About the A2 Key Exam

Part 1 · Signs & Messages

Choose the option (A/B/C) that matches what the short text says.

Tests: Reading short real-world texts for overall meaning — 'what does it say?'

• Read the whole short text before looking at the options.
• Watch for texts that look similar but mean different things (e.g. warnings vs instructions).
• Don't pick an option just because a word from it appears in the text.

Part 2 · Multiple Matching

Match each question to the text (or texts) that gives that information.

Tests: Scanning three related short texts for specific detail.

• Read the questions first so you know exactly what to scan for.
• Underline the key idea in each question before searching the texts.
• An answer can come from more than one text — check all three before deciding.

Part 3 · Long Text — Multiple Choice

Answer questions about detail, gist and the writer's attitude.

Tests: Detailed comprehension, main idea and simple attitude/opinion in a longer text.

• Read the text once for general understanding before answering.
• Questions follow the order of the text — use that to locate answers fast.
• Beware of options that repeat text wording but change the meaning.

Part 4 · Gapped Text

Choose the word or phrase (A/B/C) that best fits each gap.

Tests: Vocabulary, collocation and how words work together in context.

• Read the whole sentence around the gap, not just the gap itself.
• Check what comes before/after the gap for fixed phrases and collocations.
• If two options seem possible, pick the one that fits the exact context, not just the general topic.

Part 5 · Open Cloze

Write ONE word in each gap.

Tests: Grammar words — articles, prepositions, auxiliaries, pronouns, linkers.

• Only grammar words are missing — never content/topic words.
• Check the words immediately before and after the gap for clues (verb + preposition, article + noun).
• Write only one word per gap and check your spelling.