B1 Preliminary for Schools Handbook

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B1 Preliminary 
for Schools
Handbook for teachers 
for exams from 2020
B1 Pr
eliminary 
for Schools

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Pre A1 Starters
A1 Movers
A2 Flyers
A2 Key
for schools
B1 Preliminary
for schools
B2 First
for schools
C1 
Advanced
C2 
Proficiency
Your path to 
learning English, 
step by step
cambridgeenglish.org/qualifications

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Make the most of your handbook
The best way to get the most from your handbook is to use the digital version. The digital version is 
updated more regularly.
The digital version contains links which take you straight to related pages if you want to find out more. For 
example, you can read about Part 1 of the Reading paper in the Tasks section, then click on the link to take you 
straight to a sample Reading Part 1 task. There are also links which take you to useful websites and resources.
Tasks
The Tasks pages give information about the exam format and 
what is tested in each part of the paper.
Preparing learners
The Preparing learners pages give information and advice about 
what teachers can do to prepare their learners for the exam. 
There are also links to useful websites to find additional materials. 
You’ll find suggested exam strategies to help learners perform to 
the best of their ability on the day.
Sample paper and assessment
The Sample paper and assessment section includes a sample 
paper for each of the four components as well as an answer 
key for the Reading and Listening components. For the Writing 
and Speaking papers there is information about the assessment 
criteria, and for Writing there are example answers for you to 
refer to or use with your learners.
About Cambridge Assessment English 
2
B1 Preliminary for Schools – an overview 
3
Exam support 
4 
About the exam 
5
Paper 1: Reading
Tasks 
7
Preparing learners 
8
Sample paper and assessment 
13
Paper 2: Writing 
Tasks 
20
Preparing learners 
21
Sample paper and assessment 
24
Paper 3: Listening
Tasks 
37
Preparing learners 
38
Sample paper and assessment 
43
Paper 4: Speaking
Tasks 
51
Preparing learners 
52
Sample paper and assessment 
58
Language specifications 
66
Glossary
69

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