary list

Free: Paper-based sample test

Sample papers for B1 Preliminary for Schools

Free: Digital sample tests

(Digital exams are available from February 2024. For more information please visit the Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page.)

Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary for Schools digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Listening

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are four parts to this test.
• Each question carries one mark.
• You will hear each recording twice.
• For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.

B1 Preliminary for Schools Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading

Time: 45 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• Questions 1-32 carry one mark.

B1 Preliminary for Schools Digital Reading Sample Test

Writing

Time: 45 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer the Part 1 question and one question from Part 2.

Information for candidates

• Each question in this paper carries equal marks.

B1 Preliminary for Schools Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript:

B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening Sample 1 answer key

B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening Sample Test 1 tapescript

B1 Preliminary for Schools Reading Sample Test 1 answer key

Free: Computer-based sample tests

Computer-based exams are available until the end of January 2024. For more information please visit the Computer-based Cambridge English Qualifications page.)

Watch this tutorial for more detail on the B1 Preliminary for Schools computer-based exam to show you what you need to do before you start.

The computer-based sample test does not mark your exam, so check your answers as you do the test using the answer keys below. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.

Computer-based Reading sample test

Computer-based Writing sample test

Computer-based Listening sample test

Answer keys

Reading and Writing answer key

Listening answer key

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.

Watch the video tutorial for help on how to complete an B1 Preliminary for Schools digital exam.

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking digital exams.

Have you thought about taking computer-based exams? Find out more about the benefits of computer-based exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a computer-based exam.

Watch the video tutorial below for help on how to complete a B1 Preliminary for Schools computer-based exam.

Help your students prepare for computer-based exams with our Teaching tips for computer-based Cambridge English qualifications.

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking computer-based exams.

Watch Sofia on the day of her exam, and learn what it’s like to take a Cambridge English Qualification, from B1 Preliminary for Schools to C2 Proficiency.

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and FAQs to help you prepare.

This video will help your students understand what happens during a speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Roberto and Simone's speaking test

B1 Preliminary for Schools Handbook for teachers

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

B1 Preliminary for Schools lesson plans

Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your students’ writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions tailored to each writing type in the Writing paper.

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

These colourful posters and activities are based on topics from the B1 Preliminary for Schools word list. The activity booklet includes lesson plans for vocabulary, grammar, and speaking.

Posters for Space, Technology and Travel

Space, Technology and Travel poster activity booklet

This booklet contains 10 motivating and communicative classroom activities to encourage learners to practise the vocabulary they will need to succeed in the B1 Preliminary for Schools examination.

Use this booklet if you’re preparing students for this exam or if you’re teaching an A2/B1 general English class and are looking for new ideas!

B1 Preliminary for Schools vocabulary booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers

Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

We have hundreds of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your B1 Preliminary for Schools exam.

Find out more

Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.

B1 Preliminary for Schools: Information for candidates

Practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using these free online resources. These materials are designed to help you to develop reading for gist and detail, managing unfamiliar vocabulary, as well as planning, drafting, editing and writing for the exam.

Listening Self-study plan

Reading Self-study plan

Speaking Self-study plan

Writing Self-study plan

Facebook

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.

YouTube

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.