PET Reading
Improve your PET reading with the following tips
Do you want to improve your reading comprehension in English? Nowadays, there are so many entertainment options out, such as social networks, TV series, and movies, that there’s often not much time left to read a good book. Don’t feel bad about this, especially if your goal is to improve your English, because these options are also a good alternative. Still, to perfect your reading, you’ll need to use other tools, particularly if you want to prepare for the PET reading.
The PET certificate corresponds to the B1 level of the CEFR. To obtain this certification, you must demonstrate your ability to understand everyday texts, such as advertisements or emails, follow instructions, and understand the most important ideas in a text, like a letter.
Below, we’ll give you all the information you need and some PET reading tips so that you can prepare yourself in the best way possible. Keep in mind that our digital English academy, ABA English, will be your best ally in preparing for the PET with its dynamic and effective method that will bring you closer to your goal of obtaining a Cambridge certificate.
What is the PET reading test like?
The reading test will evaluate various aspects, such as:
- Reading letters and emails: You’ll have to show your ability to interpret facts, emotions, and desires.
- Understanding instructions: You must clearly understand instructions or a user guide for an electronic device, for example.
- Position: You’ll have to highlight the most important aspects of a long text, such as an official document or catalog.
- Information and arguments: Without going into detail, you must deduce the main argument of a text (press article).
Generally speaking, these aren’t complex texts. But don’t get too confident. Some answers will be very similar to each other. Take the time to read the texts carefully and determine what the main idea is.
PET reading tips to improve your score
1. Read a lot
While it sounds obvious, many people ignore this fundamental tip. You don’t have to read Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Look for modern and interesting texts that fit the B1 level.
2. Search for and take tests online
Take short tests at the B1 level to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can take a new test from time to time to check your progress.
3. Underline and take notes
Highlight the main ideas of a text and any new vocabulary. You can use a notebook to reinforce your learning. This task will help you to define the most important arguments in a text (central themes) and learn new vocabulary.
4. Read English subtitles
Keep watching that TV series that keeps you entertained, but do it with English subtitles. You’ll learn many new expressions while having fun watching your favorite characters.
5. Use reading techniques
Use quick reading techniques such as skimming and scanning to speed up your understanding of a text. Skimming involves a general reading to find the main idea and plot of a text. Scanning, on the other hand, ignores the main idea to search for specific information.
The time has come to demonstrate your English potential and to prepare for the PET reading. What are you waiting for?
FAQs about PET reading
How much time do I have to complete the test?
You’ll have up to 45 minutes.
Can I ask the examiner questions?
You can only ask questions about what you have to do in each part of the test. You can’t ask what any word in a text means. You don’t have to understand it 100%. Try to infer the meaning from the context.
Do I need to pass the reading test to get my PET certificate?
No. The final score is the sum of all of the language skills.
Is there any difference between the PET and PET for Schools?
No. They assess the same level (B1) and you get the same certification. The only difference is that the PET for Schools is directed towards a younger audience, so some questions will be different.
Why prepare for the PET reading with ABA English
When compared to conventional methods, ABA English, the digital English academy makes the difference thanks to its Smart Learning® method. This allows you to enjoy experiential learning and will help you practice reading for PET while having fun. This is done using a variety of tools such as:
Learn with what you like
When you enter the app for the first time, you’ll choose the topics that interest you the most (art, marketing, culture, gastronomy, etc.) by answering an onboarding questionnaire. The platform will organize a daily plan for you with fun and personalized content.
Microlessons
You’ll receive daily notifications on your mobile, tablet, or computer so that you can study. These are short lessons that you can review whenever you want, as many times as you want.
Live English and a lot of resources
In live sessions, you’ll be able to interact with students from other countries and special guests, which will be moderated by a native teacher. You’ll also find hundreds of short quizzes, exercises, videos, chat, blogs, podcasts, and much more to perfect every language skill.
ABA Films
Short films with native actors, which you’ll later get to practice experientially by using the dialogues in speaking, grammar, and reading exercises.
Are you ready to get PET reading practice?
More than 30 million students in 170 countries confirm that our digital English academy, ABA English, is the best option to study English and, of course, to improve your reading for the Cambridge PET.
We follow the guidelines of the CEFR to offer you comprehensive training in every language skill through our Smart Learning® method so that you learn with what you like. Improving your reading requires practice and motivation, so we help you build a personalized routine to study content that is interesting, current, and entertaining.
If you prefer, you can also follow the six-level course, from A1 to Business, with enjoyable lessons that include grammar classes with native teachers.
