Six Conversations Set 4
Six short conversations — listen and choose the correct answer.
Listening Part 2
Improve your Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) listening skills with this Part 2 multiple-choice exercise based on six short conversations. Listen carefully and choose the answer — A, B or C — that best fits each dialogue. This activity helps you prepare for the exam and build real-life listening confidence.
- ⏱️ Six Conversations Set 4 takes 10–15 minutes
- 💡 Listen to six conversations and choose A, B or C
- 📶 B1 — the intermediate stage of learning English
Key Vocabulary
- straightforward — simple and easy to do or understand
- an allergic reaction — a bad response by the body to something it is sensitive to
- in season — available fresh at a particular time of year
- planning permission — official approval from the council to build or change a building
- comprehensive — including everything, or nearly everything
Useful Language
Comparing options: Online shopping is convenient and often cheaper. · The basic policy just covers medical emergencies. · The comprehensive policy covers more.
Raising a concern: Some people might find it too demanding. · I hate finding it doesn’t fit when it arrives. · The council paperwork was a nightmare.
Reaching a decision: I prefer to try things on before I buy them. · Let’s suggest that to the team. · I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Exam Tip
When someone lists advantages, listen for the “but” — the speaker often agrees that an option is cheaper or easier, then explains why they still choose something else. That reason is usually the answer.
Part 2: Six Conversations Set 4
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1. You will hear two friends talking about shopping for clothes.
Man I saw you got some new clothes. Did you buy them online?
Woman No, I went to the shopping centre. I know online shopping is convenient and often cheaper too.
Man So why don’t you shop online then?
Woman Well, returning things is usually quite straightforward if there’s a problem. But I just hate buying something and then finding it doesn’t fit properly when it arrives.
Man That’s true. You can’t really tell from photos, can you?
Woman Exactly. I prefer to try things on before I buy them.
Now listen again.
2. You will hear a pet owner talking to a veterinarian.
Vet What seems to be the problem with Max today?
Owner He’s been acting strangely for the past few days. His appetite is fine – he’s eating normally.
Vet Is he less active than usual?
Owner No, he’s still energetic and playful. But he keeps scratching himself, especially behind his ears and under his chin.
Vet I see. Let me have a look at his skin. Yes, it looks quite irritated. This could be an allergic reaction.
Owner Poor thing. He seems so uncomfortable.
Now listen again.
3. You will hear two friends discussing wedding plans.
Man How are the wedding preparations going?
Woman Pretty well, thanks. I’ve been thinking about the flowers for the church and reception.
Man Are you going with real flowers or artificial ones? I know some people use fake ones to keep costs down.
Woman No, I definitely want real flowers. I did consider planting some in my garden, but there isn’t enough time.
Man What have you decided then?
Woman I’m going to use whatever’s in season at the time. That way they’ll be fresh and not too expensive.
Now listen again.
4. You will hear two neighbours talking about home improvements.
Woman I noticed the builders have started work on your kitchen extension.
Man Yes, finally! I’ve been planning this for months.
Woman It must be costing you a fortune to have it done professionally.
Man Actually, the price was quite reasonable. I got several quotes and found a good deal.
Woman That’s great. Is it very disruptive having them there every day?
Man Not really. They’re very tidy and they finish by four o’clock. My main worry was getting all the planning permission sorted out. The council paperwork was a nightmare!
Now listen again.
5. You will hear two colleagues talking about a team-building event.
Woman Have you seen the email about the team-building day next month?
Man Yes, we need to choose an activity, don’t we? What do you think about the rock climbing option?
Woman I’m not sure about that. Some people might find it too physically demanding.
Man Good point. What about the escape room challenge?
Woman That could be fun, but I think the cooking class might be better. Everyone can participate regardless of fitness level, and we’d learn something useful.
Man Perfect! Let’s suggest that to the team.
Now listen again.
6. You will hear two friends discussing travel insurance.
Man Are you getting travel insurance for your trip to Thailand?
Woman I’m trying to decide between the different options. The basic policy just covers medical emergencies.
Man That’s probably enough for a short trip, isn’t it?
Woman Maybe, but I’m taking expensive camera equipment and my laptop. The comprehensive policy covers lost luggage and cancelled flights too.
Man It’s probably worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
Woman I think you’re right. I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Now listen again.
That is the end of B1 Preliminary Listening Part 2.
B1 Practice
We provide targeted listening and speaking exercises to help students prepare for B1 Preliminary Listening Part 2 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 2 of the B1 Listening Test. Practise now and get ready for test day with real-life topics and engaging tasks.
Part 1 — Multiple Choice
Part 2 — Multiple Choice
Part 4 — Multiple Choice
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.
B1 Success
We regularly update our website with new B1 Preliminary Listening Part 2 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.
- Notices and Messages How to Video
- Notices and Messages Set 1
- Notices and Messages Set 2
- Notices and Messages Set 3
- Notices and Messages Set 4
- Notices and Messages Set 5
- Notices and Messages Set 6
- Notices and Messages Set 7
- Notices and Messages Set 8
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 5
Read a shorter text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete gaps.
- Bagpipes
- Book Recommendation
- Mountain Climbing
- Playing Computer Games
- Popular Website
- Saving a Tree
- Single or Mixed-gender Schools
- Work of Art
Part 6
Read a shorter text and complete six gaps using one word for each gap.
Part 1
Write about 100 words, answering the email and notes provided.
Part 2
Write about 100 words, either an article or a story.
Articles
Short Stories
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.