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PET & PET for Schools
Preliminary Engllish Test

The Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) is the second level of the Cambridge exams in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). It is an intermediate level exam, set at Level B1 of the Common European Framework. PET recognises the ability to cope with everyday written and spoken communications.

Successful candidates receive a certificate awarded by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The certificate is recognised by employers in many countries, and universities in some countries also recognise PET as an initial qualification in English. You also receive a statement of results, showing how you have performed in each of the three papers.

At this level of language command the candidates should be able to:

  • understand essential arguments of a normal speech and comprehend a conversation when it is focused in familiar topics, such as work, school, hobbies, etc.

  • know how to behave in the whole possible communication contexts when travelling.

  • express in a simple and coherent way in known subjects and personal interests. Candidates are able to tell personal experiences and events and to describe dreams, illusions and aims. Also, they can explain or justify shortly their plans and opinions.

PET exam has a version for schools, where the context has been adapted for candidates aged 12-16.

Visit the Cambridge ESOL web page PET for Schools
PET for Schools dates and Prices 2012. (PDF 398 Kb) (available only in spanish)
PET dates and Prices 2012.(pen and paper) (PDF 413 Kb) (available only in spanish)
PET dates and Prices 2012.(Computer Based) (PDF 395 Kb) (available only in spanish)

WHAT DOES THE EXAM INVOLVE

PET has three papers:  Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking

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

  • Reading and Writing (Paper 1) 1 hour 30 minutes

The Reading and Writing paper assesses the ability to read and understand factual texts taken from signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. You need to be able to understand the main messages and the effect they may have on a reader, and to have strategies for dealing with unfamiliar words and structures.

The paper includes a variety of tasks including filling in gaps in simple texts, completing forms, and writing a short report or letter of around 100 words to demonstrate control of structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.

  • Listening (Paper 2) 30 minutes

The Listening paper assesses the ability to understand recorded material such as public announcements and dialogues, which will be delivered at a moderate pace. You need to be able to understand the factual information in the recordings, and to assess the attitudes and intentions of the speakers.

  • Speaking (Paper 3) 10-12 minutes

The Speaking Test assesses the 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 your likes and dislikes.

The context of all three components of PET for schools, has been adapted for teenagers between the age of 12 and 16 years. You can find more information on "Downloads" or in our section Support for Students
DOWNLOADS
TOP TIPS PET

TOP TIPS PET

Written by Cambridge ESOL examiners, this book will provide you essential advice for each of the five papers. It comes in a convenient A5 format that is easy to use. You can work through the book and then practise what you have learnt by trying the real exam paper on the accompanying CD-ROM (that includes the recordings for the Listening paper and the answer key).

The book fee is $36.000 COP. It can be purchase directly in our office in Bogotá. For more information for other cities, please contact us

PET AND THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK

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