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Preliminary English Test (PET)

PET has three components Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Reading and Writing contributes 50% of the final mark, and the other two papers each contributes 25%.

Reading and Writing (Paper 1) - Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Reading - Candidates are expected to understand public notices and signs and be able to read short, factual texts to extract information. They should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the structure of the language, the attitudes of the writer and the effects the passages may have on the reader.

Writing - In addition to transforming sentences and completing a form, candidates are expected to give information, report events, describe situations, express opinions, etc.

Listening (Paper 2) - Time: 30 minutes

Candidates must be able to understand and respond to public announcements, extract factual information and make sense of dialogues showing an appreciation of the attitudes of the speakers.

Speaking (Paper 3) - Time: 10-12 minutes

Candidates are tested in pairs by two examiners and must be able to participate in communicative situations, understand questions and tasks and respond appropriately.