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LanguageCert A2 Access study materials
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LanguageCert A2 Access practice questions

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Question 1Written

A hotel guest writes: 'I am writing to ask about the price of a double room for two nights.' Which part of this sentence states the purpose of the message?

  1. for two nights
  2. I am writing to ask about the price Correct answer.
  3. a double room
  4. A hotel guest writes

Explanation

In formal written messages, the opening phrase 'I am writing to...' introduces the reason for writing, so it carries the purpose. The other parts give details (room type, duration) or describe the situation, not the aim of the message.

Question 2Written

Read this short email: 'Hi Sam, Sorry, I can't come to the cinema tonight. I have a bad cold. Can we go on Friday instead? Anna.' What is Anna's main reason for writing?

  1. To cancel a plan and suggest a new day Correct answer.
  2. To thank Sam for a present
  3. To invite Sam to her house
  4. To describe her favourite films

Explanation

Anna apologises, explains she cannot come, and asks about Friday, so she is cancelling and proposing another time. There is no mention of films, her house, or a present, so those readings are not supported by the text.

Question 3Written

A sign in a shop window says: 'Closed for stocktaking on Monday. Open again Tuesday at 9 a.m.' A customer reads this on Sunday. When can the customer shop there?

  1. On Monday all day
  2. On Sunday afternoon
  3. On Monday morning only
  4. On Tuesday from 9 a.m. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sign states the shop is closed on Monday and reopens Tuesday at 9 a.m., so Tuesday from 9 a.m. is the first available time. Monday is closed all day, and the sign gives no Sunday opening information.

Question 4Written

Choose the sentence that is most appropriate for the opening line of a formal email to a language school.

  1. Hey, what's up with your evening courses?
  2. I am writing to ask about your evening courses. Correct answer.
  3. So, tell me about the evening courses, yeah?
  4. Evening courses. Info. Now.

Explanation

A formal email opens with a complete, polite sentence that clearly states the reason for writing. The other options use slang, imperatives, or fragments that suit informal chat or notes, not a first contact with an institution.

Question 5Written

A note on an office door reads: 'Meeting in progress. Please do not disturb until 3 p.m.' What should a visitor do at 2 p.m.?

  1. Wait and come back after 3 p.m. Correct answer.
  2. Leave a message under the door
  3. Knock and enter the room
  4. Come back the next day

Explanation

The note asks people not to disturb the meeting until 3 p.m., so a visitor arriving at 2 p.m. should wait until after that time. Knocking, pushing notes under the door, or returning the next day goes beyond what the instruction asks.

Question 6Written

Which word correctly completes this message? 'Dear Mr Patel, I would like to ___ for the delay in sending your order.'

  1. apologising
  2. apologetic
  3. apologise Correct answer.
  4. apology

Explanation

After 'would like to' we need the base form of a verb, and 'apologise' is the verb meaning to say sorry. 'Apology' is a noun, 'apologetic' is an adjective, and 'apologising' is an -ing form that cannot follow 'to' here.

Question 7Written

A form asks for 'Surname' and 'Forename'. A woman called Maria Lopez fills it in. Which entry is correct?

  1. Surname: Lopez Maria Forename: blank
  2. Surname: Maria Forename: Lopez
  3. Surname: M. Lopez Forename: Maria
  4. Surname: Lopez Forename: Maria Correct answer.

Explanation

'Surname' means family name and 'forename' means first or given name, so Lopez goes under surname and Maria under forename. Reversing them or mixing full names into one box does not match what each field asks for.

Question 8Written

Which sentence best closes a short informal message to a friend?

  1. Yours faithfully,
  2. See you soon! Correct answer.
  3. I remain at your disposal.
  4. Kindly await further communication.

Explanation

Informal messages to friends end with friendly, casual phrases, and 'See you soon!' fits that register. The other closings belong to formal or business correspondence and would sound strange between friends.

Question 9Written

Read this text: 'The new sports centre opens next month. It has a swimming pool, two tennis courts and a cafe. Membership costs £20 a month for adults and £10 for students.' Which detail is given about the sports centre?

