B1 PRELIMINARY READING EXAM

Time allowed: 45 minutes
Instructions: Write your answers on the answer sheet provided. Read all texts carefully before answering.

Part 1: Short Texts – Multiple Choice

(Answer each question by choosing the correct option: A, B, or C)

1. Notice at a Community Centre
   Text:
   “Lost Dog – A small, brown dog with a blue collar was seen near the community park this morning. If you have any information, please call 555-1234.”
   Question: What is the main purpose of this notice?
   A. To invite people to a pet show.
   B. To ask for help finding a lost dog.
   C. To advertise a dog training class.

2. Email Invitation
   Text:
   “Hi Sarah,
   I’m organising a small birthday lunch this Saturday at 1.30 pm at my flat. I hope you can come – please let me know if you need directions.
   Cheers,
   Mark”
   Question: What information does Mark’s email mainly provide?
   A. Details about a birthday party time and location.
   B. An invitation to a movie night.
   C. Information about a change in venue.

3. Advertisement in a Local Newspaper
   Text:
   “Super Sale! This weekend only – all summer clothes up to 50% off at Fashion Outlet. Visit us at 22 High Street. Offers valid while stocks last.”
   Question: What is being advertised?
   A. A new clothing store opening.
   B. A limited-time sale on summer clothes.
   C. A discount on winter wear.

4. A Brief Message on a Notice Board
   Text:
   “Library Update: The library will be closed for maintenance on Tuesday, 8th June. Regular opening hours will resume on Wednesday.”
   Question: What does the message inform you about?
   A. A new book arrival.
   B. A temporary closure of the library.
   C. A change in library staff.

5. Directional Sign
   Text:
   “City Museum → Turn left at the next intersection, then follow the pedestrian path for 200m.”
   Question: According to the sign, where should you turn?
   A. Right at the intersection.
   B. Left at the next intersection.
   C. Continue straight.

Part 2: Matching – Short Texts

Below are eight very short texts (labeled A–H) and five descriptions. For each description, choose the letter (A–H) that best matches the text.

Texts:

• A. “Hi, I’m looking for a vegan restaurant nearby. Can anyone recommend one?”
• B. “Job Vacancy: We require a part-time receptionist with good communication skills. Apply at www.cityjobs.com.”
• C. “Public Announcement: Due to road repairs, the bus service on Route 10 is suspended until further notice.”
• D. “Invitation: Join us for a free yoga session in the park this Sunday at 9 am. Bring your own mat.”
• E. “Lost Item: My red umbrella was left in the café yesterday. Please return it to reception.”
• F. “Sale Alert: Electronics up to 30% off at Tech World – this weekend only!”
• G. “Notice: The swimming pool will be closed for cleaning on Monday morning.”
• H. “Reminder: Parent-teacher meetings are scheduled for next Thursday. Check your emails for details.”

Descriptions:
6. A message requesting recommendations for a dining option that meets specific dietary needs.
7. A notice informing about temporary changes to public transport services.
8. An advertisement offering a discount on gadgets.
9. An invitation for a free fitness activity.
10. A notice about a planned closure of a facility.

(Write the letter for each: 6 = __, 7 = __, 8 = __, 9 = __, 10 = __)

Part 3: Long Text – Multiple Choice

Read the following passage and choose the best answer (A–D) for each question.

Passage:
“Emma’s City Break
Emma recently spent a long weekend in a bustling city known for its art galleries and historic sites. On her first day, she joined a free walking tour that explained the city’s history and culture. In the afternoon, she visited a modern art gallery, where the bright colors and unusual shapes left her inspired. The next day, Emma explored a local market, sampling traditional street food and chatting with friendly vendors. Although she found the pace hectic at times, she appreciated the mix of old and new that the city offered. By the end of her break, Emma felt she had gained a deeper insight into urban life and was already planning her next visit.”*

Questions:

11. What was one activity Emma did on her first day?
      A. Visited a museum.
      B. Took a free walking tour.
      C. Watched a theatre play.
      D. Attended a cooking class.

