All About Otters
Read about otters and how they live, and choose the best word for each of the six gaps.
Reading Part 4
In this exercise you read a short text about otters and how they live, 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
- otter — a small brown animal that lives near rivers and swims very well
- river — a long line of water that flows across the land to the sea
- thick — (of fur or hair) growing closely together, so it is not thin
- insect — a very small animal with six legs, such as a fly or an ant
- several — more than two but not very many (otters can stay underwater for several minutes)
Useful Language
- Prepositions of place — near, at, in: near means “close to” (they live near rivers).
- a / an — use an before a vowel sound (an hour, an otter).
- Present simple — s — add -s for he/she/it (this keeps them warm).
- for + time — for a period of time (for several minutes, for two hours).
- few vs little — use few for things you can count (few otters); little for things you can’t.
- Linking words — because, when, after: because gives a reason.
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: near means “close to”; use an before a vowel sound (an hour); add -s for he/she/it (this keeps); use for with a period of time; use few for things you can count; and because gives a reason.
Drag the words into the correct gaps to complete the sentences about otters.
🗣️ Speaking
- Talk about your favourite wild animal. Where does it live and what does it eat?
- Should we do more to protect animals and clean rivers? Why or why not?
- Describe an animal you have seen in real life. What was it doing?
✍️ Writing
- Write a short note (25–35 words) to a friend about a wild animal you like. Say where it lives and one interesting fact.
- Write five sentences about otters using the key words from this page.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
- Find three more words connected with rivers and wildlife (for example: fish, bank, swim).
- 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, present simple verbs and linking words like because and when.
Is this otters exercise free?
Yes. This otters 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.