Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET)
This is an examination introduced in 1981, based on the Council of Europe’s Threshold Specification, which tests the language skills needed to survive in social and work situations in an English-speaking environment. It was recently revised to bring it into line with Threshold 1990.
PET has four components:
Reading
Candidates are assessed as to their ability to understand public notices and signs and choose appropriate vocabulary and connecting words. They must also be able to read and understand short factual texts in detail, scan factual material for information and read passages for gist (identifying the source, understanding the purpose and attitude of the writer, etc.). Texts are usually authentic or semi-authentic public notices, signs, advertisements, news articles, etc.
There are five compulsory questions, each with five to ten items using a selection of the following task types: multiple choice, matching, true/false.
Writing
Candidates must be able to give information, report events, describe situations and express opinions, taking into account the specified audience and purpose.
There are three compulsory tasks. The first requires the candidate to transform the grammatical structures of five sentences so that they keep their original meaning. The second involves filling in a form with ten items. The third requires the candidate to complete a short, relatively free writing task (letter, postcard, report, etc.) conveying information, usually to family or friends. The response should be about 100 words in length.
Listening
Candidates must be able to understand short dialogues and extract factual information (opening times, weather, etc.) from them. They are also expected to make sense of longer dialogues and show an appreciation of the attitudes of the speakers. Listening texts include specially recorded announcements, news items and conversations.
There are four sections, lasting approximately 30 minutes in all, with twenty-five items of the following task types: multiple choice, gap filling, true/false.
Speaking
Candidates are tested in pairs by two examiners (an Interlocutor and an Assessor), and must be able to carry on a general conversation about themselves, participate in a simulated situation and talk about a situation depicted in a photograph. Candidates are expected to respond to photographs, pictures, etc. and to understand questions and answer appropriately. The test lasts for 10 - 12 minutes per pair of candidates.
Weighting of components
Each component is equally weighted and carries 25% of the total marks.
Results
There are two pass grades: ‘Pass’ and ‘Pass With Merit’, and two fail grades: ‘Narrow Fail’ and ‘Fail’. Certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve the passing grades.
PET Recognition information
Higher education institutions recognising PET
Corporations recognising PET
Further information