A2 Key (KET) Reading and Writing – Practice Test 1 — Explanation

Welcome to this free Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Reading and Writing practice test. It follows the real exam format exactly — the same seven parts, the same question types and the same number of questions — so you always know what to expect on exam day. Every exercise gives you instant answers and short explanations, so you can learn from your mistakes straight away.

The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper lasts 60 minutes and is worth 50% of your total mark. Work through the seven exercises below in order, or jump straight to the part you want to practise.

What is the A2 Key (KET) Reading and Writing exam?

A2 Key is Cambridge English's basic-level exam. It shows that you can use everyday written English at a beginner-to-elementary (A2) level: understanding simple signs, emails, short articles and forms, and writing short messages of your own. The Reading and Writing paper has seven parts and 32 questions.

The seven parts, one by one

• Part 1 (Questions 1–6) — Read six short texts such as notices, signs, and text messages. For each one, choose the answer (A, B or C) that means the same thing.
• Part 2 (Questions 7–13) — Read about three people, then answer seven questions by choosing which person (A, B or C) each sentence describes.
• Part 3 (Questions 14–18) — Read one longer text and answer five multiple-choice questions about it.
• Part 4 (Questions 19–24) — Read a short factual text with six gaps. For each gap, choose the correct word from three options. This part tests grammar and vocabulary.
• Part 5 (Questions 25–30) — Read a short text or email with six gaps and write one word in each gap. The missing words are usually grammar words such as articles, prepositions and auxiliary verbs.
• Part 6 (Question 31) — Write a short email or note of 25 words or more, using the three points you are given.
• Part 7 (Question 32) — Look at three pictures and write the story they show in 35 words or more.

How to get a good score

• Read the whole text first. Don't answer a question until you understand the general meaning.
• Watch for "distractors". In Parts 1–3, wrong answers often use words from the text but change the meaning. Choose the option that is true, not just familiar.
• Think about grammar in the gaps. In Parts 4 and 5, ask yourself: does the gap need a verb, a preposition, an article or a linking word?
• Answer every question. There is no penalty for a wrong answer, so never leave a blank.
• In the writing parts, cover all the points. You must include every bullet point, keep to the word count, and use a friendly, clear style.

Ready? Start with Part 1 below, then work through all seven exercises. When you finish, try our other levels and skills to keep improving your English.