Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for Cambridge B1 Preliminary | Must Know Words for Common Examination Instructions

The 200-word examination instruction list

B1 Preliminary instructions tell you whether to find the main message, match a person to a text, complete a gap or give a written or spoken response. The first Writing task is an email with notes to answer. The second gives a choice between an article and a story.

The list includes instructions, answer-format phrases and supporting vocabulary. Check the official wording for the item, paper or test version you are taking.

Exam requirements · Worked examples · Fencing Method

Reading, Writing and Listening directions

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
1	B1 Preliminary for Schools	Use the same B1-level format with topics suited to school-age candidates.
2	B1 Preliminary	Use the four-paper format for the qualification named on your entry.
3	Short texts	Read each notice, message or sign for what it communicates.
4	Multiple matching	Match each person or prompt with the relevant text or option.
5	Gapped text	Find the sentence that fits the surrounding references and sequence.
6	Multiple-choice cloze	Choose the word that completes the gap in meaning and usage.
7	Open cloze	Supply the word that fits the grammar and context of the gap.
8	One word in each gap	Use a single word where the task directs it.
9	Match a person to a text	Check all the person’s stated requirements against the option.
10	Main message	Identify the purpose of the whole notice or message.
11	Detailed meaning	Use the particular information the item asks you to find.
12	About 100 words	Aim for the approximate length printed for each writing task.
13	Write an email	Respond to the supplied email and notes in the appropriate style.
14	Answer the notes	Cover each of the points attached to the email.
15	Choose an article or a story	Complete one of the two Part 2 writing options.
16	Write an article	Answer the topic and make the response useful to its intended readers.
17	Write a story	Continue from the given opening and develop a connected sequence.
18	First sentence	Use the supplied opening line as the prompt directs.
19	Compulsory email	Complete the required first writing task.
20	Make a suggestion	Offer a practical idea that fits the situation.
21	Invite a friend	Give the invitation, relevant details and a clear way to respond.
22	Give your opinion	State what you think and add a relevant reason.
23	Give a reason	Explain why the stated decision, view or event makes sense.
24	Explain your choice	Connect the choice to the feature that makes it suitable.

Listening, Speaking and communication

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
25	Listen twice	Use the two playings to locate and then check the information requested.
26	Choose the correct picture	Match the spoken information to the image it describes.
27	Listening for gist	Identify the main point rather than a passing detail.
28	Listen for the detail	Find the specific name, time, place or fact the question needs.
29	Sentence completion	Fill the gap with the required information from the recording.
30	Speaking interview	Answer questions about personal information or familiar experiences.
31	Describe a photograph	Describe what you can see in the supplied photograph in the individual turn.
32	Individual turn	Develop your own spoken response before your partner takes their turn.
33	Discussion with a partner	Exchange ideas about the options and respond to each other.
34	Discuss alternatives	Consider more than one option using reasons relevant to the task.
35	Make a decision together	Work towards the choice requested in the discussion.
36	Continue the discussion	Develop the related topic when the examiner asks follow-up questions.
37	Respond to your partner	Acknowledge their point and add a reason, question or comparison.
38	Personal experience	Use an example from your life when the question asks about it.
39	Suitable tone	Match the language to the task and recipient.
40	Content	Cover the ideas the task asks you to communicate.
41	Communicative Achievement	Use the conventions and style that suit the required type of text.
42	Organisation	Arrange and link the ideas so a reader can follow them.
43	Language	Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar with enough control to convey meaning.
44	Clear ending	Finish the message, article or story in a way that follows the task.
45	Connected ideas	Use linking words or references to show how the points fit together.
46	Check your answer	Review whether you answered the right question in the requested form.

