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Before You Begin

About the A2 Key Exam

Read this before Lesson 1. Learn about the papers, timing, question types, marking and sample materials. Then every lesson will make more sense.

Sample Materials

A quick look at the materials you will see on exam day: question papers, answer sheets and Speaking prompts.

Reading & Writing

Question paper layout

Single booklet · 60 minutes · candidates write directly in the booklet.

  • Cover page with timing (60 min) and instructions.
  • Parts 1–5 test reading comprehension across short and long texts.
  • Parts 6–7 are the two writing tasks (message + story).
  • 32 questions total, one mark per reading item.

Reading & Writing

Answer sheet

Answers written directly in the question paper booklet.

  • Parts 1–4 — write the letter (A/B/C) clearly.
  • Part 5 — write ONE word per gap in CAPITAL LETTERS.
  • Spelling counts in Part 5 and in both writing tasks.
  • Cross out neatly if you change an answer.

Listening

Answer sheet

Filled during the test, then time given to transfer answers at the end.

  • Parts 1, 3, 4 — shade or write the correct letter (A/B/C).
  • Part 2 — write words, numbers, times or prices from the recording.
  • Part 5 — write the matching letter (A–H) for each item.
  • Each recording is played twice.

Speaking

Examiner materials

Two examiners: interlocutor (speaks) and assessor (silent).

  • Part 1 — examiner script of personal questions.
  • Part 2 — a shared picture/prompt card for both candidates.
  • Discussion questions follow on from the picture topic.
  • All tasks timed by the interlocutor.

Official Cambridge samples

Every paper links to the real Cambridge sample paper, answer key and audio.

All official Cambridge A2 Key preparation materials

Handbook, sample papers, audio, videos and answer keys.

Official Cambridge samples

Practise this paper with authentic materials

cambridgeenglish.org

Official Cambridge samples

Practise this paper with authentic materials

cambridgeenglish.org

Official Cambridge samples

Practise this paper with authentic materials

cambridgeenglish.org

Official Cambridge samples

Practise this paper with authentic materials

cambridgeenglish.org