PET · 8% of test plan
Part-by-Part Task Analysis for the PET Exam
Candidates who understand exactly what each part of B1 Preliminary tests, and what correct answers look like, outperform those who simply practise without analysis. For example, knowing that Part 4 (open cloze) awards one mark per correct word guides candidates to prioritise accuracy over speed.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for Part-by-Part Task Analysis all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
- Part-by-Part Task Analysis · United StatesCalibrated for American candidates
- Part-by-Part Task Analysis · United KingdomCalibrated for British candidates
- Part-by-Part Task Analysis · IndiaCalibrated for Indian candidates
- Part-by-Part Task Analysis · PhilippinesCalibrated for Filipino candidates
- Part-by-Part Task Analysis · NigeriaCalibrated for Nigerian candidates
Common failure modes
These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.
- !Treating all Reading parts the same without recognising different question formats
- !Not knowing which parts allow multiple words and which require single-word answers
- !Misunderstanding the marking for Part 6 (open cloze): only one exact answer is accepted
Study tips
- 1Download the B1 Preliminary Examination format guide from Cambridge Assessment English and study it.
- 2Do one timed practice paper per week and review errors part by part.
- 3For each part you struggle with, do targeted practice (e.g., 3 Part 5 exercises per week if that is your weak spot).
Sample PET Part-by-Part Task Analysis questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real PET questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
In B1 Preliminary Reading Part 6 (open cloze), each blank requires:
- AAny word that makes the sentence grammatical
- BA word from a given list of options
- COne specific correct word (grammar/vocabulary word)Correct
- DA phrase of 2–3 words
Why this answer?
In the open cloze, each blank requires exactly one word (functional words like articles, prepositions, auxiliary verbs, conjunctions, or pronouns). Unlike multiple-choice cloze, there is no list of options — candidates must produce the word independently. Only one word is accepted per blank.
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Cambridge B1 Preliminary — every paper, every task type.