The best books to prepare for the B1 Preliminary (PET) [Updated 2025]
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. Really, this is something I keep repeating to my students, although many of them don’t pay much attention to me. 😅 However, at a B1 level, for example, one only has to look at the difference between those who read B1 level English books and those who do not. Those who engage in reading assimilate vocabulary much better and can easily surpass that B1 reading level, while those who ignore my advice sometimes get stuck and are unable to improve. Additionally, B1 level textbooks also place a strong emphasis on reading, making them a good resource for learning English.
Therefore, in this post, I bring you a comprehensive list of the best B1 level English books, not only books to read in English but also B1 level textbooks with which to work on all skills, including B1 exam books. But first, let’s see what the B1 level of English is and what is expected of a person who can read at a B1 level.
B1 Level of English
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 users of a language. Among these reference levels is the B1 level, which according to the Common European Framework (CEF), means that a user:
- Is capable of understanding the main points of clear texts in standard language if they relate to familiar matters, whether in work, study, or leisure situations.
- Can cope with most situations that may arise while travelling in areas where the language is spoken.
- Can produce simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Can describe experiences, events, hopes, and ambitions, as well as briefly explain their opinions or plans.
Now that we know what a B1 level English user, or a user of 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
- Reads simple texts about concrete facts that relate to their specialty, with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
- Reading correspondence
- Understands the description of facts, feelings, and wishes in personal letters well enough to correspond regularly with a foreign friend.
- Reading for orientation
- Finds and understands relevant information in everyday written material, such as letters, catalogues, and brief official documents.
- Reading for information and arguments
- Identifies the main conclusions in clearly argumentative texts.
- Recognises the line of argumentation in the treatment of the presented issue, though not necessarily in every detail.
- Reading instructions
- Understands simple instructions written clearly regarding a device.
Great. We now know what types of texts and writings someone at a B1 level in English should be able to understand. Now I will talk about the B1 level English books that I recommend to all my students, including textbooks to pass B1 exams and B1 level reading books to enhance listening comprehension, vocabulary, and mastery of grammatical structures and writing.
B1 Level English Books
B1 Level English Books to Pass the B1 Preliminary Exam from Cambridge
If you are reading this article because you are looking for a good textbook to prepare for the B1 Preliminary from Cambridge, pay attention because the following titles are the ones I use with my own students, yielding outstanding results. 😎
Complete PET for Spanish Speakers
The book Complete PET for Spanish Speakers (adapted edition for Spanish speakers) and its Workbook are classics among the B1 level English books for preparing for the Cambridge B1 exam. It is a book with 12 units covering the essential points of B1 grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, all units provide exam-type practice exercises, so when you take the exam, you know exactly what to expect.
[amazon box =»1108525245,1108525792″]
Moreover, the Complete PET for Spanish Speakers offers the following B1 level sections:
- Grammar Reference: explanations of all essential grammatical points.
- Irregular verbs: essential irregular verbs in English at the B1 level.
- Speaking reference: description of the B1 Speaking exam with many useful expressions and examples.
- Authentic Past PET Paper: a real PET exam used in the past.
- PET for Schools Practice Test: a real exam for PET for Schools.
- Answer key and transcripts: all answers for each unit and transcripts for the Listening exercises.
Undoubtedly, if you want to pass the Cambridge B1 exam, called B1 Preliminary, the Complete PET is a safe bet for covering the essentials.
Grammar and Vocabulary for PET & Intermediate Language Practice
While the Complete PET for Spanish Speakers covers all the grammatical and semantic points of the B1 level, you will need a B1 level book that really delves into each point and provides the necessary practice to acquire the knowledge and skills required to pass the B1 exam. For this reason, I always use Grammar and Vocabulary for PET and Intermediate Language Practice with my students. While both provide very good practice in both grammar and vocabulary, Grammar and Vocabulary for PET includes Listenings, but the exercises are a bit monotonous, and Intermediate Language Practice does not offer Listenings but provides much more contextualised and dynamic practice.
[amazon box =»3125343356,0230727018″]
English Grammar in Use Intermediate 5th Edition
This is the classic of all classics among grammar books for intermediate level. Although it does not provide specific preparation for any B1 English exam, it covers all grammatical points and takes you from a level A2+ to a level B1+. 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 also have to know the vocabulary, so you will learn vocabulary in an indirect way and practise B1 level grammar in a good context and using it. Definitely, the best B1 level grammar book currently available.
