The best books to prepare for B1 Preliminary (PET) in 2026
Are you interested in B1 level books in English? If you have a B1 or A2 level and want to start reading B1 level books in English, be sure not to miss this article.
Table of contents
Reading books in English is essential for learning English. Obviously. Honestly, this is something I keep telling my students, even though many of them don’t pay much attention to me. 😅 However, at a B1 level, for example, you only have to look at the difference between those who read B1 level books in English and those who don’t. Those who make use of reading assimilate vocabulary much better and are able to pass that B1 reading level very easily, while those who ignore my advice sometimes get stuck and are unable to improve. Furthermore, B1 level textbooks also place a lot of emphasis on reading, so they are also a good resource for learning English.
That’s why, in this post, I’m bringing you an exhaustive list of the best B1 level books in English, but not just books to read in English, but also B1 level textbooks to work on all skills, including B1 exam books. But first, let’s see what B1 level English is and what is expected of a person who can read at a B1 level.
B1 English Level
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), commonly known as the Common European Framework (CEF), establishes the different common reference levels according to the linguistic competence of language users. Among these reference levels is the B1 level, which according to the Common European Framework (CEF), means that a user:
- «Is able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.»
- «Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.»
- «Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.»
- «Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.»
Now that we know what a B1 level user of English, or any other language, can do, let’s move on to what someone with a B1 in English should be able to read.
- General reading comprehension
- «Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to their field and interest with a satisfactory level of understanding.»
- Reading correspondence
- «Can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters well enough to correspond regularly with a pen friend.»
- Reading for orientation
- «Can find and understand relevant information in everyday material, such as letters, brochures and short official documents.»
- Reading for information and argument
- «Can identify the main conclusions in clearly signalled argumentative texts.»
- «Can recognise the line of argument in the treatment of the issue presented, though not necessarily in full detail.»
- Reading instructions
- «Can understand clearly written, straightforward instructions for a piece of equipment.»
Great. We already know what kind of texts and writings someone with a B1 level of English should be able to understand. Now I’m going to tell you about the B1 level English books that I recommend to all my students, both textbooks for passing B1 exams and B1 level reading books to perfect listening comprehension and increase vocabulary and command of grammatical structures and Writing.
B1 Level Books in English
B1 Level English Books to Pass Cambridge B1 Preliminary
If you’re reading this article because you’re looking for a good textbook to prepare for Cambridge B1 Preliminary, pay attention because the following titles are the ones I use with my own students, with amazing results. 😎
Complete PET for Spanish Speakers
The book Complete PET for Spanish Speakers (edition adapted for Spanish speakers) and its Workbook are a classic among B1 level English books for preparing for the Cambridge B1 exam. It is a book with 12 units covering the essential points of B1 level grammar and vocabulary. In addition, all units offer exam-style practice exercises, so that when you go to take the exam, you know exactly what it’s like and what to expect.
Complete Preliminary Student’s Book with Answers with Online Practice
«Complete Preliminary 2nd edition» is a course for a full programme that thoroughly prepares students for the revised B1 Preliminary exam, through engaging content and effective exam training. It builds students’ confidence with insights based on previous exam performance and offers additional online practice and audio resources for both students and teachers.
Complete Preliminary Workbook with Answers with Audio Download
Complete Preliminary 2nd edition is the most thorough preparation for the revised B1 Preliminary exam. The Workbook with answers provides further practice of the language and vocabulary introduced in the Student’s Book. The downloadable audio contains extra listening material for home study, including exam-style tasks.
Furthermore, Complete PET for Spanish Speakers offers the following B1 level sections:
- Grammar Reference: explanations of all essential grammar points.
- Irregular verbs: essential irregular verbs in English at B1 level.
- Speaking reference: description of the B1 Speaking with lots of useful expressions and examples.
- Authentic Past PET Paper: a real PET exam used in the past.
- PET for Schools Practice Test: a real PET for Schools exam.
- Answer key and transcripts: all the answers for each unit and the transcript of the Listening exercises.
Without a doubt, if you want to pass the Cambridge B1 level exam, called B1 Preliminary, Complete PET is a safe bet for covering the essentials.
Destination B1 & Intermediate Language Practice
While Complete PET for Spanish Speakers touches on all the grammatical and semantic points of the B1 level, you will need a B1 level book that really delves into each point and offers the necessary practice to acquire the knowledge and skills required to pass the B1 exam. Therefore, with my students I always use Destination B1, which offers very good practice in both grammar and vocabulary.
