PET · 12% of test plan
Reading Comprehension for the PET Exam
B1 Preliminary Reading tests understanding of authentic-style texts: articles, notices, emails, and short stories. Unlike A2 Key, texts at B1 are longer and require understanding of implied meaning. Candidates must read efficiently and use contextual clues to answer inference questions.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for Reading Comprehension all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
- Reading Comprehension · United StatesCalibrated for American candidates
- Reading Comprehension · United KingdomCalibrated for British candidates
- Reading Comprehension · IndiaCalibrated for Indian candidates
- Reading Comprehension · PhilippinesCalibrated for Filipino candidates
- Reading Comprehension · 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.
- !Reading too slowly — not finishing all questions within the allotted time
- !Selecting answers supported by one word in the text but not by the overall meaning
- !Confusing the overall purpose of a text with a detail from it
Study tips
- 1Practice skim reading: read for the general idea in 90 seconds, then answer questions.
- 2For multiple-choice questions, read the question and options before re-reading the relevant text section.
- 3Build B1 reading habit: read short English-language news articles (BBC Learning English B1) daily.
Sample PET Reading Comprehension questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real PET questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
An article says: "While many tourists visit Paris for the Eiffel Tower, locals often prefer the quieter charm of Montmartre." What does this suggest about Montmartre?
- AIt is more popular than the Eiffel Tower
- BIt is known primarily to tourists
- CLocal residents find it more appealing than major tourist sitesCorrect
- DIt is the most visited area in Paris
Why this answer?
The phrase "locals often prefer" clearly indicates Montmartre is preferred by local residents (not tourists). The comparison with the Eiffel Tower (tourist favourite) implies Montmartre is less touristy. Options A and D contradict the text; option B is the opposite of what is stated.
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