  1. The number of parking spaces
  2. The opening hours each day
  3. The monthly cost for students Correct answer.
  4. The name of the manager

Explanation

The text states that student membership is £10 a month, so the student price is the detail actually given. The manager's name, parking, and daily opening hours are never mentioned, so they cannot be confirmed from the text.

Question 10Written

A colleague writes: 'Could you send me the report by Thursday? I need it for the Friday meeting.' What is the writer asking for?

  1. The report before the Friday meeting Correct answer.
  2. A meeting on Thursday
  3. A new report about Friday
  4. Permission to miss the meeting

Explanation

The request is for the report by Thursday because it is needed for Friday's meeting, so the report is needed before the meeting. The message does not ask to change the meeting, request a new topic, or ask for absence.

Question 11Written

Which sentence uses the correct punctuation in a formal written message?

  1. Please confirm your booking, by Friday, 12 May.
  2. Please confirm your booking by Friday, 12 May. Correct answer.
  3. Please confirm, your booking by Friday 12 May.
  4. Please confirm your booking by Friday 12, May.

Explanation

In British style, a comma separates the day of the week from the date, giving 'Friday, 12 May'. Placing the comma inside the date, after the verb, or around the preposition breaks the normal pattern of the sentence.

Question 12Written

A student writes to a landlord: 'I would like to report a problem with the heating in my flat. It has not worked since Monday.' Which sentence would best follow to keep the message polite and clear?

  1. You must come today or I stop paying.
  2. Why is the heating always broken?
  3. Could you arrange for someone to repair it this week? Correct answer.
  4. Fix it now.

Explanation

A polite request with a clear timeframe keeps a formal complaint appropriate and effective. The other sentences are aggressive, vague, or threatening, which does not suit a written report of a problem to a landlord.

Question 13Written

Choose the best linking word: 'The course was expensive. ___, it was very useful and I would recommend it.'

  1. Because
  2. However Correct answer.
  3. So
  4. For example

Explanation

The second sentence contrasts a positive point with the negative one before it, and 'However' signals contrast. 'Because' and 'So' show cause or result, and 'For example' introduces an illustration, none of which fits the contrast here.

Question 14Written

Read this notice: 'Library books must be returned by the date shown on the label. Late returns are charged at 20p per day.' A book is three days late. What does the reader have to pay?

  1. 20p
  2. Three books
  3. Nothing
  4. 60p Correct answer.

Explanation

The charge is 20p for each late day, so three days late means 3 × 20p = 60p. Paying 20p would cover only one day, and the notice clearly states that late returns are charged.

Question 15Written

Which sentence is the most suitable subject line for an email asking a hotel about a booking?

  1. Booking enquiry: 12-14 June Correct answer.
  2. Hello
  3. Important!!!
  4. I have a question

Explanation

A good subject line tells the reader the topic and key details at a glance, so 'Booking enquiry: 12-14 June' works well. Greetings, vague phrases, and exclamation marks give no useful information about the message.

Question 16Written

A form asks: 'Marital status: single / married / divorced / widowed'. A man's wife died two years ago. Which box should he choose?

  1. Married
  2. Divorced
  3. Widowed Correct answer.
  4. Single

Explanation

'Widowed' describes a person whose spouse has died, so it is the correct category here. 'Divorced' means a legal marriage has ended, 'single' means never married, and 'married' means currently having a living spouse.

Question 17Written

Which sentence correctly completes this formal message? 'I look forward to ___ from you.'

  1. hears
  2. hearing Correct answer.
  3. heard
  4. hear

Explanation

The phrase 'look forward to' is followed by a noun or an -ing form, so 'hearing' is correct. The base form, past form, and third-person form do not fit after the preposition 'to' in this fixed expression.

Question 18Written

Read this message: 'Thanks for your email. Unfortunately, the concert on Saturday is sold out. We have added a second show on Sunday at the same time.' What is the writer telling the reader?