Destination B1. Student’s Book with Key
«Destination B1» is a book specially designed for students preparing for intermediate level exams. It combines clear grammar and vocabulary explanations with practical exercises and activities that simulate real exam situations, helping to consolidate knowledge and improve confidence ahead of the B1.
English Grammar in Use Intermediate 5th Edition
This is the classic of all classics among intermediate level grammar books. Although it doesn’t provide specific preparation for any B1 level English exam, it covers all grammar points and takes you from an A2+ level to a B1+ level. In other words, if you master the content of this book, the grammar of any B1 exam will be a piece of cake for you. Also, what I like most about this book is that for any grammar exercise you have to know the vocabulary as well, so you will learn vocabulary indirectly and practise B1 level grammar in a good context and using it. Definitely, the best B1 level grammar book currently in existence.
English Grammar in Use (5th Edition)
English Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy, is the preferred choice for intermediate (B1-B2) level students and covers all the grammar needed at this level. This book, which includes the answers, offers clear explanations and practical exercises that have helped millions of people around the world improve their English. It is perfect for self-study and can also be used by teachers as supplementary classroom material.
KSE Academy Books to Prepare for B1 Level
As you already know, at KSE Academy we are passionate about helping our students achieve their goals. That’s why, after years of experience preparing thousands of candidates for Cambridge exams, we decided to create our own preparation guides. These books are specifically designed to target the areas where students usually have the most difficulty, offering clear strategies and real practice materials.
Writing B1: The Ultimate PET Writing Guide for B1 Cambridge
Improve your Writing skills for B1 PET with this comprehensive guide, which includes 5 examples for each type of writing, more than 300 useful expressions and exclusive tips on the exam format, assessment criteria and frequently asked questions. Get your PDF copy now and get ready to stand out in the exam!
Speaking B1: The Ultimate PET Speaking Guide for B1 Cambridge
Succeed in the PET Speaking test with the best guide for B1 Preliminary! Discover detailed explanations of each part of the exam, 10 practice tests, sample answers and assessment rubrics that will help you stand out and achieve success. Prepare thoroughly and get your copy now!
Reading B1: The Ultimate B1 Reading Guide & 10 B1 Reading Tests with Answers
Pass the PET Reading test with the ultimate guide for B1 Preliminary! Includes detailed explanations of each part of the exam, 10 practice tests, assessment rubrics and much more so you can stand out and achieve success. Prepare to the max and get your copy now!
Short Stories in English for Intermediate Learners (B1 and B2) with AUDIO
Improve your English through captivating stories with 20 original tales, audio narrated by professionals, full glossaries and specific exercises designed to boost your reading and listening comprehension, as well as your vocabulary at B1/B2 levels!
B1 Level English Exam Books
After having prepared all parts of your B1 level English exam, the normal thing is to sit a B1 level English exam. There are several exams, so I’m going to recommend English books according to the exam you want to take.
B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam Books for the Updated 2020 Exam
Today, the most interesting B1 level English exam is **B1 Preliminary (PET)**, which is why I previously told you about preparation books for that exam such as **Complete PET**. Therefore, if you decide to prepare for this exam, the format of which was updated in 2020, below are the books I use to practise exams with my students.
B1 Preliminary 2. Practice Tests with Answers and Audio
Authentic exams from Cambridge Assessment English offer ideal practice because they are identical to the real exam. The book «B1 Preliminary for the revised 2020 exam» includes four complete exams, transcripts, sample written answers, scripts for the speaking test and sample answer sheets. It also allows you to download the audio for the listening tests, sample videos for the speaking part and answer keys with explanations, or access these resources using QR codes included in the book.
B1 Preliminary for Schools 1. Practice Tests with Answers and Audio
Authentic exams from Cambridge Assessment English provide realistic practice because they are identical to the official exam. The «B1 Preliminary for Schools 1» book for the 2020 exam includes four complete exams, answer key, transcripts, writing samples, speaking exam scripts, answer sheets and downloadable audio for the listening part via an access code. It allows you to become familiar with the format and practise exam techniques and the marking system.
B1 Preliminary for Schools 2 Practice Tests with answers, audio and Resource Bank
The «B1 Preliminary for Schools» book for the revised 2020 exam includes four complete Cambridge Assessment English exams, with materials to become familiar with the format, practise exam techniques and learn about the scoring system. In addition, it offers transcripts, writing samples, speaking exam scripts, answer sheets and access to audio, video and answer keys via download or QR codes.
