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Home > B1 Listening Part 1 Set 1
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Cambridge B1 Preliminary · Listening Part 1

Short Recordings Set 1

Seven short recordings — listen and choose the correct answer.

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Listening Part 1

Improve your English listening skills at a B1 level with this multiple-choice exercise based on seven short recordings. Listen carefully and choose the correct answer — A, B or C — for each question. This B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1 activity helps you prepare for the Cambridge exam and build real-life listening confidence.

  • ⏱️ Short Recordings Set 1 takes 10–15 minutes
  • 💡 Listen to seven short recordings and choose A, B or C
  • 📶 B1 — the intermediate stage of learning English

B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1: Set 1

Getting to know you icon,six conversations set 1

1 / 1

Part 1
-7 questions-

For each question, choose the correct answer. Write A, B or C in the box.

1.  What time does the museum close today?

clock 5pmclock 6pmclock 8pm
ABC


Answer:

2. What's wrong with the woman's phone?

phone batteryphone soundphone screen
ABC


Answer:

3.  How will the man get to work tomorrow?

bicyclecarbus
ABC


Answer:

4.  What does the woman order for dessert?


fruit salad

chocolate brownie
tiramisu
ABC


Answer:

5. What discount do students get at the bookstore?

10% Off

15% Off

20% off

ABC


Answer:

6.  Where did the woman leave her keys?

keys kitchenkeys sports bag

keys handbag

ABC


Answer:

7. What type of film will be shown last at the cinema tonight?

romantic comedycrime story

marine life

ABC


Answer:

 

Your score is

Key Vocabulary

  • exhibition — a public display of art or interesting objects, often at a museum
  • to cost a fortune — to be very expensive
  • to restart — to switch a device off and then on again to fix a problem
  • second-hand — not new; already used or owned by someone before
  • half-price — costing only half the usual amount

Useful Language

Talking about opening times: We’re open until 8 PM. · The café closes at 6 PM.

Discounts and prices: Students get 15% off. · You get a child discount. · Students get half-price tickets.

Making a decision: I think I’ll cycle. · I’ll go with your recommendation.

Exam Tip

Listen to the whole recording before you choose. The first time, price or plan you hear is often not the answer — speakers change their minds or add details that correct what they said first.

Part 1: Short Recordings Set 1

For each question, choose the correct answer.

1. What time does the museum close today?

F Excuse me, what time do you close today?

M Well, normally we close at 5 PM, but today we’re staying open late because it’s Friday night. We’ll be open until 8 PM, and there’s a special exhibition on the top floor. Oh, but just to let you know, the café closes at 6 PM as usual, so if you want something to eat or drink, you’ll need to go there before then.

F That’s perfect, thank you!

Now listen again.

2. What’s wrong with the woman’s phone?

F I’m having trouble with my phone again. The screen keeps going dark every few minutes.

M Have you tried restarting it?

F Yes, several times. The strange thing is, the sound still works fine – I can hear everything, but I can’t see anything on the screen. I thought maybe the battery was dying, but I’ve had it plugged in all morning.

M Sounds like a screen problem. You should take it to the repair shop.

Now listen again.

3. How will the man get to work tomorrow?

M I just heard on the radio that there’s going to be a bus strike tomorrow.

F Oh no! How will you get to work?

M Well, I thought about taking my car, but parking in the city centre costs a fortune. My colleague Sarah suggested taking the bus, but it’s a 15-minute walk to the bus stop from my home. I think I’ll just cycle – it’ll take about 45 minutes, but at least I’ll get some exercise.

F Good idea. The weather forecast is nice for tomorrow too.

Now listen again.

4. What does the woman order for dessert?

M Would you like to see the dessert menu?

F Yes, please. Oh, they all look delicious! What’s the tiramisu like here?

M It’s very popular, but personally, I think the chocolate brownie is the best.

F Hmm, I’m trying to eat less chocolate these days. What about the fruit salad?

M It’s fresh, with apples, oranges, kiwi and pineapple.

F Actually, you know what? I think I’ll go with your recommendation. The brownie sounds too good to pass up!

Now listen again.

5. What discount do students get at the bookstore?

F Welcome to Parker’s Bookstore! Just to let you know about our current offers – all fiction books are 20% off this week, which is great if you’re looking for a novel to read. We also have a permanent student discount of 15% on all purchases if you show your student ID card. And if you spend over £50 today, you’ll get an additional 10% off your total bill. Don’t forget to check out our second-hand section upstairs for even better prices!

Now listen again.

6. Where did the woman leave her keys?

F I can’t find my keys anywhere! I’ve looked in my handbag, on the kitchen table, and even in the bathroom.

M When did you last have them?

F I remember using them to lock the car when I got home from the gym. Then I went straight to the kitchen to make some tea. I thought I put them on the kitchen counter, but they’re not there.

M Did you check your gym bag?

F Oh, wait! Yes, you’re right – here they are, in the side pocket. I must have put them there without thinking.

Now listen again.

7. What type of film will be shown last at the cinema tonight?

M Good evening, and welcome to Central Cinema. Tonight we have three fantastic films for you. We start at 7 PM with ‘Ocean Adventure’, a thrilling documentary about marine life that the whole family will enjoy. At 9 PM, we have ‘Midnight Mystery’, a crime drama starring Helen Davies. And finally, at 11 PM, for those who like to stay up late, we’re showing the romantic comedy ‘Love in Paris’. Don’t forget that students get half-price tickets on weekdays. Enjoy the show!

Now listen again.

That is the end of B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1.

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B1 Practice

We provide targeted listening and speaking exercises to help students prepare for B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1 of the Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) exam. These interactive activities are designed to build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop essential skills for success in Part 1 of the B1 Listening Test. Practise now and get ready for test day with real-life topics and engaging tasks.

The B1 Preliminary Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you while the other listens.

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B1 Success

We regularly update our website with new B1 Preliminary Listening Part 1 activities, as well as reading and writing exercises to support your learning. Bookmark our site and return anytime to keep improving your English — whether you are at home, at school, or on the go!

Part 1

Read five real-world notices, messages and other short texts for the main message.

Part 2

Match five descriptions of people to eight short texts on a particular topic, showing detailed comprehension.

Part 3

Read a longer text for detailed comprehension, gist, inference and global meaning, as well as writer’s attitude and opinion.

Part 4

Read a longer text from which five sentences have been removed. Show understanding of how a coherent and well-structured text is formed.

Part 1

Write about 100 words, answering the email and notes provided.

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Links

Cambridge English exams help learners at every stage of their language journey. From A2 Key (Elementary level) to B2 First (Upper-Intermediate level), these internationally recognised tests provide proof of English language ability in real-life situations. Whether you are preparing for work, study, or travel, Cambridge exams are designed to assess your English skills in practical and meaningful contexts.