A Dog’s Lifespan
Read a text about dogs and choose the best word for each gap.
Reading Part 4
Practise for A2 Key Reading Part 4 with this interactive exercise. Read a short factual text — about how a dog’s lifespan compares to a human’s — and choose the best word for each of the six gaps. Part 4 tests your grammar and vocabulary in context, as required in the Cambridge English A2 Key exam. It is perfect for elementary learners preparing for the test.
- ⏱️ Takes about 20–30 minutes
- 💡 Choose the best word for each of six gaps
- 📶 A2 — elementary level
Audio: listen to the text as you read.
Key Words
- lifespan — how long a person or animal usually lives
- puppy — a young dog
- adult — fully grown
- senior citizen — an older person (here, used for an older dog)
- demanding — needing a lot of attention or care
Useful Language
About the text: a dog’s lifespan · in human years · stages of life (puppy, adult, senior)
Words that often fill gaps: prepositions (by, to, in) · question words (what, which) · verbs (must, has) · determiners (this, that)
Reading for grammar: “multiply by seven” · “by this stage of life” · “may also have more health problems”
Exam Tip
Part 4 tests grammar and vocabulary. Read the whole sentence, not just the words next to the gap, then choose the word that fits both the meaning and the grammar. The choices are often small words like prepositions, question words or verbs, so check how the sentence is built.
Drag the words into the correct gaps to practise the key language from this lesson.
🗣️ Speaking practice
Talk about pets and animals.
- 🐶 Do you have a pet, or would you like one? What kind?
- ⚖️ What is good, and what is difficult, about having a dog?
- ❓ Ask a partner about an animal they like.
✍️ Writing practice
Write a short paragraph (25 words or more) about a pet or an animal you like.
- 📝 Say what it is and what it is like.
- 🌟 Say why you like it.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
Write your own sentence for each word.
- ⏳ lifespan
- 🐕 puppy
- 🧑 adult
- 😫 demanding
A2 Reading and Writing
We regularly add new reading and writing exercises to help you improve your English skills. Bookmark our site to easily return and practise anytime, anywhere — perfect for learners at all levels.
Part 1
Read six short real-world texts for the main message.
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- School Notices
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- Short Messages Exercise 1
- Short Messages Exercise 2
Part 2
Read seven questions and three short texts on the same topic, then match the questions to the texts.
Part 3
Read one long text for detailed understanding and main ideas.
- Climbing Mount Everest
- Don’t Skip Breakfast
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- Family Castle
- Getting to Sleep
- London Police Force
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Part 4
Read a factual text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete the gaps.
Part 5
Complete gaps in an email (and sometimes the reply too) using one word.
Part 6
Write a short email or note of 25 words or more.
A2 Listening and Speaking
We also include A2 Key listening and speaking practice exercises to help students prepare effectively for this part of the Cambridge English exam.
Part 1
Listen to conversations and choose the correct answer.
Part 2
Listen to a monologue and complete gaps in a page of notes.
Part 3
Listen to a conversation and choose the correct answer.
Part 4
Listen to conversations and choose the correct answer.
Part 5
Listen to a conversation and choose the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A2 Key Reading Part 4?
In Part 4 of the Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Reading test, you read a short factual text with six gaps and choose the correct word (A, B or C) for each gap. This free exercise uses a text about a dog’s lifespan.
How many questions are in this exercise?
There are six gaps. You read the text and choose the best word for each space from three options.
Is this A2 Key Reading practice free?
Yes. The Dog’s Lifespan exercise is completely free, gives you instant answers, and includes a printable PDF version you can download.
What level is this exercise?
It is at CEFR A2 (elementary) level, for learners preparing for the Cambridge A2 Key for Schools (KET) exam.
Links
Cambridge English exams are internationally recognised qualifications designed for learners of all levels, from the A2 Key (KET) exam for elementary English users to the B2 First exam for upper-intermediate learners. These exams provide reliable proof of English language ability and are widely accepted by employers, universities, and governments. Cambridge English qualifications test real-life communication skills, making them ideal for students who need English for work, study, or travel.