Vocabulary, text links and answer format

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
47	Same meaning	Preserve the original relationship, tense and other relevant meaning.
48	Vocabulary in context	Choose or supply the word the sentence and text need.
49	Word form	Decide which grammatical form the surrounding sentence needs.
50	Negative prefix	Add a beginning that gives the required negative meaning where appropriate.
51	Suffix	Use the word ending that gives the grammatical form the gap requires.
52	Dependent preposition	Use the preposition that normally follows the given word or expression.
53	Phrasal verb	Use the verb and particle combination that fits the context.
54	Fixed phrase	Complete the expression with its conventional wording.
55	Required writing task	Complete the Part 1 email before choosing one of the Part 2 options.
56	Cover each note	Use the information beside the email to plan each required point.
57	Add a relevant detail	Develop a point with a useful detail that fits the task.
58	Article	Write for the specified readership and purpose, using an engaging appropriate style.
59	Explain what happened	In a story or message, make the important event clear and connect it to the surrounding details.
60	Check the task choice	Confirm whether you chose the article or story and use the matching form.
61	Letter or email	Address the specified reader and cover the message’s purpose and content points.
62	Describe the photo you receive	Focus on the single photo supplied for your own speaking turn.
63	Individual long turn	Develop your own response in Speaking Part 2 within the stated time.
64	Collaborative task	Discuss the options with your partner and respond to their ideas.
65	Reach a decision	Work towards a choice or conclusion when the examiner requests it.
66	Support your view	Give a reason or example relevant to the discussion question.
67	Word ending	Check which form or ending fits the surrounding grammar.
68	Word family	Use related forms to decide whether the sentence needs a noun, verb, adjective or adverb.
69	Collocation	Choose words that naturally occur together in the context.
70	Cohesive reference	Work out what a linking expression or pronoun refers to.
71	Suitable reply	Choose a response that answers both the words and the practical purpose.
72	Spoken detail	Listen for the particular fact the item asks about.
73	Speaker attitude	Use the speaker’s wording and tone to infer their stance where asked.
74	Sentence stress	Give appropriate prominence to important words in spoken language.
75	Word order	Arrange the pieces so the sentence works grammatically.
76	Polite register	Use courteous wording suitable for the situation.
77	Everyday tone	Use wording appropriate for the familiar situation in the prompt.
78	Support with an example	Add an example that demonstrates the reason you gave.
79	Response time	Use the timer and task directions provided by the test interface.
80	Main purpose	Identify what the text as a whole is trying to accomplish.
81	Function of a detail	Decide how a detail supports or develops a larger point in the material.
82	Words in context	Choose the sense or expression that fits the local wording and purpose.
83	Reference within the text	Resolve a reference by locating the word or idea it points back to.
84	Transitions	Identify the relationship between ideas before choosing a connecting expression.
85	Illustrative example	Choose a particular case that demonstrates a broader point.
86	Sentence conventions	Choose grammar and punctuation that make the constructed sentence clear.
87	Clause boundary	Identify where one clause ends and the next begins before arranging the sentence.
88	Sentence structure	Use word order and grammatical roles to make a complete sentence.
89	Independent clause	Identify words with a subject and verb that can stand as a sentence.
90	Dependent clause	Identify a clause that needs a main clause to complete its function.
91	Sentence fragment	Recognise words punctuated as a sentence without a complete main clause.
92	Pronoun reference	Match the pronoun to the person or thing it represents.
93	Notes	Use the supplied facts that are relevant to the stated rhetorical goal.
94	Rhetorical purpose	Identify the job a detail does in the author’s argument.
95	Nonessential clause	Identify a clause that can be removed without changing the intended reference.
96	Parenthetical detail	Identify supplementary information set off from the main sentence.
97	Signpost	Notice a word or phrase that marks a shift in direction or topic.
98	Main idea	Find the central point that explains why the paragraph was included.
99	Detail	Find the particular fact needed to answer the question.
100	Writer’s view	Identify the opinion the writer expresses.
101	Contrast	Show how the items differ on a shared point of comparison.
102	Interpret	Say what a statement, result or display means in context.
103	Discuss	Develop a structured response that considers the relevant issues.
104	In context	Use the meaning that fits this passage or situation.
105	Claim	An assertion that can be tested against evidence or reasoning.
106	Example	A particular case used to make a general idea clear.
107	Context	The surrounding information that helps determine meaning.
108	Option	One of the choices the question offers.
109	One word only	Enter exactly one word in the answer space.
110	Listen for attitude	Use wording and tone to judge how the speaker feels about the topic.
111	Discourse marker	Use linking words to follow where the speaker contrasts, adds or concludes.
112	Coherence	Make ideas easy to follow in a sensible order.
113	Cohesion	Link sentences and paragraphs so their relationships are clear.
114	Grammatical range and accuracy	Use suitable sentence forms with control and clarity.
115	Point of view	State your position on the issue when the prompt calls for it.
116	Relevant example	Use an example that genuinely supports the paragraph’s point.
117	Topic sentence	Open a paragraph with a sentence that identifies its main point.
118	Discourse management	Connect ideas and develop the response across the speaking turn.
119	Answer within the limit	Count the response using the rule printed for the task.
120	Check the matching directions	Read whether the instructions allow a choice to be reused.
121	Words and phrases	Identify the language that carries the meaning needed for the answer.
122	Gap	Check what kind of word or value can fit the blank.
123	Transcript	Use the written recording script to check a listening answer during practice.
124	Complete sentences	Use connected sentences where the writing task requires a full response.
125	Reason	The basis for a statement, choice or result.
126	Response	The answer you produce or select.
127	Central idea	Choose the option that captures the main point at the right scope.
128	Best describes	Choose the description that most accurately fits the stated target.
129	Best illustrates	Choose the example or quotation that most directly shows the idea.
130	Express uncertainty	Use suitable wording when an interpretation is plausible but uncertain.
131	Function of the sentence	Check how a sentence connects to the surrounding ideas in a text.
132	Overall structure	Track how the text’s main parts are organised.
133	Cross-text connections	Compare how two texts address the same point.
134	Visible person or object	Identify who or what you can see in the picture.
135	Visible setting	Describe where the action is taking place using the picture’s details.
136	Point of agreement	Find what both sources would endorse based on the evidence.
137	Refer back	Connect a word or phrase to the idea it refers to earlier in the text.
138	Communicative purpose	Identify what the writer or speaker is trying to achieve.
139	Introduce	Choose wording that supplies the context needed for the stated audience.
140	Emphasise	Choose wording that gives the requested idea or contrast prominence.