12. Which part of the gallery impressed Emma the most?
      A. The sculptures.
      B. The historical paintings.
      C. The bright colors and unusual shapes.
      D. The interactive displays.

13. What did Emma do at the local market?
      A. Bought souvenirs and antiques.
      B. Sampled traditional street food and talked with vendors.
      C. Attended a street performance.
      D. Participated in a cooking demonstration.

14. How did Emma feel about the busy pace of the city?
      A. She disliked it and left early.
      B. She found it overwhelming and stressful.
      C. She appreciated the energetic mix despite occasional hectic moments.
      D. She did not notice it at all.

15. What was Emma’s overall impression of her city break?
      A. She felt disappointed by the lack of cultural activities.
      B. She enjoyed the blend of old and new and learned a lot.
      C. She preferred quiet rural life over urban experiences.
      D. She regretted not visiting more art galleries.

Part 4: Gapped Text – Sentence Ordering

Read the text below. Five complete sentences have been removed. Choose the correct sentence for each gap from the list of eight options provided. Write the letter (A–H) for each gap.

Text:
“Discovering the Hidden Café
When Anna visited the old town, she decided to explore some of its lesser-known spots. … [Gap 1] … While wandering through narrow cobbled streets, she stumbled upon a small, charming café tucked away behind a row of ancient buildings. … [Gap 2] … The café’s interior was decorated with vintage photographs and local memorabilia, which gave it a warm, nostalgic feel. … [Gap 3] … After enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake, Anna spent some time chatting with the owner about the history of the neighborhood. … [Gap 4] … Inspired by her experience, she left the café with a new appreciation for the hidden treasures in the city. … [Gap 5] …”*

Options:

• A. The café was not mentioned in any tourist guide, making it a secret spot known only to locals.
• B. Later that day, she took many photographs to capture the beauty of the area.
• C. Curious about its origin, she asked around and learned it had been a meeting place for artists in the past.
• D. Before finding the café, Anna had visited a popular museum that was overcrowded with visitors.
• E. One of the locals recommended that she try this special place if she wanted an authentic experience.
• F. She found it difficult to decide which hidden gem to visit next.
• G. The unexpected discovery made her day even more memorable.
• H. Soon after, she heard that the café was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

(Assign one option to each gap: 1 = __, 2 = __, 3 = __, 4 = __, 5 = __)

Part 5: Multiple-Choice Cloze

Read the following short text. For each gap (numbered 1–6), choose the correct word or phrase from the four options provided.

Text:
“Laura’s Daily Routine
Every morning, Laura (1) _______ up at 7:00 am and (2) _______ a quick breakfast before leaving for work. She always (3) _______ her bag with all the necessary items, including her laptop and notes, to ensure she is prepared for the day. During the commute, she (4) _______ to listen to the radio and catch up on the news. At work, she (5) _______ a variety of tasks and meetings, which keeps her very busy. In the evening, after a long day, Laura enjoys (6) _______ a book to relax.”

Options:

  A. gets  B. got  C. getting  D. rise
2.
  A. eat  B. eats  C. having  D. had
3.
  A. packs  B. pack  C. packing  D. is packing
4.
  A. likes  B. used  C. tends  D. prefers
5.
  A. does  B. is doing  C. did  D. do
6.
  A. read  B. reading  C. to read  D. reads

Part 6: Open Cloze

Fill in each gap in the following text with one word. (No options are given.)

Text:
“Tom’s Journey Abroad
Last summer, Tom travelled to Italy, a country he had always dreamed of visiting. He was excited to experience the culture, food, and art that _______ there. During his stay, he met many friendly locals and learned that the people _______ very proud of their heritage. Every day, he explored different towns, _______ in awe of the ancient architecture and vibrant street life. One evening, he attended a small music festival, where he discovered that live performances could _______ his mood instantly. By the end of his trip, Tom was sad to leave but _______ that the memories would last a lifetime. He returned home with a heart full of inspiration and a desire to _______ again.”

End of Exam

Instructions for candidates:

• Check your answers carefully and transfer them neatly onto your answer sheet.
• Write clearly and follow the instructions for each part.