B1 Preliminary (PET) Listening Section Guide
The test lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes 4 distinct parts:
- Part 1: 7 short monologues or dialogues, each accompanied by a three-picture multiple-choice question.
- Part 2: 6 short conversations where you identify the main point or speaker opinion from three options.
- Part 3: A longer monologue where you complete 6 missing pieces of information in a page of notes.
- Part 4: An extended interview or conversation with 6 traditional multiple-choice questions.
You hear every recording twice, which sounds reassuring, but relying heavily on the second play often leads to hesitation. The biggest trap in Part 1 is choosing an answer too quickly simply because you heard a keyword mentioned; options usually include distractors that intentionally point to the wrong picture before correcting themselves.
Use the silent reading time before each track wisely. Underline key words in the questions so you know exactly what information to listen for, and pay attention to transitions like "however" or "actually" where speakers often change their mind mid-sentence.
For Part 3, stick to short, simple words, usually numbers, dates, or basic nouns. Avoid trying to write complex phrases that might introduce spelling mistakes. Once the audio stops, you have 6 additional minutes to transfer your answers to the official answer sheet, so use that time to double-check your spelling and make sure no blank boxes are left behind.