Aptis General Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which feature most clearly distinguishes APTIS Writing Part 1 (chat messages) from Writing Part 4 (email)?

Part 1 uses very short, conversational replies; Part 4 requires structured paragraphs of 40–150 words. (Correct answer)
Part 4 is always shorter than Part 1.
Both parts require the same length and register.
Part 1 requires formal language; Part 4 requires informal language.

Correct answer: Part 1 uses very short, conversational replies; Part 4 requires structured paragraphs of 40–150 words.

Part 1 expects single words or very short phrases in a casual register, while Part 4 requires formal or informal emails of 40–150 words with clear structure, opening, and closing conventions — they are fundamentally different writing tasks.

Question 2: Despite ___ tired, she continued working.

felt
to feel
feel
feeling (Correct answer)

Correct answer: feeling

'Despite' is a preposition and must be followed by a noun or gerund.

Question 3: She has been working here ___ five years.

during
since
for (Correct answer)
ago

Correct answer: for

'For' is used with a duration of time, while 'since' is used with a point in time.

Question 4: Which sentence should be removed to improve the cohesion of this paragraph? 'Climate change is altering weather patterns globally. Droughts are becoming longer and more severe. Flooding events are increasing in frequency. Italy is famous for its cuisine. Crop yields in vulnerable regions are declining.'

Droughts are becoming longer and more severe.
Crop yields in vulnerable regions are declining.
Italy is famous for its cuisine. (Correct answer)
Flooding events are increasing in frequency.

Correct answer: Italy is famous for its cuisine.

The sentence about Italian cuisine is completely unrelated to the paragraph's focus on climate change and its agricultural effects.

Question 5: What does the passage identify as a key challenge for city planners regarding green spaces?

Finding plant species that can survive in polluted urban environments.
Ensuring green spaces are accessible and fairly distributed to all residents. (Correct answer)
Getting residents to use the parks that are built.
Securing enough land to build large-scale parks.

Correct answer: Ensuring green spaces are accessible and fairly distributed to all residents.

The final sentence of the passage explicitly states: 'For urban planners and policymakers, the challenge lies not only in creating new green areas but also in ensuring they are accessible, well-maintained, and equitably distributed across all neighborhoods.'

Question 6: Choose the correct connector: '_____ the heavy traffic, she arrived on time.'

Despite (Correct answer)
Although
Because of
Due to

Correct answer: Despite

'Despite' is followed by a noun phrase to express concession, meaning she arrived on time regardless of the traffic.

Question 7: In an informal email to a friend, which opening is most natural?

To Whom It May Concern,
Hey! How are you? (Correct answer)
I am writing with regard to...
Dear Sir/Madam,

Correct answer: Hey! How are you?

Informal emails to friends begin with casual, friendly greetings like 'Hey! How are you?'

Question 8: Two photos are presented: one shows a formal business meeting, the other shows friends laughing at a café. What vocabulary category best describes the main difference?

Animal vocabulary
Register — formal vs. informal setting (Correct answer)
Mathematical terms
Weather vocabulary

Correct answer: Register — formal vs. informal setting

The key difference is the register or formality level — one is a professional context and the other is a casual social one.

Question 9: To describe the location of a tree that is behind the main building in a picture, which phrase is most precise?

The tree is on the right.
The tree is in the background, behind the building. (Correct answer)
The tree is next to the building.
The tree is near the building.

Correct answer: The tree is in the background, behind the building.

This answer is the most precise because it uses specific prepositions of place ('in the background', 'behind') to clearly and accurately locate the tree in relation to another object, giving the listener a three-dimensional sense of the scene.

Question 10: Sentence: 'The experiment failed because the equipment malfunctioned, the data was corrupted, and the team ran out of time.' What cohesion device is used here?

Parallelism (Correct answer)
Ellipsis
Substitution
Anaphora with pronouns

Correct answer: Parallelism

Parallelism presents three reasons in a consistent grammatical structure (noun phrase + past verb), creating coherence through pattern.

Question 11: What does 'mandatory' mean?

temporary and changing
suggested but not enforced
optional and flexible
required by rule or law (Correct answer)

Correct answer: required by rule or law

'Mandatory' means something that is compulsory or required, not optional.

Question 12: Which phrase is used to concede a point while still maintaining your overall opinion?

Admittedly, there are some drawbacks, but overall I still believe... (Correct answer)
I have no opinion on this matter.
You are absolutely right, and I was wrong.
I completely agree with everything.

Correct answer: Admittedly, there are some drawbacks, but overall I still believe...

'Admittedly' concedes a limitation while the clause 'but overall I still believe' maintains the speaker's position.

Question 13: Which word best matches the definition "to express disapproval of"?

Praise
Deprecate (Correct answer)
Approve
Commend

Correct answer: Deprecate

"Deprecate" means to express disapproval of.

Question 14: A conference organizer says: 'Lunch breaks are from 12:30 to 1:45, and afternoon sessions resume immediately after. The keynote is the last event at 4 p.m.' When does the afternoon session start?

12:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
1:45 p.m. (Correct answer)
1:30 p.m.

Correct answer: 1:45 p.m.

The organizer says afternoon sessions resume immediately after the lunch break ends at 1:45.

Question 15: Which linking phrase is best for adding a second reason to support your opinion?

Furthermore (Correct answer)
Despite
Although
However

Correct answer: Furthermore

'Furthermore' is used to add an additional supporting point, making your argument more convincing.

Question 16: Which option correctly uses a pronoun to maintain cohesion? Paragraph: 'Maria submitted her report on Monday. The manager read ___ carefully before the board meeting.'

her
them
it (Correct answer)
those

Correct answer: it

'It' correctly refers to the singular noun 'report,' maintaining clear pronoun-antecedent agreement.

Question 17: When writing social media copy for a global audience, what is MOST important to consider?

Keeping the same tone and jokes across all regions
Cultural sensitivity, avoiding idioms that may not translate, and inclusive language (Correct answer)
Posting exclusively in English regardless of the audience's language
Using only American idioms and cultural references for consistency

Correct answer: Cultural sensitivity, avoiding idioms that may not translate, and inclusive language

Global social media writing requires cultural awareness to avoid misunderstandings and ensure the message resonates across diverse audiences.

Question 18: During the interactive task, the examiner presents a scenario: you must help plan a colleague's leaving party on a limited budget. What should your spoken contribution focus on?

Proposing practical suggestions and responding to the examiner's ideas collaboratively (Correct answer)
Stating that a leaving party is unnecessary and suggesting an alternative celebration entirely
Asking detailed questions about the colleague's personal preferences only
Expressing regret that the colleague is leaving

Correct answer: Proposing practical suggestions and responding to the examiner's ideas collaboratively

The interactive task assesses your ability to negotiate and collaborate, so making practical proposals and building on the examiner's suggestions is essential.

Question 19: Which word correctly fills the blank: 'She felt ______ after finishing the marathon despite the heat.'

bored
exhausted (Correct answer)
refreshed
curious

Correct answer: exhausted

'Exhausted' means extremely tired, which is expected after running a marathon in heat.

Question 20: Which closing is most appropriate for a formal business email?

See ya!
Talk soon,
Cheers!
Yours sincerely, (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yours sincerely,

'Yours sincerely,' is the standard formal closing when you know the recipient's name.

Question 21: Read the incomplete text: 'Tourism brings significant revenue to coastal towns. ___ Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants all benefit during peak season.' What is the role of the missing sentence?

To provide a specific example that supports the opening claim (Correct answer)
To summarize the effects described in the following sentence
To introduce a contrasting argument about tourism's drawbacks
To transition from tourism to environmental impact

Correct answer: To provide a specific example that supports the opening claim

The missing sentence would give a specific example or elaboration that supports the general claim before the detailed list arrives.

Question 22: Which collocation is correct: '___ a deadline'?

do
reach
make
meet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: meet

'Meet a deadline' is the standard collocation meaning to finish something on time.

Question 23: Which of the following correctly describes the tone of a semi-formal email?

Completely rigid with no personality
Very casual with slang and abbreviations
Polite and professional but slightly warmer than a fully formal email (Correct answer)
Identical to an informal email to a friend

Correct answer: Polite and professional but slightly warmer than a fully formal email

Semi-formal emails are polite and professional but may use a slightly warmer tone than strictly formal correspondence.

Question 24: Select the word that correctly completes the sentence: 'The charity relies heavily on _______ donations from members of the public to fund its work.'

voluntary (Correct answer)
mandatory
reluctant
compulsory

Correct answer: voluntary

'Voluntary' means done freely without being required to, which accurately describes donations given willingly by the public.

Question 25: Hardly ___ sat down when the phone rang.

had I (Correct answer)
I had
I have
have I

Correct answer: had I

'Hardly' at the start of a clause triggers subject-auxiliary inversion.

Question 26: Which phrase is most appropriate to use when attaching a file to a formal email?

Look at this file I added.
Here's the thing you asked for.
Please find the document attached. (Correct answer)
I'm sticking this onto my email.

Correct answer: Please find the document attached.

'Please find the document attached' is the standard formal phrasing to reference an attachment.

Question 27: Which listening strategy best helps you understand the gist of a long monologue in the APTIS test?

Ignoring the introduction and conclusion
Focusing only on numbers and dates
Identifying the topic sentence and key recurring ideas (Correct answer)
Trying to memorize every word

Correct answer: Identifying the topic sentence and key recurring ideas

Identifying the topic and recurring key ideas helps you grasp the overall meaning without needing to process every detail.

Question 28: A speaker in an APTIS task says: 'I'm torn — I love the creativity it encourages, but the lack of structure worries me.' This opinion is best described as:

Wholly positive
Neutral and uninformed
Conflicted — positive and negative aspects both felt strongly (Correct answer)
Wholly negative

Correct answer: Conflicted — positive and negative aspects both felt strongly

'I'm torn' followed by equal positive and negative feelings signals genuine internal conflict.

