Reading and writing

The Reading and Writing paper of the Cambridge English A2 Key (KET) exam is designed to assess a learner’s ability to understand and produce simple written English in everyday contexts. It consists of seven parts with a total of 32 questions, divided into two main sections. The Reading section (Parts 1–5) focuses on identifying key information, matching texts, and understanding short messages, notices, and articles. The Writing section (Parts 6–7) evaluates the candidate’s ability to complete forms, write short messages, and respond to prompts with brief, coherent texts. Throughout the test, candidates demonstrate their grasp of basic vocabulary, grammar, and functional language, with tasks that reflect real-life communication at CEFR Level A2. The overall aim is to ensure that learners can read and write effectively in familiar situations, using clear and appropriate language.

Part 1 

Part 1 of the A2 Key Reading and Writing test focuses on recognizing the meaning of short, everyday texts such as signs, notices, or labels. Candidates are presented with five brief messages and must match each one to a corresponding sentence that describes its meaning. This task assesses the ability to understand practical written English used in familiar public places—like shops, schools, or transport settings—and encourages learners to develop confidence in interpreting functional language. It’s a great way to test quick comprehension and real-world reading skills at the A2 level.

✅ Tips for Success

• Read the whole message carefully: Look at the text and the options before choosing your answer. Sometimes the correct option is not the one with similar words — it’s the one with the right meaning.
• Look for clues in the reply: The reply often shows if the person is happy, surprised, confused, or busy. Use these clues to help you choose the best matching sentence.
• Don’t rush — check all three options: Even if one option looks good, read all three before deciding. The best answer is the one that makes the most sense with the reply.

Part 2

In Part 2 of the test, you will read three short texts written by different people. Each one shares their thoughts or experiences on a similar topic. After reading, you will see seven statements. For each statement, you must decide which person — A, B, or C — says something that matches. Read carefully to understand each writer’s opinion and look for clues that help you match the statements correctly. Some statements may refer to feelings, preferences, or specific details, so take your time and compare all three texts before choosing your answers.

    

	Emma A	Leo B	Sophia C
Who...
1. prefers to stay inside most of the            weekend?	A	B	C
2. doesn’t like busy places?	A	B	C
3. used to do a sport regularly?	A	B	C
4. helps family members with tasks?	A	B	C
5. enjoys eating out with friends?	A	B	C
6. prepares for school on Sunday?	A	B	C
7. likes spending time in nature?	A	B	C

✅ Tips for Success

• Read the whole text first: Before choosing answers, read the entire conversation to understand the topic and tone. This helps you see how the sentences connect.
• Look for logical order: The missing sentences should fit the meaning and flow of the conversation. Think about who is speaking and what they might say next.
• Check grammar and vocabulary: Make sure the sentence you choose fits grammatically and uses the right vocabulary for the situation. Read the full conversation again to be sure.

Part 3

In Part 3 of the test, you will read a longer text, such as a story or article, and answer five multiple-choice questions about it. The questions test your understanding of the main ideas, specific details, and what people think or feel. Read the text carefully and choose the best answer (A, B or C) for each question. Look for clues in the text that help you decide — sometimes the answer is not in the exact words, but in the meaning.

Read the story and choose the best answer (A, B or C).

A weekend surprise

Last Saturday, Mia woke up earlier than usual. Her parents had told her they had a surprise planned, but they didn’t say what it was. She tried asking at breakfast, but they just smiled and said, “You’ll see soon.” Mia felt excited and a little nervous.

After breakfast, the family got into the car. Mia thought they might be going to the beach, but they drove past it. Then she guessed it was the zoo, but they didn’t stop there either. Finally, they arrived at a large building with colourful signs outside. It was a new indoor climbing centre.

Mia had never tried climbing before, but she was curious. A friendly instructor gave her a helmet and showed her how to use the ropes. At first, Mia was scared to go high, but her parents cheered her on. Slowly, she climbed higher and higher until she reached the top of the beginner wall.

After the climbing session, they had lunch at the café inside the centre. Mia chose a sandwich and a smoothie, and her parents had coffee. They talked about the best parts of the morning and laughed about how nervous Mia had been at the start.

On the way home, Mia said it was one of the best surprises she’d ever had. She asked if they could come back next weekend. Her parents agreed, but only if she helped clean the car first — it was still full of sand from last month’s beach trip!

Choose the best answer (A, B or C).

1. Why did Mia wake up early on Saturday? 

A. She had to go to school. 

B. Her parents told her there was a surprise. 

C. She wanted to go to the beach.

2. What did Mia think they were going to do? 

A. Visit the zoo. 

B. Go climbing. 

C. Spend the day at the beach. 

3. How did Mia feel when she started climbing? 

A. Confident. 

B. Afraid. 

C. Bored.

4. What did the family do after climbing? 

A. Went shopping. 

B. Had lunch together. 

C. Took photos.

5. What did Mia say on the way home? 

A. She wanted to go climbing again. 

B. She didn’t enjoy the surprise. 

C. She preferred the beach.

✅ Tips for Success

• Read the whole text first: Before choosing answers, read the entire message to understand the situation. This helps you choose the correct word for each gap.
• Think about grammar and meaning: Each gap needs a word that fits the grammar of the sentence and makes sense in the context. Look at the words before and after the gap.
• Check all the options: For each gap, read all three choices before deciding. The best answer is the one that sounds natural and is correct in meaning.

Part 4

In Part 4 of the test, you will read a short factual text, such as a biography, article, or news story. There are six gaps in the text, and for each one, you must choose the correct word from three options (A, B or C). The words test your understanding of grammar and vocabulary, so read the whole sentence carefully before choosing. Think about what sounds natural and makes sense in context.