  1. The Saturday time has changed
  2. Saturday is full but Sunday is available Correct answer.
  3. Both shows are cancelled
  4. Sunday is sold out too

Explanation

The message says Saturday is sold out and a second show has been added on Sunday, so Sunday offers an alternative. Nothing is cancelled, Sunday is newly added rather than full, and Saturday's time is unchanged.

Question 19Written

A candidate writes on a job application form: 'I am interested in this post ___ I have five years' experience in customer service.' Which word best fills the gap?

  1. although
  2. because Correct answer.
  3. so that
  4. unless

Explanation

The second clause gives a reason for the interest, so 'because' links the idea correctly. 'Although' would signal contrast, 'unless' a condition, and 'so that' a purpose, none of which matches the cause-and-effect meaning here.

Question 20Written

A text message reads: 'Can't make it 2nite, sorry. C u tmrw?' Which statement about this message is correct?

  1. It contains a spelling error that makes it unclear.
  2. It uses informal shortened spelling suitable for a friend. Correct answer.
  3. It is a notice for a public place.
  4. It is written in formal business English.

Explanation

Forms like '2nite', 'c u' and 'tmrw' are informal shortenings common in messages between friends. They are not formal business English, they are still understandable, and a personal text is not a public notice.

Question 21Written

Read this paragraph: 'The museum is free for children under 12. Adults pay £8. On Sundays, entry is half price for everyone.' An adult visits alone on Sunday. How much does she pay?

  1. Nothing
  2. £2
  3. £4 Correct answer.
  4. £8

Explanation

The normal adult price is £8, and on Sundays entry is half price for everyone, so she pays £4. Paying £8 ignores the Sunday discount, £2 is a quarter of the price, and adults are not free.

Question 22Written

A writer wants to complain formally about a delayed delivery. Which opening sentence is best?

  1. I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the late delivery of my order. Correct answer.
  2. My order came late, lol.
  3. Late again! What is wrong with you?
  4. Your delivery was late and I'm really annoyed.

Explanation

A formal complaint opens with a complete sentence that names the problem in neutral, polite language. The other openings are emotional, aggressive, or use slang, which weakens a written complaint and does not suit formal correspondence.

Question 23Written

Read this email: 'Dear Ms Hill, Thank you for your application. We would like to invite you to an interview on 3 March at 10 a.m. Please confirm that this time is convenient.' What must Ms Hill do?

  1. Reply to say whether the time is suitable Correct answer.
  2. Ask for a different job
  3. Arrive for an interview without replying
  4. Send her application again

Explanation

The email asks her to confirm that the interview time is convenient, so she should reply about her availability. The invitation is not a confirmed appointment until she answers, and nothing asks for a new application or a different post.

Question 24Written

Which sentence best combines these two ideas in a formal message? Idea 1: The item arrived damaged. Idea 2: I would like a refund.

  1. As the item arrived damaged, I would like a refund. Correct answer.
  2. The item arrived damaged but I would like a refund.
  3. I would like a refund, for example the item arrived damaged.
  4. The item arrived damaged, so give me a refund now.

Explanation

'As' introduces the reason politely and links the damage to the request in one formal sentence. The imperative version is rude, 'but' wrongly signals contrast, and 'for example' does not express a cause.

Question 25Written

A notice says: 'Patients are asked to arrive 15 minutes before their appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may need to rebook.' A patient has an appointment at 11:00 and arrives at 11:12. What does the notice suggest?

  1. She should arrive 15 minutes early next time
  2. She must pay a late fee
  3. She will be seen immediately
  4. She may have to book another appointment Correct answer.

Explanation

Arriving at 11:12 is 12 minutes after the 11:00 appointment, which is more than 10 minutes late, so the notice says she may need to rebook. The other options add rules about fees, immediate service, or future arrival that the notice does not state.

Question 26Written

A written message to a company begins: 'I am writing to ___ about a problem with my order.' Which word completes the message most naturally?

