New Books
Read about three new books and match each question to the correct one.
Reading Part 2
Practise for A2 Key Reading Part 2 with this interactive exercise, which focuses on new books. Read three short texts that each summarise a new book, then answer seven questions by matching each one to the correct text.
This activity builds your reading-comprehension and matching skills, as required in Part 2 of the Cambridge English A2 Key exam. It is perfect for elementary learners preparing for the test.
- ⏱️ Takes about 20–30 minutes
- 💡 Match seven questions to three short texts
- 📶 A2 — elementary level
Audio: listen to the three texts as you read.
Key Words
- writer — a person who writes books (an author)
- nurse — a person who looks after ill people in a hospital
- carpenter — a person who makes things from wood, such as tables and chairs
- medicine — the study of how to treat illness (what doctors learn)
- dream — something you really hope to do or be
Useful Language
Talking about books: a writer’s first book · her tenth story · he wrote it this year
People’s jobs and hopes: she is a nurse · he works as a carpenter · her dream is to be a doctor
Matching language: the same idea is often written in different words (“studies English in Manchester” = a student · “they do not have any money” = very poor)
Exam Tip
Read all three texts first. For each question, find the book whose text means the same thing — the words are usually different (“works in a hospital” matches “works with doctors”). Notice whether a question is about the book or about the writer.
Drag the words into the correct gaps to practise the key language from this lesson.
🗣️ Speaking practice
Talk about books and dreams.
- 📖 What kind of books do you like to read? Why?
- 🎬 Tell a partner about a book or film you enjoyed.
- ❓ Ask a partner what their dream job is.
✍️ Writing practice
Write a short summary (25 words or more) of a book or film you know, like the three texts in this exercise.
- 📝 Say who is in it and where it happens.
- 🌟 Say why you like it.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
Write your own sentence for each word.
- ✍️ writer
- 👩⚕️ nurse
- 🪚 carpenter
- 🌟 dream
Top Tips
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 2?
In Part 2 of the Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Reading test, you read three short texts on the same topic and answer seven questions by matching each one to the correct text. This free exercise focuses on three new books.
How many questions are in this exercise?
There are seven questions. You read three short texts about new books and decide which one each question is about.
Is this A2 Key Reading practice free?
Yes. The New Books 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.