Short Messages
Read six short messages and choose the sentence that matches the meaning.
Reading Part 1
Read six short real-world texts — emails, notices, signs and messages — for the main message. This is Short Messages Exercise 1 for A2 Key Reading Part 1, part of the Cambridge Assessment English A2 Key (KET) examination, which tests your ability to read for the main message.
There are six short emails, notices, signs or messages, each with three sentences. Choose the sentence that matches the meaning of the message.
- ⏱️ Takes about 20–30 minutes
- 💡 Read short messages for the main idea
- 📶 A2 — elementary level
Key Words
- delayed — late; happening later than planned
- fine — money you must pay as a punishment, for example for a late library book
- due date — the day by which you must return something
- valid — able to be used (for example, an offer that is valid until Sunday)
- resume — to start again after stopping
Useful Language
In messages: can’t make it · can we meet instead? · sorry for any inconvenience
Offers and rules: buy 2, get 1 free · valid until Sunday · a fine of £2 per day
Reading for meaning: “closed for cleaning today” = you cannot swim today · “free parking at weekends” = you do not pay at weekends
Exam Tip
You will sometimes see the same word in the question and in one of the messages — be careful, that does not mean you have found the answer. First understand what the question is asking, then find the message that means the same thing using different words (a paraphrase).
Drag the words into the correct gaps to practise the key language from this lesson.
🗣️ Speaking practice
Talk about messages and plans.
- 📱 Who do you message most? What do you write about?
- ⏰ Tell a partner about a time you were late. What happened?
- ❓ Ask a partner about a special offer they have seen in a shop.
✍️ Writing practice
Write a short message to a friend (25 words or more) to change a plan, like Tom’s message.
- 📝 Say why you need to change it.
- 🕗 Suggest a new time or place.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
Write your own sentence for each word.
- ⏰ delayed
- 💷 fine
- 🎁 offer
- 📅 due date
Top Tips
A2 Reading and Writing
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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.
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.