  1. complain Correct answer.
  2. complaint
  3. complained
  4. complaining

Explanation

After 'to' in an infinitive of purpose, the base form of the verb is needed, so 'to complain' is correct. 'Complaint' is a noun and cannot follow 'to' in this pattern. The -ing and -ed forms also cannot follow 'to' here.

Question 27Written

A hotel guest writes: 'The room was very clean and the staff were friendly. ___, the noise from the street was a problem.' Which linking word fits the gap best?

  1. However Correct answer.
  2. So
  3. For example
  4. Because

Explanation

The second sentence contrasts a positive point with a negative one, and 'However' signals contrast. 'Because' introduces a reason, 'so' introduces a result, and 'For example' introduces an illustration, none of which matches the contrast here.

Question 28Written

An email to a new colleague opens: 'Dear Mr Okafor, I am pleased to ___ you to the team.' Which word completes the sentence?

  1. welcome Correct answer.
  2. welcoming
  3. welcomed
  4. welcomes

Explanation

After 'to' in the infinitive structure 'pleased to ___', the base form of the verb is required. 'Welcomes' is a third-person present form, 'welcoming' is an -ing form, and 'welcomed' is a past form, so none fits after 'to'.

Question 29Written

A booking form asks for the date of arrival in the format DD/MM/YYYY. A guest arrives on 5 March 2024. Which entry is correct?

  1. 2024/03/05
  2. 03/05/2024
  3. 05/03/2024 Correct answer.
  4. 5 March 24

Explanation

In the DD/MM/YYYY format, the day comes first, then the month, then the year, so 5 March 2024 is written 05/03/2024. Putting 03 before 05 would mean 3 May. The year-first order and the mixed word-and-number form do not match the requested format.

Question 30Written

A short note to a friend ends: 'Hope to see you at the party. ___' Which closing is most suitable for this informal note?

  1. I am writing to inform you, Sam
  2. Yours faithfully, Sam
  3. Best wishes, Sam Correct answer.
  4. Dear Sam

Explanation

'Best wishes' is a friendly closing that suits a note to a friend. 'Yours faithfully' belongs to very formal letters where the reader's name is unknown. 'Dear Sam' is an opening, not a closing, and the last option is far too formal for a note to a friend.

Question 31Written

A message says: 'Please find attached the invoice for your recent order.' What is the writer telling the reader?

  1. The invoice will be posted later.
  2. A document is included with the message. Correct answer.
  3. The reader should pay in cash.
  4. The order has been cancelled.

Explanation

'Please find attached' is a standard written phrase meaning that a file is sent together with the message. It does not refer to posting something later, cancelling an order, or a payment method. The invoice is already with the message.

Question 32Written

A form asks for the applicant's 'date of birth'. Which information should the applicant write there?

  1. The date they started their last job
  2. The day, month and year they were born Correct answer.
  3. Their mother's first name
  4. The town where they were born

Explanation

'Date of birth' asks for the calendar date on which a person was born, given as day, month and year. A birthplace would be a town, and a parent's name or a job start date answers different questions on the form.

Question 33Written

A written message says: 'The meeting has been put off until Friday.' What does this mean?

  1. The meeting started earlier than planned.
  2. The meeting will not happen at all.
  3. The meeting will now happen on Friday. Correct answer.
  4. The meeting has been cancelled.

Explanation

'Put off' means postponed, so the meeting is moved to a later time, here Friday. It does not mean cancelled or brought forward. The meeting is still planned, just at a new time.

Question 34Written

A customer writes: 'I bought a kettle in your shop on 2 June. It stopped working after two days. I would like a refund.' What is the main purpose of this message?

  1. To thank the shop for good service
  2. To ask for money back for a faulty item Correct answer.
  3. To order a new kettle
  4. To ask when the shop opens

Explanation

The writer reports a faulty product and asks for a refund, which means getting the money back. There is no new order, no thanks, and no question about opening hours. The key phrase is 'I would like a refund'.

Question 35Written

A notice reads: 'Staff must wear a name badge at all times when on the shop floor.' Which statement is correct?

