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Cambridge A2 Key Cheat Sheet

Practice this exam

Reading

  • 25% of exam
  • Short messages Multiple matching Longer text Vocabulary cloze Open cloze

Writing

  • 25% of exam
  • Guided message Picture story Content Organisation Language

Listening

  • 25% of exam
  • Visual detail Note completion Conversation Gist Matching

Speaking

  • 25% of exam
  • Personal interview Collaborative discussion Pronunciation Interaction Global achievement

Quick Facts

  • Target level CEFR A2
  • Papers 3
  • Skills 4 equally weighted
  • Reading and Writing 60 minutes
  • Listening About 30 minutes
  • Speaking 8-10 minutes per pair
  • A2 pass 120-139 scale score
  • Top result 140-150 earns B1
  • Adult format Digital continues
  • Final paper session December 3, 2026
  • Exam fee Set by local centres

FIRST Reading Check RE

  • Focus, Instructions, Read, Select, Test
  • Focus target Read instructions Find evidence Select answer Test meaning

Reading Part 1 vs Part 3 RE

Part 1

  • Six independent texts
  • Main-message focus
  • Short real-world texts

Part 3

  • One longer text
  • Detail and gist
  • Five questions
  • Match strategy to text length

Reading Task Picker RE

  • Six short messages → Find main message ( Reading Part 1 )
  • Profiles and three texts → Match full requirements ( Reading Part 2 )
  • One longer text → Locate paraphrased evidence ( Reading Part 3 )
  • Factual text with options → Test vocabulary fit ( Reading Part 4 )
  • Email with blank gaps → Supply one word ( Reading Part 5 )
  • Guided message prompt → Cover every point ( Writing Part 6 )
  • Three picture sequence → Tell connected story ( Writing Part 7 )

Exam Structure Snapshot RE

  • Reading and Writing Seven parts; sixty minutes
  • Reading questions Thirty objective items
  • Writing tasks Two performance tasks
  • Listening Five parts; twenty-five questions
  • Recordings Heard twice
  • Speaking Two parts; paired format
  • Pair speaking Eight to ten minutes
  • Three candidates Thirteen to fifteen minutes
  • Skills weighting Twenty-five percent each
  • Negative marking None for wrong answers

AT-ON-IN Time RE

  • At times, On days, In months
  • At seven On Monday In August

Reading Part 4 vs Part 5 RE

Part 4

  • Three options per gap
  • Vocabulary focus
  • Six gaps

Part 5

  • No answer options
  • Grammar-word focus
  • One word only
  • Vocabulary versus grammar cohesion

Reading Answer Loop RE

  • Starting a task → Read instructions first ( Know required action )
  • Options are present → Identify key differences ( Ignore shared filler )
  • Evidence appears → Match meaning exactly ( Expect paraphrase )
  • One option partly fits → Test every requirement ( Partial truth fails )
  • Two options remain → Find contradicting detail ( Eliminate precisely )
  • Still uncertain → Choose and continue ( No negative marking )

Cambridge Scale Results RE

  • Grade A 140-150; certificate shows B1
  • Grade B 133-139; certificate shows A2
  • Grade C 120-132; certificate shows A2
  • Level A1 100-119; certificate shows A1
  • Scores 82-99 No grade or certificate
  • Below 82 Score not reported
  • Overall score Average of four skills
  • Separate scores One per language skill
  • Separate paper pass Not required

Grade A vs A2 Pass RE

Grade A

  • Scale 140-150
  • Certificate states B1
  • Above target level

Grades B and C

  • Scale 120-139
  • Certificate states A2
  • Meets target level
  • Certificate level follows score band

Reading Parts Map RE

  • Part 1 Six short-text questions
  • Part 1 focus Main message
  • Part 2 Seven multiple-matching questions
  • Part 2 texts Three related texts
  • Part 3 Five long-text questions
  • Part 3 focus Detail and main ideas
  • Part 4 Six multiple-choice gaps
  • Part 4 focus Vocabulary in context
  • Part 5 Six one-word gaps
  • Part 5 focus Grammar and cohesion

Reading Tactics RE

  • Main-message text Identify purpose first
  • Matching profiles Match every requirement
  • Long text Skim before targeted rereading
  • Cloze passage Read entire text first
  • Shared vocabulary May signal distractor
  • Contrast words Track but, although, however
  • Numbers and dates Compare every digit
  • Unknown word Use surrounding meaning
  • Uncertain answer Eliminate, choose, continue
  • Reading budget Protect writing time

Open Cloze Toolkit RE

  • Articles A, an, the
  • First mention Usually a or an
  • Specific noun Often needs the
  • Time point Use since
  • Time period Use for
  • Comparative Usually followed by than
  • Positive uncountable Often some
  • Negative uncountable Often much or any
  • Plural question Often many or any
  • Auxiliary Match subject and tense
  • Pronoun Match reference and number
  • Answer length Exactly one word

