Family Castle
Read an article about Will’s family castle and answer five questions.
Reading Part 3
Practise for A2 Key Reading Part 3 with this interactive exercise. Read one longer article — about Will and his family, who live together in a castle — and answer five questions that test your detailed understanding, the skill needed for Part 3 of the Cambridge English A2 Key exam. It is perfect for elementary learners preparing for the test.
- ⏱️ Takes about 20–30 minutes
- 💡 Read one longer text for detailed understanding
- 📶 A2 — elementary level
Audio: listen to the article as you read.
Key Words
- castle — a large, strong, old building where important families once lived
- heating — a system that keeps a building warm
- grounds — the land around a large building
- nearest — closest; the smallest distance away
- weekly — happening once a week
Useful Language
About the article: we looked online · the nearest town · a lot of space · I hope to stay for a long time
Reading for detail: “we looked online” = on the internet · “my mum takes me there” = he goes to school by car
Paraphrase: “no heating at first” = the castle did not have heating · “ride my bicycle all day” = he likes riding his bike
Exam Tip
Part 3 tests detailed understanding. Read the whole article first, then find the part that answers each question — the correct option usually says the same thing in different words. Some questions ask what was not there, or how things were at first compared with now, so read carefully.
Drag the words into the correct gaps to practise the key language from this lesson.
🗣️ Speaking practice
Talk about homes and families.
- 🏰 Would you like to live in a big house with your whole family? Why, or why not?
- 🏠 Describe your home. What is the best thing about it?
- ❓ Ask a partner about a place they would love to live.
✍️ Writing practice
Write a short paragraph (25 words or more) about your home, or a home you would like to have.
- 📝 Say where it is and what it is like.
- 🌟 Say what the best thing about it is.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
Write your own sentence for each word.
- 🏰 castle
- 🔥 heating
- 🌿 grounds
- 📅 weekly
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.
- Airport Notices
- Restaurant Notices
- School Notices
- Shopping Mall Notices
- 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
- Edinburgh Festival
- Emirate Airline Manager
- Family Castle
- Getting to Sleep
- London Police Force
- Making Jam
- Photography for Beginners
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 3?
In Part 3 of the Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Reading test, you read one longer text and answer five multiple-choice questions that check your detailed understanding. This free exercise uses an article about a family who live in a castle.
How many questions are in this exercise?
There are five questions. You read one article and choose A, B or C for each question.
Is this A2 Key Reading practice free?
Yes. The Family Castle 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.