There are also others from other publishers such as Collins or Oxford:
Practice Tests for B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET) (Volume 1)
Collins Practice Tests for B1 Preliminary for Schools offers all the practice needed to achieve a high score in the Cambridge English B1 Preliminary for Schools qualification. It includes 8 complete exams updated for the 2020 exam, answer keys and models, extra practice by topic, downloadable audio and scripts for Listening and Speaking, visual materials and model answers for Speaking, as well as a mini-dictionary with difficult words. The material faithfully replicates the real exam and includes a full guide, practical tips and sample answer sheets. It is ideal for A2–B1 level students preparing for PET for Schools.
Practice Tests for B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET) (Volume 2)
Collins Practice Tests for B1 Preliminary for Schools offers 8 complete exams updated to the 2020 format, along with answer keys, model answers and extra practice by topic for Speaking. It includes downloadable audio and scripts for Listening and Speaking, visual materials, a mini-dictionary of difficult words and sample answer sheets. The book faithfully replicates the real exam format, provides a detailed guide to each section and useful tips for preparation, being ideal for A2–B1 level students preparing for PET for Schools.
B1 Exam Book for the Oxford Test of English (OTE)
The Oxford Test of English is a new exam, but it is going strong in the world of English level certification. It currently only serves to certify B1 and B2 levels, so there isn’t much preparation material available yet. However, there are already exam books available, such as the one I recommend below.
Oxford Test of English: B1: Practice Tests: Preparation for the Oxford Test of English at B1 level
A B1 level practice book that includes two complete exams and helps students prepare successfully for the Oxford Test of English.
B1 Exam Book for Trinity ISE I
Today, apart from B1 Preliminary, the most famous B1 exam is **Trinity Integrated Skills in English I (ISE I)**. The problem is that unfortunately there isn’t much material published for this exam yet, despite its popularity. However, you do have this official book to practise before taking that exam.
Integrated Skills in English, Learner’s Book, B1: Intermediate
The Trinity Integrated Skills in English series is a B1 level book that develops the four key English skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) through 40 thematic units, with content reflecting multicultural diversity. It includes downloadable audio, texts and communicative tasks to practise real English, and is designed for both daily life and preparing for official Trinity College London exams.
B1 Level English Reading Books
As I said before, B1 level books can skyrocket your English level. Reading is a seemingly passive language skill, but that’s just it: seemingly. When we read, whether B1 level books or any other type of books, we set in motion a series of mechanisms that activate our vocabulary, our grammar, our comprehension, etc. That’s why, I repeat, reading is essential. 😅
For this reason, below I’m suggesting **5 B1 level English reading books**. They are B1 level readers, not textbooks as such, although as they are adapted, many come with comprehension and vocabulary exercises that will help you get even more out of your reading.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
When we start reading in another language, it is sometimes beneficial to do so with stories we are already familiar with, as this makes it easier for us to understand the story well. And who doesn’t know the stories of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll? If you want to start reading in English little by little, I recommend this classic of English literature: entertaining, funny and full of imagination.
Climate Change
If you don’t like fiction and prefer something more realistic, don’t worry, there are B1 level English reading books for you too. One example, and a very good and interesting one, is Climate Change. With this book, you will learn about the true story of climate change without increasing the complexity of the English.
Woman of Mystery
Perhaps you don’t like fiction, or you do, but you really like reading biographies of famous historical figures. Why not start with the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie? With Agatha Christie, Woman of Mystery, you will learn about the life of this prolific mystery writer. Who was she? What was she like? Was there any mystery in her life?
Dead Man’s Island
Dead Man’s Island is a magnificent mystery novel written by John Escott that will not leave you indifferent. Mr Ross lives on an island that no one visits. He doesn’t like being photographed. He is young and rich, but not very happy, and in his house there is a room that is always locked. Carol Sanders and her mother arrive on the island to work for Mr Ross. Carol soon realises that Mr Ross is a very strange person. After observing and listening carefully to Mr Ross, one day she discovers what is in the room.
New Yorkers
This collection of short stories, written by O. Henry, will show you the lives of ordinary people living an ordinary life in New York at the beginning of the 20th century. The city has changed a lot since then, but people are still the same. Some are rich, some poor, some happy, some sad, some in love, others looking for love. This series of sensitive and funny short stories shows us what life is like for New Yorkers.
Now that you know all the B1 level English books that I use with my students, tell me what you think in the comments. Have you used any of these B1 books? Would you recommend any that are not on this list?
And until the next article, don’t forget to keep smiling!