A2 Key (KET) Practice Paper 39

Listening

No audio recorded for this one yet — read the conversation below, then answer. A2 Key Listening Mock Exam - Renting a Community Garden Plot

alice: Hello, I'd like some information about renting a plot in the community garden. george: Of course. We currently have a few small plots available, each about three metres by two metres. alice: That sounds like a good size for me. What is the annual fee? george: The fee is fifteen pounds a year, which covers water access and shared tools. alice: That's very reasonable. Do I need to bring my own seeds and plants? george: Yes, although other gardeners often share extra seeds and seedlings for free. alice: Wonderful. Is there anyone who can give advice to beginners? george: Yes, we have a few experienced gardeners who are always happy to help newcomers. alice: That's reassuring. When can I start using a plot? george: You can start this weekend — I'll show you the available plots now if you'd like.

1. What size are the available plots?

A) Two metres by two metres B) Three metres by two metres C) Four metres by three metres D) Five metres by three metres

2. How much is the annual fee?

A) Ten pounds B) Fifteen pounds C) Twenty pounds D) Twenty-five pounds

3. What does the fee cover?

A) Only the plot itself B) Water access and shared tools C) Seeds and plants D) Nothing extra

4. How can Alice get seeds?

A) She must buy them all B) Other gardeners often share seeds for free C) The garden provides them free D) She cannot get seeds there

5. When can Alice start using a plot?

A) Next month B) This weekend C) In one week D) Next year

Reading

Renata's neighbourhood recently opened a small community garden on a piece of unused land behind the local school. Residents can rent a small plot for a low annual fee and grow whatever vegetables or flowers they like. Renata decided to grow tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, since her balcony at home does not get enough sunlight for a proper garden. Working in the community garden has also allowed her to meet several neighbours she had never spoken to before, despite living in the same building for three years. Every Sunday, gardeners gather informally to share tips, swap seeds, and sometimes exchange extra vegetables when their plants produce more than they need. Renata says the garden has made her feel much more connected to her local community than she ever expected.

1. Where is the new community garden located?

A) In a park B) On unused land behind the local school C) In Renata's building D) Next to a supermarket

2. How can residents use the garden?

A) For free with no conditions B) By renting a small plot for a low annual fee C) Only with special permission from the council D) Only on weekends

3. Why did Renata want to grow vegetables in the community garden?

A) She has no interest in gardening B) Her balcony does not get enough sunlight C) She wanted to sell vegetables D) Her garden at home is too small

4. What has gardening allowed Renata to do?

A) Save money on food B) Meet neighbours she had never spoken to before C) Move to a bigger flat D) Start a business

5. What happens every Sunday?

A) The garden closes B) Gardeners gather to share tips and swap seeds C) New plots are given out D) A market is held

Real-life notices

Read each notice. Which sentence (A, B or C) is closest in meaning?

PLEASE RETURN TRAYS TO THE COUNTER

A) Trays should stay on the table. B) Customers should bring their tray back to the counter when finished. C) Trays are not provided in this restaurant.

LIFT OUT OF ORDER — PLEASE USE STAIRS

A) The lift is working normally. B) You cannot use the lift, so use the stairs instead. C) The stairs are closed today.

DOORS CLOSE 2 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE

A) The doors stay open until the train leaves. B) The doors shut a short time before the train leaves. C) The doors are always open.

PLEASE SWITCH OFF YOUR PHONE DURING THE PERFORMANCE

A) Phones should stay on quietly during the show. B) Phones must be turned off while the show is on. C) Phones are not allowed in the building at all.

WET FLOOR — PLEASE WALK CAREFULLY

A) The floor has just been cleaned and could be slippery. B) The floor is very dry today. C) You should run to avoid getting wet.

Use of English

Community gardens ___1___ increasingly common in cities where many residents live in flats without private outdoor space. When a similar garden ___2___ near my apartment last spring, I decided to rent a small plot immediately. I ___3___ never gardened before, so I asked an experienced neighbour, Mr Petrov, for advice. He ___4___ me which vegetables would grow best in our climate and soil type. Within a few months, my plot ___5___ tomatoes, courgettes, and several herbs that I now use in my cooking regularly. I ___6___ several neighbours through the garden, some of whom I now consider close friends. Every weekend, several of us ___7___ together to water our plots and chat about our progress. I now ___8___ that joining the community garden was one of the best decisions I made last year.

1. Gap 1: What has happened to community gardens?

A) become B) has become C) becomes D) becoming

2. Gap 2: What happened near the apartment last spring?

A) open B) opened C) opens D) opening

3. Gap 3: What had the writer never done?

A) have B) had C) has D) having

4. Gap 4: What did Mr Petrov advise?

A) tell B) told C) tells D) telling

5. Gap 5: What had the plot produced within months?

A) produce B) produced C) had produced D) producing

6. Gap 6: What did the writer do through the garden?

A) meet B) met C) meets D) meeting

7. Gap 7: What do several people do every weekend?

A) come B) came C) comes D) coming

8. Gap 8: What does the writer believe now?

A) believe B) believes C) believed D) believing

Writing

Write an email to a friend (80-100 words) about a community activity or space, such as a garden, club, or event, that has helped you meet new people. Describe what it is and how it has affected you.