PET FAQs
FAQs about PET
Reading & Writing
- How many marks are allocated to each part of PET Writing?
- What structures are involved in sentence transformations?
- Do such things as greetings, endings and dates count in the word count in Part 3?
Listening
- Is wrong spelling penalised in the Listening paper?
- In the Listening paper, can candidates fill in the answer sheet directly?
- Can candidates wear headphones in the Listening paper?
Speaking
- Do the Part 1 Phase 2 questions remain the same each year or vary?
- What should candidates do if they don't understand the instructions?
- What is done when there's only one candidate left at the end of a Speaking test session?
Reading & Writing
How many marks are allocated to each part of PET Writing?
Marks for the Writing paper are allocated as follows:
Part 1 — Sentence Transformations — one mark per question
Total 5 marks
Part 2 — Short Communicative Message
Total 5 marks
Part 3 — Letter or Narrative
Total 15 marks
Total for Writing = 25 marks (25% of the total marks for the exam).
N.B. For Writing Part 3, candidates are marked in five criterion referenced bands with three marks available in each band, giving a maximum of 15 marks.
What structures are involved in sentence transformations?
The structures used in the transformations can be found in the handbook for teachers.
Do such things as greetings, endings and dates count in the word count in Part 3?
Greetings and endings count in the word limit, but dates and addresses do not. A signature counts as one word.
Candidates are expected to open and close a letter. Failure to do both will result in candidates not getting the full marks available.
Listening
Is wrong spelling penalised in the Listening paper?
Recognisable spelling is accepted, with the exception of common high-frequency words, e.g. 'Monday', or where the spelling of a word is dictated.
In the Listening paper, can candidates fill in the answer sheet directly?
There is nothing to prevent candidates from doing this. However, it is recommended that candidates put their answers on the question paper while listening to the recording and then transfer these answers to the answer sheet when the recording has finished.
Can candidates wear headphones in the Listening paper?
There is no regulation against candidates using headphones. This depends on how the centre administers the exam.
Speaking
Do the Part 1 Phase 2 questions remain the same each year or vary?
They vary, but will always be on general topics.
What should candidates do if they don't understand the instructions?
Candidates should ask the examiner to repeat the instructions. They will not be penalised for this. However, for reasons of standardisation, no variation on the instructions can be given.
What is done when there's only one candidate left at the end of a Speaking test session?
In all General English examinations, candidates are examined in pairs with two examiners. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate will be examined with the last pair to form a group of three.
