The Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Reading and Writing paper often feels like the biggest hurdle. You have to read signs, emails, and short articles — then write a short message yourself. All in 60 minutes.
It sounds like a lot. But if you know exactly what each part asks you to do, you can prepare smartly. No need to memorise every word in the dictionary. You just need to practise the right things.
Here’s what actually works.
What’s in the Reading and Writing Paper?
The paper has seven parts. Reading takes up Parts 1–5, and Writing covers Parts 6 and 7. Let’s break them down quickly.
How to Prepare for Reading (Parts 1–5)
Part 1 – Matching signs. You’ll see five signs or notices and match each to the correct meaning. The trap? The words in the sign and the answer options are often different. For example, a sign that says "Children eat free" might match the option "You don’t pay for your child’s meal." Practise paraphrasing — saying the same thing in different words.
Parts 2–4 – Reading for detail and gist. You’ll get emails, short articles, and three-way matching tasks. The key here is to read the question before the text. That way you know what information to hunt for. Don’t try to understand every word. Look for the sentence that answers the question, and ignore the rest.
Part 5 – Cloze. This part tests grammar and vocabulary. You read a short text with missing words and choose the correct one from three options. Common items: prepositions (in, on, at), verb tenses, and linking words (because, so, but). A quick fix: read the whole sentence without the gap and ask yourself what kind of word fits here?
One tip that works across all reading parts: underline keywords in the question. It keeps your brain focused.
How to Prepare for Writing (Parts 6 and 7)
Part 6 – The email. You get a short prompt that tells you who to write to and what to say. Usually you need to thank, invite, suggest, or ask a question. The word minimum is 25, but aim for 40–50 to feel safe. Stick to simple sentences and make sure you answer every point in the prompt.
Sample prompt: Your friend Tom has a new bike. Write an email to Tom. Say you are happy about his bike. Suggest going for a ride together. Ask him where he bought it.
A good response might be:
Hi Tom, I’m really happy to hear about your new bike! It sounds great. Would you like to go for a ride together this weekend? Also, where did you buy it? Let me know. Best, [Your name]
Notice it hits all three points, keeps the language simple, and stays friendly.
Part 7 – The short story. You get three pictures and must write a story that connects them. The minimum is 35 words. Beginners often panic here, but you don’t need a complex plot. Just describe what happens in each picture in order. Use the past tense (walked, saw, opened), add one or two adjectives, and connect the pictures with simple words like then, after that, in the end.
A Quick Practice Exercise
Try this Part 6 task. Set a timer for 8 minutes.
You want to celebrate your birthday next Saturday. Write an email to your friend Sarah. Invite her to your party. Say what time it starts. Ask her to bring her favourite music.
When you’re done, check: Did you include the invitation, the time, and the request for music? Did you keep it under 50 words? Did you use a friendly opening and closing?
Final Tips Before the Exam
- Read real short texts in English. Signs, menus, short news headlines — these train your brain for Part 1 and Part 2.
- Practise writing by hand. The exam is on paper. If you only type, your handwriting might slow you down.
- Manage your time. Spend about 8–10 minutes on each part. If you get stuck, guess and move on.
- Don’t leave blanks. There’s no penalty for wrong answers.
The A2 Key is designed to test real-life English, not tricks. If you read and write a little every day — even five minutes — the exam becomes just another chance to show what you can do.
Test Your English for Free
Not sure if you’re ready for Cambridge A2 Key? Take our free online test on English Measure — it covers Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. You’ll get an instant score and know exactly where to focus your practice.
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