The first hot-air balloon flight

In 1783, two brothers from France made history. Joseph and Étienne Montgolfier were the first people to send a hot-air balloon into the sky. They (1)  . . . . . . . . . . the idea after watching smoke rise from a fire. They believed that hot air could lift things.

The brothers built a large balloon using paper and cloth. On the day of the flight, many people came to (2) . . . . . . . . . the event. The balloon went up into the air and stayed there for ten minutes before coming down safely.

Later that year, the Montgolfiers sent animals into the sky to test if it was (3) . . . . . . . . . for people. After that, a man flew in a balloon for the first time. It was a big moment in the history of flight.

Today, hot-air balloons are used for fun and travel. Many people enjoy flying in them to see beautiful views. Some places even have balloon festivals where hundreds of balloons (4) . . . . . . . . off together.

The Montgolfier brothers didn’t know it at the time, but their invention helped to (5). . . . . . . . . the future of air travel.

1.	a. made	b. got	c. had
2.	a. watch	b. look	c. see
3.	a. safe	b. easy	c. ready
4.	a. fly	b. go	c. take
5.	a. change	b. build	c. start

✅ Tips for Success

• Read the whole text first: Before choosing answers, read the entire passage to understand the topic and flow. This helps you see how each sentence fits together.
• Look at the sentence before and after the gap: The words around the gap give clues about grammar, meaning, and word type (e.g. verb, noun, adjective). Use these clues to choose the best option.
• Choose the word that sounds natural: Even if two options seem possible, pick the one that sounds correct in English. Trust your ear — the right word often just feels right.

Part 5

In Part 5 of the test, you will read a short email, message, or letter with six missing words. Your task is to complete the text by writing one word in each gap. The missing words are common grammar words like prepositions, pronouns, or verbs. Read the whole sentence carefully and think about what word fits best. Make sure your spelling is correct and that each word makes sense in the sentence.

From: Jenny 

To: Sam

Hi Sam,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I wanted to tell you about the trip we took yesterday. We went to a science museum (1)................. the city centre. It was really interesting!

There (2).................lots of things to see, including robots and space machines. My brother loved the part (3)..................you could try experiments yourself. I took some photos, so I’ll show them to you (4).................school on Monday.

We’re planning to go again next month. Would you like to come (5).................us? I think you’d enjoy it. Let me (6).................if you’re free.

See you soon, 

Jenny

✅ Tips for Success

• Read the whole text first: Before filling the gaps, read the entire message to understand the topic and tone. This helps you choose words that fit the meaning.
• Think about grammar and structure: The missing words are usually grammar words like prepositions, pronouns, or auxiliary verbs. Look at the sentence structure and choose a word that is grammatically correct.
• Write only one word and check spelling: Each gap needs just one word — no more, no less. Make sure your spelling is correct, and the word makes sense in the sentence.

Part 6

In Part 6 of the test, you will write a short message, such as a note, email, or postcard. You’ll be given some information about what to write — for example, who you’re writing to, what the topic is, and what details to include. You should write about 25 words. Focus on writing clearly and including all the points. Don’t worry about being perfect — just make sure your message is easy to understand and covers everything.

Your friend Alex wants to visit your town next weekend. Write an email to Alex. Say:

• what the weather will be like

• what you will do together

• what time to meet

Write 25 words or more.

✅ Tips for Success

• Include all the points: Make sure your message answers every part of the question. If it asks for three things (like time, activity, and place), mention all three clearly.
• Keep it simple and clear: Use short sentences and everyday vocabulary. You don’t need fancy words — just write so the reader understands you easily.
• Check your spelling and word count: and aim for at least 25 words. Before you finish, read your message again to check for spelling mistakes or missing words.

Part 7

In this part of the test, you will see three pictures that tell a short story. Your task is to write a story that describes what is happening in the pictures. Use your imagination and write in complete sentences. Make sure your story is clear, follows the order of the pictures, and includes at least 35 words. You don’t need to be perfect — just focus on writing a story that makes sense and matches the pictures.

Look at the three pictures and write the story shown in the pictures.

Write 35 words or more.

✅ Tips for Success – Story Writing from Pictures

• Look carefully at all three pictures Before you start writing, take time to understand the order and what is happening in each picture. Think about the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
• Use simple sentences and clear ideas Write in the past tense and use words you know. Focus on making your story easy to understand. You don’t need long or difficult words — just make sure your ideas are connected.
• Check your work before you finish Read your story again. Make sure it has at least 35 words, and check your spelling, punctuation, and that the story matches the pictures.

ANSWERS

Part 1

1. b.  2. c.  3. a,  4. c.  5. a. 

Part 2

1. c.  2. a.  3. b.  4. c.  5. b.  6. b.  7. a.  

Part 3

1. b.  2. c.  3. b.  4. b.  5. a.

Part 4

1. b.  2. a.  3. a.  4. c.  5. a.

Part 5

1. in.  2. were.  3. where.  4. at.  5. with.  6. know.

Part 6

Example answer:

Hi Alex, 

The weather will be sunny and warm, so perfect for walking. Let’s meet at 11 near the train station. We’ll visit the park and museum!

David

Part 7

Example answer:

Tom woke up and remembered he had a dentist appointment. He felt a little nervous but walked into the clinic with his backpack. The dentist was kind and checked Tom’s teeth carefully. After the visit, Tom smiled and waved goodbye. He felt proud and happy, especially when he got a sticker for being brave.

For more practice at the Cambridge Examination website click here.