Aptis reading Test: General Tips and Strategies

Grammatical range and accuracy
Your grammar should be correct and use tenses and structures relevant to the question. To achieve a 
high score, you will need to use higher-level tenses and conditional, the Passive, relative and 
participle clauses. Verbs and nouns should agree. Correct use of countable and uncountable nouns, 
articles, and determiners are also essential. 
Vocabulary range and accuracy
Using the appropriate vocabulary. You should try to use formal words such as ‘attend a meeting’ 
rather than words like ‘go to a meeting’. With the right level of formality, you are more likely to get 
the result you want (task fulfillment). Remember that formality and politeness don’t just depend on 
who you are talking to but also on what you want. For instance, you are more likely to be polite or 
formal if you want to borrow your friend’s car, than if you want to borrow their pen. 
Cohesion
The answers in these sections are longer. Therefore, your response to the question will be around 
three or four sentences for question one. Question two requires more complex sentences and you 
should aim for around six. For your answer to be cohesive you will only have to use linking words 
for contrast examples etc. Sequence words like Firstly, secondly, finally etc. Pronouns, and other 
referencing words like these/those/that/this. 
Tackling the question
The key to writing a good answer is planning. You should not start writing straight away. This won’t 
save you time because you will have to keep stopping to think as you are writing. And your writing 
may seem disorganised if it is not planned. 
You can use the same ideas in both pieces of writing, but you must not use the same words if you 
want a high mark. 
When you read the situational part of the question there doesn’t seem much to write about. However, 
the writer (Mr Price) is not coming to give a talk but he still wants to sell the unsigned book for 
£25.00. It may be difficult to write 150 words if you agree with this situation and so your best option 
is to disagree. 
Writing Plan
• Explain the situation. 
• I (don’t) feel 
Disappointed he’s not coming. 
Surprised he still wants £25 for an unsigned book. 
• I (don’t) want to 
Buy the book for £25 
The book sold to the other members. 
• I suggest 
There is a reduction in the price 
Mr. Price comes another day