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PET Introduction

Preliminary English Test (PET)

PET is the second level Cambridge ESOL exam. It is an intermediate level exam, at Level B1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. If you can deal with everyday written and spoken communications (e.g. read simple textbooks and articles, write simple personal letters, make notes during a meeting), then this is the exam for you.

PET is a valuable qualification if you want to work or study abroad or to develop a career in international business. It is also useful preparation for higher level exams, such as FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).

Why take PET?

• Studying for PET is a popular way to improve your language skills and use them in a wide range of contexts. PET covers the four main language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking, using material from real life situations. It provides evidence of practical skills, and indicates sufficient ability to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs, and in many industries, such as tourism, where contact with English speakers is required.
  
  

• If you are successful, you will receive a certificate from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The certificate is recognised by employers in many countries, and recognised by universities in some countries as an initial qualification in English.
  
  

• You will also receive a statement of results, showing how you have performed in each of the three papers.
  

What does the exam involve?

PET has three papers:

Paper 1	Reading & Writing	1 hour 30 minutes	The Reading and Writing paper assesses your ability to read and understand texts taken from signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. You should be able to understand the main messages and the effect they may have on a reader, and be able to deal with words and structures you do not know. The Writing component includes a sentence transformation task, a short communicative message addressing three points, and in Part 3 you have the choice of either an informal letter or a story. In Part 3 you must write approximately 100 words, demonstrating both ambition and control of structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
Paper 2	Listening	35 minutes (approx.)	The Listening paper assesses your ability to understand recorded material such as public announcements and dialogues. You should be able to understand the factual information in the recordings, and assess the attitudes and intentions of the speakers.
Paper 3	Speaking	10-12 minutes	The Speaking Test assesses your ability to interact in conversational English with an examiner and with another candidate. You need to be able to answer and ask questions about yourself and to talk freely about what you like and do not like.

Each paper is returned to Cambridge for marking and assessment, except the Speaking Test, which is conducted by two locally based examiners who examine candidates face to face. All examiners are accredited by Cambridge ESOL.

Results

Reading and Writing carries 50% of the total marks, Listening and Speaking both carry 25% of the marks each. There are two pass grades (Pass with merit and Pass) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade Narrow Fail or Fail are judged not to have reached the required standard for

Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the centres. If you have any questions about your results, you should contact the centre where you took the exam.

Once awarded Cambridge ESOL PET certificates are valid for life.

"I chose Cambridge ESOL Examinations because it is well-known and highly recognised all over the world with long validation of the certificate. And it is a very practical test, what I have learnt can be applied into daily life, I like it." _ Fang Fang, China

"I chose Cambridge because it is valid around the world and also because of its prestige in English I think that Cambridge examinations are the best way to achieve my goals" _ Pau Sanchez Martizez, Spain

"I decided to take the PET exam because I want to go to the USA when I've finished school. And I think it's good for my working career" _ Kerstin Kelkenberg, Germany

 

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