Core instructions and response checks

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
141	Recognise	Find a familiar feature in a new example.
142	Identify	Name or pick out the item the question specifies.
143	Select	Choose only the number of options requested.
144	Choose	Commit to the option that fits the stated criteria.
145	Match	Pair each item with the option that corresponds to it.
146	Complete	Fill in what is missing while keeping the supplied structure.
147	Label	Attach the correct name to the indicated part.
148	Locate	Find the specified detail, point or region.
149	Indicate	Make the chosen feature or answer clear.
150	Answer	Respond directly to the question being asked.
151	Give	Supply the requested fact, example or result.
152	State	Express the required point directly and clearly.
153	Name	Supply the correct term, person or item.
154	List	Set out the requested items separately.
155	Define	Give the precise meaning used in the subject or question.
156	Describe	Report the relevant characteristics, events or pattern.
157	Outline	Give the main steps or points in brief.
158	Summarise	Select the central points and leave out minor details.
159	Explain	Connect the result to its cause, mechanism or reasoning.
160	Compare	Set the items side by side on the same relevant feature.
161	Analyse	Break down the evidence and explain how its parts relate.
162	Infer	Use clues to reach a conclusion the material implies.
163	Predict	Use available evidence to say what is likely to happen.
164	Suggest	Offer a plausible answer suited to the information given.
165	Justify	Give evidence or reasoning that supports your answer.
166	Evaluate	Weigh relevant evidence or criteria before reaching a judgment.
167	Assess	Judge the extent, value or strength of something using evidence.
168	Distinguish	Give the feature that lets the reader tell two things apart.
169	Support	Supply evidence that helps establish the claim.
170	Illustrate	Make an idea clear with a relevant example or diagram.
171	Demonstrate	Show how a fact, process or result can be established.
172	Determine	Work from the given information to establish an answer.
173	Check	Test the answer against the original instruction or condition.
174	Correct	Repair the specific error while preserving the intended meaning or result.
175	Revise	Change a response so it better meets the task.
176	Arrange	Put items into the order or grouping requested.
177	Sequence	Put stages into a meaningful order.
178	Group	Put items with a shared feature together.
179	Replace	Swap the specified part for a suitable alternative.
180	Omit	Leave out the indicated item or detail.
181	Include	Make sure the requested part appears in the response.
182	Exclude	Keep the named item or category outside your answer.
183	Refer to	Use the specified passage, figure or notes when responding.
184	Based on	Ground the answer in the material named in the question.
185	According to	Use what the specified source says.
186	Most likely	Choose the conclusion with the strongest support among the options.
187	Best supported	Prefer the conclusion backed most directly by the evidence.
188	Relevant	Connected to the specific question or criterion.
189	Specific	Precise enough to identify a particular fact or example.
190	Explicit	Stated directly in the source.
191	Implicit	Suggested by the source and recoverable from clues.
192	Evidence	A fact, detail or observation that supports a claim.
193	Conclusion	The result reached after considering the reasoning or evidence.
194	Assumption	A premise taken as given for the purpose of the question.
195	Condition	A requirement that must be satisfied.
196	Constraint	A restriction that shapes the possible answers.
197	Criterion	A standard used to choose or judge an answer.
198	Sequence of events	Follow the order in which the relevant things happened.
199	Record	Write the result in the space and form provided.
200	Classify	Assign each item to a category using the stated rule.

