A2 Key for Schools

The A2 Key for Schools Reading and Writing section has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1–5 are about reading and Parts 6–7 are mainly about writing. This paper accounts for 50% of the total mark.

Part 1 (Multiple choice):

• • Read six short real-world texts for the main message.
  • 6 questions

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 2 (Multiple matching):

• • Read seven questions and three short texts on the same topic, then match the questions to the texts
  • 7 questions

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 3 (Multiple choice):

• • Read one long text for detailed understanding and main ideas.
  • 5 questions

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 4 (Multiple-choice cloze):

• • Read a factual text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete the gaps.
  • 6 questions

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 5 (Open cloze):

• • Complete gaps in an email (and sometimes the reply too) using one word.
  • 6 questions

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 6 (Guided writing):

• • Write a short email or note of 25 words or more.
  • 1 question

The question has a maximum of 15 marks available

Part 7 (Picture story):

• • Write a short story of 35 words or more based on three picture prompts.
  • 1 question

The question has a maximum of 15 marks available

The A2 Key for Schools Listening section has five parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.

Part 1 (Multiple choice):

• • Identify key information in five short dialogues and choose the correct visual.
  • 5 questions.

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 2 (Gap fill):

• • Listen to a monologue and complete gaps in a page of notes.
  • 5 questions.

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 3 (Multiple choice):

• • Listen to a dialogue for key information and answer five 3-option questions.
  • 5 questions.

1 mark for each correct answer

Part 4 (Multiple choice):

• Identify the main idea, message, gist or topic in five short monologues or dialogues and answer five 3-option questions.
• 5 questions.
  1 mark for each correct answer

Part 5 (Matching):

• Listen to a dialogue for key information and match five items.
• 5 questions.
  1 mark for each correct answer

The A2 Key for Schools Speaking test has two parts and is taken with another candidate. There are two examiners: one examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.

Part 1 (Interview):

• Respond to questions, giving factual or personal information
  3 – 4 minutes.

Part 2 (Discussion):

• Candidates discuss likes and dislikes and give reasons.
  5 – 6 minutes.