  1. Staff must leave their badge in the office.
  2. Staff only need a badge at lunchtime.
  3. Staff can wear a badge if they want to.
  4. Staff have to keep their badge on while working in the shop area. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Must ... at all times' expresses a firm obligation that applies throughout working hours on the shop floor. It is not optional, is not limited to lunchtime, and does not mean leaving the badge elsewhere. The badge has to be worn while working there.

Question 36Written

A message to a landlord says: 'The tap in the bathroom has been dripping for a week. Could you arrange for someone to repair it?' Which sentence best states what the writer wants?

  1. The writer is offering to repair the tap.
  2. The writer is complaining about the rent.
  3. The writer wants the landlord to organise a repair. Correct answer.
  4. The writer wants to move to another flat.

Explanation

'Could you arrange for someone to repair it?' asks the landlord to organise a plumber or repairer. The writer is not offering to do the work, is not asking to move, and says nothing about rent. The request is specifically about fixing the tap.

Question 37Written

A job applicant writes: 'I have worked in a hotel reception for three years, ___ I speak French and Spanish fluently.' Which word fits the gap best?

  1. although
  2. and Correct answer.
  3. but
  4. so that

Explanation

'And' simply adds a second relevant piece of information about the applicant's experience and skills. 'But' would suggest a contrast that is not there, 'so that' expresses purpose, and 'although' introduces an unexpected contrast. The two facts sit together naturally.

Question 38Written

An email says: 'Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, the item you asked about is out of stock. We expect new stock next week.' What is the writer telling the customer?

  1. The item has been sent already.
  2. The item will never be available again.
  3. The item cannot be sent now but should be available soon. Correct answer.
  4. The customer ordered the wrong item.

Explanation

'Out of stock' means the item is not available at the moment, and 'we expect new stock next week' shows it should return soon. Nothing has been sent, the item is not permanently unavailable, and no ordering mistake is mentioned.

Question 39Written

A travel company writes: 'Your flight departs at 06:40. Please check in at least two hours before departure.' A passenger's flight is at 06:40. What is the latest time they should check in?

  1. 06:40
  2. 05:40
  3. 04:40 Correct answer.
  4. 08:40

Explanation

'At least two hours before departure' means check-in should happen no later than two hours before 06:40. Subtracting two hours gives 04:40. Checking in at the departure time or later would be too late, and one hour before does not meet the two-hour minimum.

Question 40Written

A formal letter to a company you have never contacted begins 'Dear Sir or Madam'. Which ending matches this opening?

  1. Yours faithfully Correct answer.
  2. Love from
  3. See you soon
  4. Yours sincerely

Explanation

In formal letter conventions, 'Dear Sir or Madam' (name unknown) pairs with 'Yours faithfully'. 'Yours sincerely' is used when the reader's name is known, and the other two closings are informal and unsuitable for a company letter.

Question 41Written

A student emails a course office: 'I would like to know whether the evening class on Tuesdays still has places available.' Which question does the student want answered?

  1. Can I still join the Tuesday evening class? Correct answer.
  2. What time does the Tuesday class finish?
  3. Where is the Tuesday class held?
  4. Who teaches the Tuesday class?

Explanation

'Whether ... still has places available' asks about free spaces on the course. The writer is not asking about the finishing time, the teacher's name, or the location. The focus is on availability for joining.

Question 42Written

A message to a colleague reads: 'I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the training session on Monday. I have a hospital appointment.' Which sentence best explains the writer's situation?

  1. The writer cannot go to the training because of a medical appointment. Correct answer.
  2. The writer will attend the training late.
  3. The writer is organising the training session.
  4. The writer wants to cancel the hospital appointment.

Explanation

'Won't be able to attend' means the writer cannot come, and the reason given is a hospital appointment. The writer is not saying they will be late, is not cancelling the appointment, and is not running the session. The message is an apology for absence.

Question 43Written

A form has a box marked 'Occupation'. A woman works as a nurse in a hospital. What should she write in the box?

