Short Conversations Set 1
Five short conversations — listen and choose the correct picture.
Listening Part 1
Improve your English listening skills at an A2 level by identifying key information in five short conversations. Listen carefully and choose the correct picture that matches each dialogue. This A2 Key Listening Part 1 activity helps you prepare for English exams and build real-life listening confidence.
- ⏱️ Short Conversations Set 1 takes 10–15 minutes
- 💡 Identify key information in five short dialogues and choose the correct picture
- 📶 A2 — the developing stages of learning English
Key Vocabulary
- volcano model — a small model of a volcano, often made for a school science project
- horse shelter — a place that looks after horses that need a home
- return ticket — a ticket to travel somewhere and come back again
- child discount — a lower price for children
- fare — the money you pay to travel by bus, train or taxi
Useful Language
Telling the time: It’s a quarter past four. · The class begins at 4:45. · The class ends at five thirty.
Talking about money: The fare is twelve pounds fifty. · You get a child discount.
Making and changing plans: I’d love to, but… · Next time, then? · I’ve already committed to…
Exam Tip
Listen to the whole conversation before you choose. The first time, price or plan you hear is often not the answer — people change their minds or correct themselves.
Practise the key words and phrases from this lesson.
Part 1: Short Conversations Set 1
For each question, choose the correct answer.
1. What’s Tom going to do tonight?
F Are you coming to the concert tonight, Tom?
M I really want to, but I won’t be able to make it. I promised my little brother I’d help him with his maths homework, as it’s due tomorrow morning.
F That’s good of you. How’s your project going?
M I still need to finish the volcano model, but I can work on it tomorrow.
Now listen again. Repeat.
2. What time does the swimming class start?
F What time is it now, David?
M It’s a quarter past four. Why do you ask?
F I thought the swimming class started at 4:30 today, but I checked my schedule and it actually begins at 4:45.
M You’d better hurry then! The pool is a ten-minute walk from here, and the class ends at five thirty.
Now listen again. Repeat.
3. What will Emma do on Sunday?
M I’m going hiking in the mountains this Sunday, Emma. The weather forecast looks perfect for it.
F That sounds amazing! I’d love to join you, but I’ve already committed to helping at the horse shelter that day. I volunteer there every other weekend.
M That’s really nice of you. Next time, then?
F Definitely! Why don’t you ask Sarah? I know she often goes swimming with me on Sundays, but she recently mentioned wanting to go hiking.
Now listen again. Repeat.
4. How much will the boy pay for his train ticket?
F Are you taking the train to visit your cousin this weekend?
M Yes, but I’m worried about the cost. How much do you think a return ticket will be?
F Well, let me check online. The regular adult fare is twelve pounds fifty, but since you’re under sixteen, you get a child discount. That makes it eight pounds twenty.
M Great! I’ve saved up exactly ten pounds, so I’ll have some money left over for snacks.
Now listen again. Repeat.
5. Who will pick up Sarah from the train station?
M How are you getting home from the train station tomorrow, Sarah?
F My dad was supposed to pick me up, but he had to work late. Luckily, my aunt offered to pick me up instead since she lives close to the station.
M That’s convenient.
F Yes, and she suggested we stop by my grandpa’s house downtown before going home. I haven’t seen him for a while.
Now listen again. Repeat.
That is the end of A2 Key Listening Part 1.
A2 Practice
We provide targeted listening and speaking exercises to help students prepare for A2 Listening Part 1 of the Cambridge A2 Key (KET) exam. These interactive activities are designed to build confidence, improve comprehension, and develop essential skills for success in Part 1 of the A2 Listening Test. Practise now and get ready for test day with real-life topics and engaging tasks.
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.
A2 Success
We regularly update our website with new A2 Listening Part 1 activities, as well as reading and writing exercises to support your learning. Bookmark our site and return anytime to keep improving your English — whether you are at home, at school, or on the go!
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.
Links
Cambridge English exams help learners at every stage of their language journey. From A2 Key (Elementary level) to B2 First (Upper-Intermediate level), these internationally recognised tests provide proof of English language ability in real-life situations. Whether you are preparing for work, study, or travel, Cambridge exams are designed to assess your English skills in practical and meaningful contexts.