Meet the Firefighters
Read about a class visit to a fire station and choose the best word for each of the six gaps.
Reading Part 4
In this exercise you read a short text about a class visit to a fire station and choose the best word for each gap. This is good practice for Reading Part 4 of the A2 Key (KET) examination.
- ⏱️ Takes about 20–30 minutes.
- 💡 Skill: reading, grammar and vocabulary.
- 📶 Level: A2 Key (KET) — Pre-Intermediate.
Audio: listen to the text as you read.
Key Words
- firefighter — a person whose job is to stop fires and help people in danger
- fire station — the building where firefighters work and keep their equipment
- fire engine — the large red vehicle firefighters use to travel to a fire
- team — a group of people who work together (here, the firefighters are called the Blue Watch)
- careful — giving attention to what you do so you do not make a mistake or cause an accident
Useful Language
- Relative pronouns — who, which, that: join an idea to a person or thing (a man who works here).
- Prepositions and phrasal verbs — show someone around, sit in, look after.
- Quantifiers — all, many, some, every: how much or how many.
- Articles — the, a, an: go before a noun.
- Linking words — but, because, or: connect two parts of a sentence.
Exam Tip
In Part 4 you choose one word for each gap from three choices (A, B or C). Read the whole sentence before you choose — the words just before and after the gap give you the answer. Watch the grammar traps: after let we use the bare verb (let us sit, not “sitting” or “sat”); use who for a person; and a linking word like but shows a contrast (they could sit in the engine, but they had to be careful).
Drag the words into the correct gaps to complete the sentences about firefighters.
🗣️ Speaking
- Tell a partner about a place you have visited with your class. Where did you go and what did you see?
- Describe a job you think is exciting. What does the person do every day?
- Would you like to be a firefighter? Say why or why not.
✍️ Writing
- Write a short note (25–35 words) to a friend about a class trip. Say where you went, who you met, and one thing you did.
- Write five sentences about firefighters using the key words from this page.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
- Find three more words connected with fire and safety (for example: helmet, ladder, hose).
- Match each key word to its meaning, then cover the meanings and test yourself.
- Use each key word in a sentence of your own.
A2 Reading and Writing
Keep practising every part of the A2 Key Reading and Writing paper. Choose a part below to find more free exercises.
Part 1
- Airport Notices
- Restaurant Notices
- School Notices
- Shopping Mall Notices
- Short Messages Exercise 1
- Short Messages Exercise 2
Part 2
Part 3
- 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
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
A2 Listening and Speaking
Train your ears and your speaking too. Pick a part of the A2 Key Listening and Speaking test below for more free practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A2 Key Reading Part 4?
A2 Key (KET) Reading Part 4 is a gap-fill task. You read one short text with six gaps and choose the best word for each gap from three choices: A, B or C. It tests grammar and vocabulary.
How many questions are in Reading Part 4?
There are six gaps in Reading Part 4. For each gap you choose one word from three choices: A, B or C.
How can I get better at Reading Part 4?
Read the whole sentence before you choose, and look at the words just before and after the gap. Practise common grammar points such as prepositions, articles, verb forms and linking words like but, because and or.
Is this Firefighters exercise free?
Yes. This Firefighters Reading Part 4 exercise is completely free to use. You can also download the printable PDF and listen to the audio while you read.
Links
Cambridge English qualifications test real-life communication skills, making them ideal for students who need English for work, study, or travel.