A2 Collocations and Phrasals RE

  • Make A mistake; a plan
  • Do Homework; housework; exercise
  • Have Breakfast; fun; a shower
  • Take A photo; a bus
  • Go Shopping; swimming; home
  • Play Football; tennis; music
  • Look after Care for
  • Find out Discover information
  • Turn off Stop a device
  • Put on Dress in clothing
  • Get off Leave public transport
  • Interested Followed by in

WASP Writing Check WR

  • Words, All points, Sequence, Proofread
  • Meet minimum Cover prompts Connect ideas Check language

Writing Part 6 vs Part 7 WR

Part 6

  • Email or note
  • Twenty-five words minimum
  • Cover content points

Part 7

  • Picture story
  • Thirty-five words minimum
  • Use three pictures
  • Both offer fifteen marks

Writing Response Builder WR

  • Part 6 begins → Underline every content point ( Usually several prompts )
  • Reader is identified → Choose suitable register ( Friend usually informal )
  • Part 7 begins → Map three events ( Keep picture order )
  • Story events are planned → Choose past tense ( Add sequence words )
  • Draft is complete → Check minimum length ( Count approximately )
  • Time remains → Check content before grammar ( Then proofread language )

Writing Task Map WR

  • Part 6 Guided email or note
  • Part 6 minimum Twenty-five words
  • Part 6 input Cover every content point
  • Part 6 register Match the reader
  • Part 7 Three-picture story
  • Part 7 minimum Thirty-five words
  • Part 7 sequence Use every picture
  • Each task Fifteen marks maximum
  • Safe length Clear, complete, controlled
  • Final minute Check verbs and spelling

BME Story Shape WR

  • Beginning, Middle, End
  • Set scene Show problem Finish event

Mustn't vs Don't Have To WR

Mustn't

  • Action is prohibited
  • Rule says no
  • Doing it breaks rules

Don't have to

  • Action is optional
  • No obligation
  • Doing it remains allowed
  • Forbidden is not optional

Writing Assessment Criteria WR

  • Content Reader receives required information
  • Organisation Text connects coherently
  • Language Vocabulary and grammar control
  • Criterion scale Zero through five
  • Content loss Missing prompt or picture
  • Organisation gain Use basic linking words
  • Language gain Control simple forms
  • Minor errors Meaning should remain clear
  • Copied prompt Adds little task evidence
  • Unreadable response Cannot earn useful credit

Present Simple vs Continuous WR

Present simple

  • Habit or fact
  • Uses frequency words
  • States usually remain simple

Present continuous

  • Happening now
  • Temporary situation
  • Uses be plus ing
  • Habit versus current action

Picture Story Language WR

  • Scene setter Yesterday; last weekend
  • Main tense Past simple
  • Background tense Past continuous
  • First event First; one day
  • Next event Then; next; after that
  • Surprise Suddenly
  • Ending Finally; in the end
  • Feelings Happy, worried, surprised
  • Reason Use because
  • Dialogue Keep short and accurate

Past Simple vs Continuous WR

Past simple

  • Completed event
  • Moves story forward
  • Often follows then

Past continuous

  • Background action
  • Action already happening
  • Often follows while
  • Event interrupts background

Core Tense Map WR

  • Present simple Habits, facts, states
  • Present continuous Current or temporary action
  • Past simple Finished past action
  • Past continuous Background past action
  • Present perfect Past linked to now
  • Going to Plans or visible evidence
  • Will Offers, decisions, predictions
  • Every day Present simple signal
  • Right now Present continuous signal
  • Yesterday Past simple signal
  • While Often background action
  • Since Starting point until now

Modals and Quantity WR

  • Can Ability or permission
  • Could Past ability; polite request
  • Should Advice
  • Must Strong obligation
  • Mustn't Prohibition
  • Don't have to No obligation
  • Some Often positive statements
  • Any Often questions and negatives
  • Many Countable plural nouns
  • Much Uncountable nouns
  • A few Some countable items
  • A little Some uncountable amount

TWICE Listening Routine LI

  • Target, Write, Identify changes, Confirm, Enter
  • Preview target Mark first answer Track corrections Confirm second play Check entry

Listening Detail vs Gist LI

Detail

  • Exact time or item
  • Target specific evidence
  • Ignore side alternatives

Gist

  • Overall purpose or topic
  • Combine whole message
  • Ignore isolated examples
  • Question stem identifies the target

Two-Play Listening Plan LI

  • Before recording → Preview question differences ( Predict detail type )
  • First play starts → Follow overall meaning ( Mark likely answer )
  • Speaker changes a plan → Track final choice ( First idea distracts )
  • Second play starts → Target uncertain evidence ( Confirm digits and names )
  • Audio finishes → Check answer placement ( Avoid blanks )
  • Paper test ends → Transfer answers carefully ( Check line numbers )

Listening Parts Map LI

  • Part 1 Five visual detail questions
  • Part 2 Five note-completion gaps
  • Part 3 Five conversation questions
  • Part 4 Five gist questions
  • Part 5 Five matching questions
  • Question value One mark each
  • First hearing Choose likely answer
  • Second hearing Confirm or correct
  • Before audio Read task and options
  • Paper format Includes transfer time

