A2 Key for Schools key terms

A question that gives you three pictures or three short answers, and you must choose the one that is correct. You usually hear the question twice in the listening test.

A task where a word or short phrase is missing from a sentence, a note or a message. You write the missing word so the text makes sense again.

A reply of only one, two or three words, often a name, a number, a time or a place. In the listening test you copy it onto the answer line.

One of the possible answers you can choose in a multiple-choice task. Only one option is correct; the others are there to trick you.

A wrong answer that sounds or looks possible but is not correct. It often uses a word from the recording so you think it is right.

A reading task where you decide if a sentence about a text is correct or not correct. You may also have to say if the text does not tell you.

The most important point of a short text or talk. Understanding the main idea helps you answer questions about what the writer or speaker wants to say.

Reading quickly to find one piece of information, such as a time, a price or a name. You do not read every word carefully when you scan.

Reading a text very quickly to get a general idea of what it is about. You look at titles, first sentences and key words, not every detail.

A task where you join two things that go together, for example a person and the food they want, or a notice and the place where you see it.

A short public message, often on a sign or a door, that tells people something. Examples are opening times, rules and warnings.

A word or picture on a board that gives information or a rule, such as 'No entry' or 'Swimming pool this way'. You often match signs to their meaning.

A short written text from one person to another, for example a note, an email or a text on a phone. It usually has a reason and a reply.

A message you send to someone using the internet. In the writing test you may write a short email to a friend to give news or make a plan.

A message that asks someone to come to an event, such as a party or a meal. It usually says what, when and where, and asks for a reply.

A small card with a picture on one side that you send by post. You write a short message and an address on the other side.

A short piece of writing about people and events, with a beginning, a middle and an end. In the writing test you may write about something that happened.

A group of sentences about one idea. Starting a new paragraph makes a piece of writing easier to read.

A word such as 'and', 'but', 'because' or 'then' that joins ideas and shows how they are connected. It makes your writing clearer.

The marks you use in writing, such as full stops, question marks, commas and capital letters. Good punctuation helps the reader understand you.

Writing the letters of a word in the correct order. In the listening test, a misspelled word can lose you a mark, so check names and places carefully.

The verb form used to talk about finished actions in the past, for example 'I played', 'she went' and 'we didn't see'. You need it to tell a story.

The verb form used for habits, facts and regular events, for example 'I get up at seven' or 'she likes music'. It is very common in short messages.

A small word such as 'at', 'on' or 'in' used before a time. We say 'at 6 o'clock', 'on Monday' and 'in July'.

Words that say when something happens, such as 'tomorrow', 'last week', 'at the weekend' or 'next Friday'. They are often the answer in listening tasks.

A word or figure that shows how many or which one, such as 'fifteen', '30' or 'second'. In listening you often write a number for a price, time or phone number.

A small drawing or photo in a question that shows a person, place or object. You look at it while you listen and choose the picture that matches.

A short spoken or written message that gives information to many people, for example at a station or a school. It often gives a time, a place or a change.

A talk between two or more people. In the listening test you hear short conversations and answer questions about what the people say or plan.

A person who is talking. Questions often ask what a speaker wants, where a speaker is or what a speaker will do next.

Hearing a recording a second time. Use the first listening to get the general idea and the second to check your answers and spelling.

The way people in a conversation take turns to speak, and how they show they have finished or want to start. Good turn-taking keeps a talk going.

A question you ask after someone's answer to get more information, for example 'Why?' or 'Where did you go?'. It shows you are listening.

The way you say words, including sounds, stress and rhythm. Clear pronunciation helps the examiner understand you in the speaking test.

The extra force you put on one part of a word or sentence, making it sound stronger. For example, 'TEAcher' has stress on the first part.

The way your voice goes up and down when you speak. It shows if you are asking a question, finishing a sentence or showing surprise.

The ability to speak without long pauses and without stopping to search for every word. It does not mean speaking fast; it means speaking smoothly.

A speaking task where you pretend to be in a situation, such as buying a ticket, and the examiner plays the other person. You ask and answer questions.

Basic facts about you, such as your name, age, school, family and hobbies. Speaking tests often begin with simple questions about these topics.