B1 Preliminary Reading · Exam Instructions

1. Before You Start the Reading Paper 📝

Before we jump into Part 1, let’s understand the exam rules. This is important because good exam technique starts before you read the first question.

⏱️ Time

You have 45 minutes for the complete Reading paper.

🔢 Questions

The paper has 32 questions in total.

✅ Marks

Questions 1–32 carry one mark each.

📌 Part 1

Part 1 has 5 questions. You choose the correct answer for each short text.

Official candidate instructions

  • Do not open the question paper until you are told to do so.
  • Write your name, centre number and candidate number on your answer sheet.
  • Read the instructions for each part carefully.
  • Answer all the questions.
  • Read the instructions on the answer sheet.
  • Write your answers on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.
  • You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.
  • At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer sheet.

Paper-based and digital-based exams: in the paper-based version, you mark your answers on an answer sheet using pencil. In the digital-based version, you select or type your answers on screen. The skill is the same: read carefully, identify meaning, avoid traps and manage your time.

Teacher tip: do not spend too long on one question. If you are stuck, choose the best option, mark it, and continue. You can return later if you have time.

Lesson Introduction

2. Welcome! Today We Are Going to Master Reading Part 1 🌟

Hello, my lovely students! Today we are going to practise the first part of the Cambridge B1 Preliminary Reading paper. And please, do not panic. 😊

This part can look tricky because the texts are very short, but that is exactly why we can train it. With enough practice, you will learn to find the real meaning, avoid distractors and choose the correct answer calmly.

What are we going to do in this lesson?

🔍 Understand the task

We will learn what Cambridge asks you to do in Part 1.

📄 Analyse a real question

We will use Question 1 from the official sample paper.

🚫 Avoid common traps

We will see why some answers look correct but are actually wrong.

✅ Solve step by step

We will learn a clear method you can repeat in the exam.

In this lesson, I want you to feel that Reading Part 1 is not about translating every word. It is about understanding the message. Once you learn that, the exercise becomes much easier. 💪

Reading Part 1 · Real Exam Task

3. What Do You Have to Do in Part 1? 🔎

In Reading Part 1, you read short real-life texts. These can be signs, notices, messages, labels or short instructions. For each question, you choose the correct answer: A, B or C.

Official instruction

Part 1

Questions 1–5

For each question, choose the correct answer.

Example from the real exam — Question 1

Win a Car

COMPETITION

Entries will only be accepted from people who are at least eighteen.

Choose the correct answer:

  1. The competition is open to people over a certain age.
  2. There is a maximum age limit for this competition.
  3. Only eighteen-year-olds are allowed to enter this competition.

Important: do not choose an answer just because it contains similar words. Cambridge often tests whether you understand the meaning, not whether you can match vocabulary.

Examiner Secrets

4. Problems and Common Mistakes in B1 Reading Part 1 🚫

Part 1 looks simple, but it is full of small traps. The text is short, so every word matters. Let’s look at the mistakes that usually lower students’ scores.

1. Matching words, not meaning

Students often choose an option because it repeats a word from the text. But the correct answer usually paraphrases the meaning.

2. Ignoring small words

Words like only, unless, at least, must and not can completely change the meaning.

3. Confusing minimum and maximum

In Question 1, at least eighteen means 18 or older. It does not mean “maximum 18”.

4. Reading too fast

If you rush, you may miss the key idea. Read the short text twice before choosing.

Common Spanish-speaking student mistakes

ProblemExampleHow to fix it
Translating literally“At least” is sometimes misunderstood as “less than”.Learn exam expressions as chunks: at least = minimum.
Ignoring “only”“Only people over 18” means nobody younger can enter.Circle or mentally mark limiting words.
Confusing “over” and “under”“People over 18” means people older than 18.Connect the word to the direction: over = above, under = below.
Choosing the most familiar answerOption C mentions “eighteen-year-olds”, but the meaning is too limited.Ask: “Is this exactly what the notice says?”

Teacher tip: in Part 1, the correct answer is usually the one that says the same idea in different words. So train your brain to look for meaning, not identical vocabulary. 🧠

Reading Strategy

5. Tips for Success and Strategies 🌟

Here is a simple method you can use in the exam. Do it every time until it becomes automatic.

The 5-Step Reading Part 1 Strategy ⚡

  1. Read the short text first. Do not look at the options immediately.
  2. Identify the situation. Is it a notice, message, warning, invitation or instruction?
  3. Find the key words. Look for words that control the meaning: only, must, at least, unless, not.
  4. Paraphrase the message. Say it in your own words before checking A, B and C.
  5. Eliminate wrong options. Cross out answers that are too general, too specific or opposite in meaning.

What raises your score?

Good habitWhy it helpsExample
Reading the text twiceYou notice small but important words.only, at least, unless
ParaphrasingYou focus on meaning, not word matching.“at least eighteen” = “18 or older”
Eliminating distractorsYou reduce the chance of choosing a trap.Option C is too narrow.
Managing timeYou keep enough time for the rest of the paper.Do not spend 5 minutes on one short notice.

