Resources for teachers and learners
Here you can find links to all of our free resources to help prepare for A2 Key exams, whether you are a teacher or a learner.
On this page:
Exam essentials
Essential reading for teachers and learners wanting to find out about the exam.
Teacher essentials
Resources to help you prepare learners for A2 Key exams.
Learner essentials
Information for candidates and resources that can be used at home or in the classroom for self-study.
On-the-go practice with Test & Train
Test & Train is an easy-to-use practice tool to help you get ready for your A2 Key for Schools exam through short, sharp workouts. With over 300 practice questions, you can use it anytime, anywhere and as many times as you like!
Exam essentials
Official Cambridge English preparation materials
You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.
Vocabulary list
This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools.
A2 Key vocabulary list
Sample tests (digital and paper-based)
Free: Digital sample tests
Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Listening
Time: approximately 30 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- Answer all the questions.
- You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
- There are five parts to this test.
- Each question carries one mark.
- You will hear each recording twice.
- For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.
A2 Key Digital Listening Sample Test
Reading and Writing
Time: 1 hour
Instructions to candidates
- Answer all the questions.
- You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
- There are seven parts to this test.
- Questions 1-30 carry one mark.
- Questions 31 and 32 carry fifteen marks each.
A2 Key Digital Reading and Writing Sample Test
Answer keys and tapescript:
A2 Key Listening Sample 1 answer key
A2 Key Listening Sample 1 tapescript
A2 Key Reading Sample 1 answer key
Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folder in the paper-based sample test section below.
Free: Paper-based sample test
Sample papers for A2 Key
How to convert practice test scores
The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.
For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers.
Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores
Digital exam information
Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.
Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.
Watch the video tutorialfor help on how to complete an A2 Key digital exam.
For teachers, we have a teaching tips booklet. If your candidates have questions, you can find the answers in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Speaking test videos with examiners' commentary
This video will help your students understand what happens during a speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.
Read the examiner comments for Rashid and Gonca's speaking test
Read the examiner comments for Sthefhany and Fayza's speaking test
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Teacher essentials
Exam Preparation Journey resource packs
The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.
Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.
Handbook for teachers
A2 Key handbook for teachers
A2 Key handbook for teachers Listening Audio
Lesson plans
Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.
A2 Key lesson plans
Teacher guides
Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers
Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers
Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers
Writing checklist
This checklist is designed to help you assess your students’ writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions tailored to each writing type in the Writing paper.
Mock test toolkit
Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.
Classroom warmers booklet
Classroom warmers activity booklet
This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.
Supporting learners with dyslexia
Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers
Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.
Teacher webinars
Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.
Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.
Webinars for teachers
Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page
You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.
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Learner essentials
Free online learning activities
We have hundreds of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your A2 Key exam.
Find out more
Exam information for candidates
Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.
A2 Key: Information for candidates
Social media
Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.
YouTube
Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.
Exam tip videos
Get great tips for taking your A2 Key for Schools exams with our video playlist.
Write & Improve: Practise your writing for free
Write & Improve is a free online tool to help you practise and improve your writing. Just choose a task, write or upload your answer and use the feedback to quickly improve.
Find out more
Improve your learning with the Exam Lift app
- learn English on the go – anytime and anywhere
- develop the skills you need for the A2 Key exam
- receive instant feedback on your performance.
Find out more
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