[amazon box =»1108586627″]
B1 Level English Exam Books
After preparing all parts of your B1 level English exam, the usual next step is to sit for a B1 level English exam. There are various exams, so I will recommend English books according to the exam you want to take.
B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam Books for the Updated 2020 Exam
As of today, the most interesting B1 level English exam is the B1 Preliminary (PET), which is why I previously mentioned preparation books for this exam like the Complete PET. Therefore, if you decide to prepare for this exam, whose format was updated in 2020, here are the books I use to practice exams with my students.
- B1 Preliminary 1. Practice Tests with Answers and Audio
- B1 Preliminary 2. Practice Tests with Answers and Audio
- Collins Practice Tests B1 for Schools 1
- Collins Practice Tests B1 for Schools 2
[amazon box=»1108676413,1108781551,000836754X,0008484171″]
B1 Exam Book from the Oxford Test of English (OTE)
The Oxford Test of English is a new exam, but it is gaining traction in the realm of English level certification. Currently, it only serves to certify levels B1 and B2, so there is still not much preparation material available. However, there are already exam books available, such as the one I recommend below.
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Furthermore, although it is not an exam book, if you are preparing for the OTE, I recommend this grammar book (unofficial), specifically written for candidates of this Oxford exam.
[amazon box=»1986876446″]
B1 Exam Book from Trinity ISE I
As of today, apart from the B1 Preliminary, the most famous B1 exam is the Trinity Integrated Skills in English I (ISE I). The problem is that unfortunately, not much published material is available yet for this exam, despite its popularity. However, you do have this book available to practise before taking the exam.
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B1 Level English Reading Books
As I mentioned earlier, B1 level books can significantly elevate your English level. Reading is a seemingly passive language skill, but that is just it: seemingly. When we read, whether B1 level books or any other type of book, we activate a series of mechanisms that stimulate our vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, etc. Therefore, I repeat, reading is essential. 😅
For this reason, I propose 5 B1 level English books to read. These are reading books at B1 level, not textbooks per se, although many are adapted and include comprehension and vocabulary exercises that help you make even more of your reading.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (B1 Level English – 6,315 words)
When we start reading in another language, it can sometimes be beneficial to do so with stories we are already familiar with, as this makes it easier to understand the story well. And who doesn’t know the stories of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll? If you want to start reading in English gradually, I recommend this classic of English literature: entertaining, funny, and full of imagination.
[amazon box=»0194620735″]
Climate Change (B1 Level English – 7,151 words)
If you don’t like fiction and prefer something more realistic, don’t worry, there are B1 level reading books for you too. One example, which is very good and interesting, is Climate Change. With this book, you will learn about the true story of climate change without increasing the complexity of the English.
[amazon box=»0194637751″]
Agatha Christie, Woman of Mystery (B1 Level English – 5,955 words)
Perhaps you don’t like fiction, or you do, but you enjoy 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 novel writer. Who was she? What was she like? Was there any mystery in her life?
[amazon box=»0194620727″]
Dead Man’s Island (B1 Level English – 5,215 words)
Dead Man’s Island is a magnificent mystery novel written by John Escott that will leave you captivated.
Mr Ross lives on an island that no one visits. He does not like to be photographed. He is young and rich, but not very cheerful, and there is a room in his house 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: where did he get so much money? How can someone so young buy an island? After observing and listening carefully to Mr Ross, one day she discovers what is in the room.
[amazon box=»0194620654″]
New Yorkers (B1 Level English – 5,895 words)
This collection of short stories, written by O. Henry, will show you the lives of ordinary people living normal lives in New York in the early 20th century. The city has changed a lot since then, but people remain the same. Some are rich, others are poor, some are happy, others are sad, some are in love, others are searching for love. This series of short, sensitive, and humorous stories shows us what life is like for New Yorkers such as housewives, vagrants, waiters, actors, etc.
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Now that you know all the B1 level English books I use with my students, let me know what you think in the comments. Have you used any of these B1 books? Would you recommend any that are not on this list?
Let me know in the comments and keep smiling!