My advice: Part 1 is like a detective game. You are not looking for beautiful vocabulary. You are looking for the hidden meaning of a short text. 🔍

Real Exam Solution

6. Solving Step by Step – Example from the Real Exam ✅

Now let’s solve Question 1 together. I want you to see the logic clearly, because this same method works for the other questions in Part 1.

Original notice

Win a Car

COMPETITION

Entries will only be accepted from people who are at least eighteen.

Step 1: Identify the key words

The most important words are: only, accepted, at least eighteen.

At least eighteen means the minimum age is 18. So people who are 18, 19, 20, 30 or older can enter.

Step 2: Say the notice in easier English

The notice means:

“You can enter this competition only if you are 18 or older.”

Step 3: Check the options

OptionMeaningCorrect?
A. The competition is open to people over a certain age.There is a minimum age to enter.Correct
B. There is a maximum age limit for this competition.People older than a certain age cannot enter.Wrong
C. Only eighteen-year-olds are allowed to enter this competition.Only people who are exactly 18 can enter.Wrong

Correct answer: A ✅

The correct answer is A because the competition is open to people who are at least eighteen. This means there is a minimum age requirement.

Teacher tip: if the text says at least, think “minimum”. If the option says maximum or only exactly, be careful: it may be a trap.

Grammar and Vocabulary

7. Essential Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge 📚

Reading Part 1 often uses short notices, messages and instructions. You need to recognise common grammar and vocabulary quickly.

Key vocabulary for notices and signs

ExpressionMeaningExample
at leastminimumYou must be at least 18.
onlyno other people or thingsMembers only.
acceptedallowed or receivedEntries will be accepted until Friday.
permittedallowedVisitors are not permitted beyond this point.
unlessexcept ifDo not enter unless you have permission.
availableyou can get it or use itFree copies are available from reception.
maximumthe highest limitThe maximum number of students is 20.
minimumthe lowest limitThe minimum age is 18.

Grammar that appears in short notices

Grammar pointMeaningExample
Modal verb: mustobligationYou must show your ticket.
Modal verb: can / maypermission or possibilityYou may enter after 9 a.m.
Passive voicefocus on the action, not the personEntries will be accepted.
Negative passivesomething is not allowedVisitors are not permitted.
Condition with unlessexcept ifYou cannot enter unless accompanied by staff.
Comparative meaningabove or below a limitPeople over 18 can enter.

Teacher tip: make flashcards with these expressions. Reading Part 1 becomes much easier when you recognise exam language automatically.

Conclusion

8. Final Advice: Never Leave an Answer Blank 🌈

My dear students, please remember this: never leave a Reading answer blank. In this paper, you should answer all the questions.

How many marks is Part 1 worth?

The Reading paper has 32 questions, and Questions 1–32 carry one mark each.

Part 1 has 5 questions, so this part is worth 5 marks out of 32.

That means every question matters. Even if you are not 100% sure, choose the best option. You might get the mark.

Final teacher tips 💛

  • Read the short text before reading the options.
  • Find key words like only, must, unless and at least.
  • Paraphrase the message in your own words.
  • Do not choose an answer only because it repeats a word from the text.
  • Eliminate options that are too specific, too general or opposite in meaning.
  • Answer every question. Do not leave blanks.

Remember this ❤️

You do not need to understand every word perfectly to succeed in Reading Part 1. You need to understand the message. With practice, your brain will start recognising the traps, the keywords and the correct paraphrases much faster.

Source

This activity is based on the official Cambridge B1 Preliminary Sample Paper (2022) – Reading and Use of English: Part 1.

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B1 RUE Part 1 - Notices and Messages Practice A

Pregunta 1:

Library Notice


Students must return all borrowed books before Friday. Any books returned later will result in a fine.

What is the purpose of this notice?
Pregunta 2:

Text Message


Hi Sam. I've left your jacket at the sports centre reception. You can collect it any time before 8 p.m.

Why is the sender writing?
Pregunta 3:

Museum Sign


Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography is strictly prohibited.

What does the sign mean?
Pregunta 4:

Email Reminder


Please remember to complete the online form before attending the training session next Monday.

What should participants do?
Pregunta 5:

Café Advertisement


Buy any sandwich and receive a free drink between 12 and 2 p.m. this week.

What is the café offering?
Pregunta 6:

School Notice


The basketball practice scheduled for Wednesday has been moved to Thursday afternoon.

What has changed?
Pregunta 7:

Hotel Information


Guests wishing to check out before 7 a.m. should inform reception the night before.

What should guests do?
Pregunta 8:

Sports Club Poster


Members can bring one friend free of charge on Saturdays during June.

Who can enter for free?
Pregunta 9:

Train Station Announcement


Passengers travelling to Brighton should use Platform 4 due to engineering works.

What must passengers do?
Pregunta 10:

Community Centre Notice


The painting workshop is now full. Anyone interested should join the waiting list.

What should new applicants do?
Inglés · Cambridge · B1
Lección 5 de 13

Cambridge B1 Preliminary Exam: Mastering RUE Part 1

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