What the examination requires

Check the qualification on your entry

Cambridge English says B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools share the same level and format. The Schools version uses topics suited to school-age learners. Reading and Writing each take 45 minutes. Listening takes about 30 minutes and Speaking normally takes 10–12 minutes per pair. Follow the transfer or checking directions for the mode you booked.

Reading uses six parts

Cambridge lists 32 Reading questions. Some ask for the message of a short text or a match between a person and a description. Others ask about a longer text, a missing sentence or a gap. Read the item format before deciding whether to select an option or supply a word.

Writing requires two pieces of about 100 words

Part 1 is a required email that responds to the supplied message and notes. In Part 2, choose an article or story as directed. An article responds to a topic for readers. A story develops the opening into a clear sequence. Check the requested content and genre as well as the approximate length.

Listen for the specific answer and take turns in Speaking

Cambridge says the recordings play twice. Use the first playing to understand the situation and the second to check the requested detail. The Speaking paper has four parts, including a photograph description and discussion with another candidate. Use the prompt to decide whether to describe, suggest, compare or discuss.

• Read the full instruction before planning the answer.
• Identify the source, quantity, person or situation the prompt names.
• Check the response form, scope and any stated limits.

Worked examples of common examination instructions

These original examples show how to turn a prompt into the response it asks for.

Find the main message of a notice

An invented notice says the sports hall is closed until two, with morning classes moved outdoors. If the question asks what morning students must do, choose the option about going outdoors. The reopening time matters only if the question asks when the hall can be used.

Answer each note in the email

A friend asks if you can come to a picnic, what food you will bring and how you will get there. A complete response gives a decision, names the food and explains the travel plan. Add relevant details that help your friend prepare rather than turning the email into an unrelated story.

Continue the first sentence of a story

An original opening reads ‘When I opened my bag, the key was missing.’ A story could develop where the character searches, what they discover and how they resolve the problem. Connect the events with time phrases so the reader can follow what happens next.

Discuss options with a partner

Imagine choosing an activity for a visitor. You suggest a park because it is close. Your partner says rain is expected. A useful reply is ‘That’s true. The museum may be better if it rains.’ This acknowledges the point and advances the choice using the task information.

Use the Fencing Method to practise instructions

Start with an accurate answer or sentence. Add a precise detail, then add the relationship, reason or action the task needs. Apply the same instruction to fresh material.

1. I can come.
2. I can come to the picnic on Saturday.
3. I can come on Saturday, and I’ll bring fruit. I’ll take the bus with Maya.
4. Try another email. Answer the decision first, then add details that cover the remaining notes.

Read the eduKate Fencing Method for Vocabulary.

Practise and check your answers

Use the same notice for different questions

Find the notice’s overall purpose, then locate a particular time or rule. Ask a different question about the notice and see how much of the text you need. This helps separate main message from specific detail.

Check content before language in Writing

Mark the part of your email that answers each note. For an article, check that you answered the topic and any questions it asks. For a story, check that the events follow the supplied opening. Then revise any wording that makes the meaning hard to follow.

Practice 1. A matching item gives a person a budget and a time limit. What should you check?

Choose an option that meets both the budget and the timing requirements.

Practice 2. A story task gives a first sentence. What should your plan do?

Continue from that opening and organise the events into a clear sequence.

Practice 3. A photograph task shows people near a ticket desk. What can you say with confidence?

Describe where they are and what you can see. Use a cautious phrase for anything you infer.

Practice 4. Your partner names an option you had overlooked. What can you do next?

Respond to the suggestion, compare it with another option and explain your preference.

Frequently asked questions

Do I write both the article and the story?

Choose one option for Part 2. Complete the required Part 1 email as well.

Does Speaking require an interview or a partner discussion?

Both forms of interaction appear in the Speaking test. Use the official sample to see the four parts.

What is the difference between B1 Preliminary and the Schools version?

They share the same level and format. The Schools version is designed around topics suited to school-age candidates.

Official sources and next reading

• Cambridge B1 Preliminary examination format
• Cambridge B1 Preliminary overview
• Cambridge B1 Preliminary candidate guide

Related guide in this series · Cambridge B2 First examination instructions

Read eduKateSG’s 200-word vocabulary guide for more ways to group and practise vocabulary.

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