  1. Night shift
  2. Full-time
  3. Nurse Correct answer.
  4. Hospital

Explanation

'Occupation' asks for a person's job, so 'Nurse' is the right entry. 'Hospital' is a workplace, 'Full-time' describes working hours, and 'Night shift' describes a working pattern. Only the job title answers the question.

Question 44Written

A library notice says: 'Items borrowed on a Friday are due back on the same day of the week two weeks later.' A book is borrowed on Friday 4 October. When is it due back?

  1. Friday 4 October
  2. Friday 18 October Correct answer.
  3. Friday 11 October
  4. Monday 14 October

Explanation

Two weeks after Friday 4 October is Friday 18 October, since the notice keeps the same day of the week. One week later would be 11 October, the borrowing day itself is too early, and a Monday does not match the stated rule.

Question 45Written

A candidate must complete a short written task: 'Write an email to a language school asking about course prices and start dates.' Which email opening is most appropriate?

  1. Dear Mum, the courses look good.
  2. Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to ask for information about your courses. Correct answer.
  3. Hiya, just wondering about your courses lol.
  4. To whom it may concern, I demand your prices immediately.

Explanation

A formal enquiry to a school needs a polite greeting, a clear statement of purpose, and neutral language. The first option does this. The second is too casual, the third addresses the wrong person, and the fourth is rude and aggressive.

Question 46Written

A restaurant reply reads: 'Thank you for booking a table for four on Saturday at 7 p.m. Please let us know if your party size changes.' What should the customer do if two more people join?

  1. Arrive without telling the restaurant.
  2. Cancel the booking completely.
  3. Ask for a different restaurant.
  4. Tell the restaurant that the number of guests has changed. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Party size' means the number of people in the group, and the restaurant asks to be told if it changes. So if two more people join, the customer should inform the restaurant. Cancelling, saying nothing, or changing restaurant does not follow the instruction.

Question 47Written

A writer wants to combine these ideas formally: 'The parcel arrived damaged. I would like a replacement.' Which sentence is best?

  1. The parcel arrived damaged, or I would like a replacement.
  2. The parcel arrived damaged, so I would like a replacement. Correct answer.
  3. The parcel arrived damaged, because I would like a replacement.
  4. The parcel arrived damaged although I would like a replacement.

Explanation

The damage is the reason for requesting a replacement, so a result linker such as 'so' expresses the relationship correctly. 'Because' reverses cause and effect, 'although' introduces an unexpected contrast, and 'or' offers an alternative that makes no sense here.

Question 48Written

An email says: 'We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful on this occasion.' What does the writer mean?

  1. The application has not been received.
  2. The applicant has got the job.
  3. The applicant must apply again today.
  4. The applicant has not been chosen this time. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Not been successful on this occasion' is a polite way of saying the applicant was not selected this time. It does not mean the job was offered, that a new application is required immediately, or that the application was lost. The decision is a polite rejection.

Question 49Written

A contract note says: 'The deposit is refundable only if cancellation is made in writing at least 14 days before arrival.' A guest cancels by phone 20 days before arrival. What is the result?

  1. The deposit may not be refunded because the cancellation was not in writing. Correct answer.
  2. The deposit is refunded because a phone call is acceptable.
  3. The deposit is doubled because of the early cancellation.
  4. The deposit must be refunded because 20 days is more than 14.

Explanation

Two conditions must both be met: written cancellation and at least 14 days' notice. The guest gave enough notice but did not cancel in writing, so the refund condition is not satisfied. The time condition alone is not sufficient, and no rule doubles the deposit.

Question 50Written

A message reads: 'Although the hotel was full, the manager found us a room in a nearby partner hotel at the same price.' Which statement is correct?

  1. The guests stayed in the original hotel at a higher price.
  2. The guests paid a higher price for a different hotel.
  3. The guests had to find a hotel themselves.
  4. The guests were given accommodation elsewhere without paying more. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Although the hotel was full' sets up a contrast with the solution that followed. The manager arranged a room in another hotel 'at the same price', so the guests did not pay more and did not have to search themselves. The original hotel could not provide the room.