A2 Key Exam Guide: Real World Texts
Reading & Writing Paper
Contents
Overview
Context: This is part of the Reading & Writing paper in the A2 Key exam. It is the first part out of a total of seven parts.
Task: Read six short real-world texts, such as emails, notices, signs, and text messages. These are everyday texts that you might come across regularly.
Objective: The aim is to understand the main message or purpose of each text. This includes grasping the context, tone, and the sender's intent.
Scoring & Marks: The six questions are worth six points, so one point for each. There are 60 points available for the whole Reading & Writing paper.
How to Approach
- Read the Text: Begin by understanding the general context of the text. Think about where you might see it in real life and what it is trying to communicate.
- Examine Visual Clues: Pay attention to the format of the text. The layout of an email is different from that of a sign, which can provide helpful context clues.
- Read Options: Consider the three sentences provided for each text. Determine which one aligns best with the main message of the text.
- Match the Meaning: It's vital to compare each option with the text. Choose the option that best fits the text's intended message.
- Check Again: Review your choice to make sure it accurately reflects the text's main message.
Example Question
Dear John, I won't be in the office tomorrow due to a doctor's appointment.
Best regards,
Sarah.
- Sarah is inviting John to a doctor's appointment.
- Sarah will be late to work tomorrow.
- Sarah will not be at work tomorrow.
Assessment Focus
This part of the exam tests your ability to understand different types of short texts. It's about identifying the main message, as well as understanding the text's purpose, tone, and context.
Tips
- Regularly practise reading a wide range of real-world texts, from adverts to personal messages.
- Work on quickly identifying the main idea of a text. Skimming skills are crucial here.
- Be mindful of the context suggested by the format and setting of the text.
- Remember, the answers should be direct and reflect everyday situations.
- Ensure that the chosen option is clearly supported by the text, without any misleading elements.
How It Looks
Student Suggestion
"When preparing for the Real World Texts section, I found it really helpful to read a variety of materials like leaflets, online articles, and emails in different languages. It gave me a better sense of different writing styles and contexts, which was invaluable during the exam." - Ananya Patel
Practice Exercises
We have a page on the site to practise: A2 Key - Real World Reading Multiple Choice Exercises
