LanguageCert A2 Access key terms

Details about you such as your name, age, address, phone number and nationality. Forms at A2 often ask you to write these details clearly in the correct box.

A document with spaces or boxes where you write answers. In A2 writing you often complete a form with personal details or short answers about yourself.

A large letter such as A, B or C, used at the start of names, days, months, countries and sentences. Writing names with capitals is expected in A2 tasks.

Marks like full stops, question marks and commas that show where sentences end and how they are read. Correct basic punctuation helps examiners understand your writing.

Writing the letters of a word in the correct order. At A2 you should spell common everyday words correctly and be able to spell your own name aloud.

A group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete idea. A2 writing tasks usually ask for short, clear sentences rather than long complicated ones.

A short block of sentences about one idea, starting on a new line. Short paragraphs make messages and informal emails easier to read.

A friendly message to a friend or family member, often starting with 'Hi' and ending with 'See you soon'. A2 writing often includes a short email of about 30 to 50 words.

The words you use at the start of a message, such as 'Dear Anna' or 'Hi Tom'. The greeting should match how well you know the person.

The words you use to end a message, such as 'Best wishes' or 'See you soon', followed by your name. A suitable closing finishes an email politely.

A small card you send by post with a short message and a stamp. A2 writing tasks sometimes ask you to write a few lines to a friend on holiday.

The details of where someone lives or where a building is, such as street name, number, town and postcode. You write an address on forms, envelopes and postcards.

A very short written message, often left for someone at home or work, for example to say where you have gone. Notes are usually only one or two sentences.

Information you write or say to another person. In reading and writing tasks a message may be a text, a note or a short email asking or giving simple information.

A short public sign or announcement giving information, such as opening times or a warning. A2 reading often asks you to find the main point of a short notice.

A board or label with words or pictures that gives information or instructions, for example 'No parking' or 'Exit'. Signs are common in A2 reading tasks.

Words that tell you what to do, such as 'Write your name' or 'Choose the correct answer'. Reading the instructions carefully is essential in every part of the exam.

The most important point that a text, notice or conversation is about. A2 reading questions often ask you to choose the best summary of the main idea.

A small piece of specific information in a text, such as a time, price or name. Some reading questions ask you to find a particular detail quickly.

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, like a date or a price, without reading every word. It saves time in reading tasks with short texts.

Reading a text quickly to understand its general topic before reading it carefully. It helps you predict what a text is about and answer main-idea questions.

A question with several possible answers where you choose the correct one, often A, B or C. This question type appears in both reading and listening parts of the exam.

A task where you complete a sentence or short text by writing a missing word or phrase in a space. It tests vocabulary and simple grammar in context.

The maximum number of words you may write in a task, such as 25 to 35 words. Staying within the limit keeps your answer focused and avoids losing marks.

To say your name, where you are from and perhaps your job or hobbies when you meet someone. This is a common opening task in the speaking test.

Short, friendly conversation about simple everyday topics such as weather, family or weekend plans. It helps you keep a speaking conversation going naturally.

A question you ask after someone answers, to get more information, such as 'Why?' or 'When?'. Asking one shows you can keep a conversation going.

The way speakers take turns in a conversation, listening while the other person speaks and then replying. Good turn-taking makes a speaking exchange feel natural.

To start speaking before another person has finished. In the speaking test it is better to wait for a short pause than to interrupt the examiner.

A short moment of silence between words or sentences when you speak. Short pauses are normal and help you think of the next word.

A short stop or sound like 'um' when you are not sure what to say next. A little hesitation is normal, but too much can make you harder to understand.

The ability to speak at a steady speed with few long stops, so the listener can follow easily. At A2, simple sentences spoken clearly count as good fluency.

The way you say words, including sounds and stress, so that listeners understand you. Clear pronunciation of everyday words matters more than a perfect accent.

The extra force you put on one part of a word or sentence, for example the first syllable in 'TAble'. Correct word stress helps listeners recognise what you say.

The way your voice rises and falls when you speak. A rising voice often shows a question and a falling voice often shows a statement.

To explain something again in a simpler way, or to ask someone to repeat or explain. It is useful when you did not understand a question in the speaking test.

To say something again. If you miss a question, you can politely ask the examiner to repeat it, for example 'Sorry, could you say that again?'

To say the same idea using different words, especially when you do not know an exact word. It keeps your speaking going instead of stopping completely.

A speaking task where you and the examiner act out a situation, such as buying a ticket or asking for information. You usually need to ask and answer simple questions.