APTIS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield APTIS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Choose the correct connector: 'She was exhausted; _____, she continued working.' → nevertheless
2. In the APTIS Speaking test, Part 1 (personal questions), what type of responses are expected? → Short personal answers about yourself, your life, and experiences
3. It is important that you do not __________ a promise you have made to a client; it reflects poorly on the company's reputation. → break
4. Which linking word is used to add a similar or additional supporting point? → Moreover
5. A text includes: 'Staff are required to wear ID badges at all times on company premises.' What kind of sentence is this? → An obligation or rule
6. Which of the following words is a synonym for "tenacious"? → Persistent
7. Which option correctly completes the collocation: 'The committee will _______ a decision on the funding application by the end of the month.' → reach
8. What does the word "ephemeral" mean? → Lasting for a very short time
9. What is the meaning of the word "prolific"? → Abundant
10. 'He was not only hardworking _____ also talented.' Which word correctly completes this pair? → but
11. In APTIS Reading, what does 'Not Given' mean in a True/False/Not Given question? → The text does not provide enough information to confirm or deny the statement
12. In the APTIS Reading component, what is the primary purpose of the 'reading for gist' task? → To identify the overall topic or main message of a text
13. 'Climate change is accelerating. _____ is supported by recent scientific studies.' Which word correctly refers back to the previous idea? → This
14. In an APTIS listening task, a job interview is played. The interviewer asks, 'Can you walk me through your previous experience?' What type of question is this? → An open-ended question asking for a detailed account of past work experience
15. Why does the speaker apologize during the phone call? → For sending the wrong document
16. What is the speaker’s opinion about the new policy? → They are against it
17. When beginning to describe a single picture in the APTIS test, what is generally the most effective first step? → To provide a general overview of the main subject and setting.
18. Which skill does the APTIS Reading 'long text' section primarily test? → Sustained reading comprehension and understanding of argument structure
19. The text states: 'Volunteers must be over 18 and available on weekends.' A candidate aged 17 applies. What does the text imply? → The candidate does not meet the age requirement
20. When asked 'Describe your ideal job,' which response structure best suits APTIS Speaking? → State a preference, give reasons, and add an example or contrast
21. In the APTIS Speaking component, responses are recorded. What is the main implication for preparation? → Candidates should practice speaking aloud, as there is no live examiner to prompt them
22. Based on the text about urban green spaces, what can be inferred about a city that has very few parks or gardens? → Its residents may experience higher average temperatures and more air pollution.
23. You will hear a tour guide giving information to a group. What is the last year the castle was inhabited? → 1918
24. In order to get to the airport on time, we had to leave early to avoid the __________ traffic. → heavy
25. A candidate says: 'Um... I think... um... maybe... um... it's good?' frequently in the APTIS Speaking test. Which aspect of their score will be most affected? → Fluency and coherence
26. Which discourse marker is most appropriate to introduce a contrasting point in a formal essay? → However
27. In a listening extract, a woman says she has 'mixed feelings' about her new job. What does this suggest about her attitude? → She has both positive and negative feelings about the job
28. What advice does the speaker give about public speaking? → To prepare thoroughly and practice
29. Hardly __________ the house when the phone started ringing. → had I left
30. The manager insisted that the report __________ on her desk by 5 p.m. → be