The Night Shift
Read about working the night shift and why it is hard, and choose the best word for each of the six gaps.
Reading Part 4
In this exercise you read a short text about the night shift and why working at night is hard, 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
- night shift — a period of work that takes place during the night
- active — busy and doing things; not resting
- concentrate — to give all your attention to one thing
- stress — a worried, nervous feeling caused by a difficult situation
- society — all the people who live together in a country or the world
Useful Language
- Prepositions of time — at night, in the day, on Monday.
- an effect on — something has an effect on your health.
- such as — we use such as to give examples (services such as hotels).
- Relative words — when for a time, where for a place, who for a person.
- a / an / the — use the for one particular thing (the opposite cycle).
- keep up with — to move or change fast enough to stay level with something.
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: we say at night; something has an effect on your health; such as introduces examples; use when for a time (the time when…); use the for one particular thing; and keep up with means “stay level with”.
Drag the words into the correct gaps to complete the sentences about the night shift.
🗣️ Speaking
- Are you a “morning person” or a “night person”? When do you work best?
- Which jobs need people to work at night? Why are they important?
- What do you do to relax when you feel stressed or tired?
✍️ Writing
- Write a short note (25–35 words) to a friend about your daily routine. Say when you get up, work and sleep.
- Write five sentences about the night shift using the key words from this page.
🔎 Vocabulary challenge
- Find three more words connected with work and time (for example: schedule, overtime, routine).
- 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, relative words and phrases like such as and keep up with.
Is this night shift exercise free?
Yes. This night shift 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.