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. A pass at PET level indicates that the student has developed the skills to cope in largely predictable social and work situations in an English speaking environment. Apart from four main language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking - PET tests knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and assesses learners' ability to communicate in English in real situations.
PET has three papers:
- Reading and Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Paper 1 – Reading and Writing (90 minutes) This paper tests your ability to understand newspaper articles, messages, notes and signs. In the writing part, you will be asked to transform sentences and write an informal letter or story (up to 100 words) where your vocabulary will be tested.
Paper 2 – Listening (35 minutes) This paper tests your ability to understand factual information from a recorded dialogue or public announcement that will be played for you in the examination.
Paper 3 – Speaking (10-12 minutes) Together with another candidate and an examiner you will be asked something about yourself, what you like to do and similar questions. This part of the exam tests your communication skills in English.
Each skill carries 25% of the total marks. 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 PET.
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