Paper vs Digital LI

Paper

  • Write physical answers
  • Listening transfer time
  • Adult format ending

Digital

  • Enter answers onscreen
  • Use interface controls
  • Adult format continues
  • Skills and scoring stay identical

Listening Detail Toolkit LI

  • Changed plan Choose final decision
  • Corrected number Use latest number
  • Thirteen or thirty Hear final stress
  • Quarter past Fifteen minutes after
  • Quarter to Fifteen minutes before
  • Half past Thirty minutes after
  • Price Track discount and final cost
  • Spelling Record every letter
  • Named people Track each separately
  • Unused option Expected in matching
  • Side detail May distract from gist

Digital and Paper Delivery LI

  • Adult digital Continues after 2026
  • Adult paper Ends after final session
  • Final paper session December 3, 2026
  • For Schools Both formats continue
  • Task content Same across formats
  • Scoring Same across formats
  • Digital answers Entered on screen
  • Paper listening Transfer answers afterward
  • Digital practice Use official tutorial
  • Exam dates Confirm with local centre

PAIR Speaking Routine SP

  • Prompt, Answer, Interact, Reason
  • Use prompt Answer clearly Involve partner Give reason

Speaking Part 1 vs Part 2 SP

Part 1

  • Examiner asks questions
  • Personal information
  • Three to four minutes

Part 2

  • Partner discussion
  • Likes and reasons
  • Five to six minutes
  • Interview then collaboration

Speaking Response Ladder SP

  • Personal question asked → Answer directly ( Add one detail )
  • Preference requested → Choose and explain ( Use because )
  • Partner gives opinion → Respond before adding ( Show active listening )
  • Conversation slows → Ask follow-up question ( Invite partner back )
  • You disagree → Disagree softly ( Give simple reason )
  • Question is unclear → Request repetition ( Do not guess randomly )

Speaking Test Map SP

  • Candidates Usually paired
  • Examiners Two
  • Interlocutor Asks and manages
  • Assessor Listens and scores
  • Part 1 Personal factual interview
  • Part 1 time Three to four minutes
  • Part 2 Collaborative preference discussion
  • Part 2 time Five to six minutes
  • Partner effect Scores remain individual
  • Standard delivery Face-to-face interaction

Speaking Assessment Criteria SP

  • Grammar and vocabulary Simple range and control
  • Pronunciation Generally intelligible speech
  • Interactive communication Initiate, respond, maintain exchange
  • Global achievement Overall A2 task success
  • One-word replies Provide little evidence
  • Extended answer Add detail or reason
  • Misunderstanding Ask politely for repetition
  • Partner turn Listen before responding
  • Native accent Not required

Functional Language Bank SP

  • Opinion I think ... because ...
  • Preference I prefer ... to ...
  • Agreement I agree with you
  • Soft disagreement I'm not sure
  • Suggestion Why don't we ...?
  • Alternative How about ...?
  • Invite partner What do you think?
  • Follow-up Why do you like it?
  • Clarification Could you repeat that?
  • Request Could you please ...?
  • Invitation Would you like to ...?
  • Polite refusal Sorry, I can't because ...

Common Traps

Same Word, Different Meaning

  • Distractors reuse text vocabulary ≠ Match the complete idea

Partial Match Still Fails

  • Check every profile requirement ≠ One keyword proves nothing

Part 5 Means One Word

  • Never enter two words ≠ Spelling must be correct

Writing Parts Score Equally

  • Each offers fifteen marks ≠ Do not skip either

Minimum Is Not A Target

  • Leave room for complete content ≠ Keep language controlled

First Number May Distract

  • Speakers often correct details ≠ Use the final answer

Gist Is Not One Detail

  • Hear the whole message ≠ Ignore side examples

Speaking Scores Stay Individual

  • Partners do not share grades ≠ Help interaction continue

Simple English Can Score

  • Clear A2 communication matters ≠ Native fluency is unnecessary

A2 Pass Starts At 120

  • 100-119 reports A1 ≠ 140-150 reports B1

Adult Paper Format Is Ending

  • Final session December 2026 ≠ Digital A2 Key continues

Last Minute

  • 1. Know all seven written parts
  • 2. Memorize five listening tasks
  • 3. Protect twenty writing minutes
  • 4. Answer every objective item
  • 5. Use one word in Part 5
  • 6. Cover every Part 6 point
  • 7. Use every Part 7 picture
  • 8. Check writing minimum lengths
  • 9. Track final listening decisions
  • 10. Use both listening plays
  • 11. Extend personal speaking answers
  • 12. Ask your partner questions
  • 13. Give reasons for preferences
  • 14. Remember the 120 threshold
  • 15. Confirm centre date and format

Cambridge A2 Key (KET)

  • Practice Questions 132 questions Study Guide 48 topics Cheat Sheet 179 facts Flashcards 50 cards