Question 29: Despite __________ hard, he didn't manage to pass the final exam.

he studied
of studying
studying (Correct answer)
to study

Correct answer: studying

The prepositions 'despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form). 'Studying' is the gerund form of the verb and correctly completes the sentence.

Question 30: When is it MOST appropriate to use emojis in social media writing?

In every post regardless of context or platform
To replace all punctuation in captions
Only in private messages, never in public posts
When they reinforce the message, match brand tone, and suit the platform (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When they reinforce the message, match brand tone, and suit the platform

Emojis can boost engagement when used strategically, but overuse or misuse can undermine credibility or clarity.

Question 31: In an APTIS reading task, a short text says: 'The new policy affects all employees starting Monday.' What is the main idea?

A policy change applies to all staff from Monday (Correct answer)
Employees should work on Monday
Only some employees are affected
The policy was written on Monday

Correct answer: A policy change applies to all staff from Monday

The sentence clearly states that a new policy begins on Monday and covers all employees.

Question 32: A picture shows children playing in a park on a sunny day. Which phrase best describes their mood?

The children seem to be enjoying themselves and having fun. (Correct answer)
The children appear bored and unhappy.
The children are clearly working hard.
The children look tired and ill.

Correct answer: The children seem to be enjoying themselves and having fun.

Children playing in a sunny park typically look happy and energetic, making 'enjoying themselves' the most accurate description.

Question 33: A non-profit organization is writing a social media post to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. Which sentence has the most appropriate tone?

Pursuant to the ongoing deficit in blood reserves, the immediate contribution of sanguineous donations is imperatively required.
LOL, donating blood is super easy, so why not? 😉
You'll never guess how much blood we need, it's totally crazy! Smash that donate button!
Every donation can save up to three lives. Your contribution is vital and gives hope to those in need. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Every donation can save up to three lives. Your contribution is vital and gives hope to those in need.

This option uses a serious, respectful, and impactful tone that is appropriate for the subject matter. It clearly communicates the importance of the action without being overly formal, which can alienate readers, or inappropriately casual, which can undermine the message's gravity.

Question 34: Which collocation is correct: '___ an opportunity'?

drop
lose
fail
miss (Correct answer)

Correct answer: miss

'Miss an opportunity' is the natural collocation meaning to fail to take advantage of a chance.

Question 35: In a listening text, which of the following phrases is a strong indicator that the speaker is expressing a personal opinion rather than stating a verifiable fact?

"In 1998, the company was founded..."
"According to the official report..."
"If you ask me, I think..." (Correct answer)
"The data shows that..."

Correct answer: "If you ask me, I think..."

The phrase 'If you ask me, I think...' is a classic signal phrase used to introduce a subjective viewpoint or personal belief. The other options introduce information from external, verifiable sources (data, history, reports), which are characteristic of factual statements.

Question 36: In a long APTIS text, a sentence reads: 'The results, albeit preliminary, suggest a significant correlation.' What does 'albeit' mean?

In addition to
Therefore
As a result of
Although or even though (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Although or even though

'Albeit' is a formal concessive conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though,' used to acknowledge a limitation while maintaining a claim.

Question 37: Which phrase best introduces a description of something you notice in the center of a picture?

In the middle of the image... (Correct answer)
Behind the camera...
Outside the frame...
On the back of the photograph...

Correct answer: In the middle of the image...

'In the middle of the image' correctly directs attention to the central focal point of a picture.

Question 38: Read the notice: 'The swimming pool will be closed for maintenance from Monday to Wednesday. During this period, members may use the gym and sauna at no extra charge. Normal swimming schedules will resume on Thursday.' On which day will swimming resume?

Wednesday
Monday
Thursday (Correct answer)
Friday

Correct answer: Thursday

The notice clearly states that 'Normal swimming schedules will resume on Thursday.'

Question 39: Read the paragraph and choose the sentence that best fills the gap: 'Scientists have long studied the effects of sleep deprivation. ___. Without adequate rest, cognitive functions such as memory and attention decline rapidly.' Which sentence fits best?

Sleep is a biological necessity for all mammals.
Dreams occur primarily during REM sleep cycles.
Recent research confirms that adults need seven to nine hours per night. (Correct answer)
Insomnia is classified as a sleep disorder by the WHO.

Correct answer: Recent research confirms that adults need seven to nine hours per night.

The sentence about seven to nine hours directly connects the established research with the specific cognitive consequences mentioned next.

Question 40: A store clerk says: 'The sale ends this Sunday, but our loyalty card members get an extra 10% off on top of the 30% discount.' What total discount do loyalty members receive?

10%
30%
40% (Correct answer)
33%

Correct answer: 40%

Loyalty members receive the 30% sale discount plus an additional 10%, totaling 40% off.

Question 41: You hear: 'The deadline was moved up.' What has happened to the deadline?

It has been extended
It has been moved to a later date
It has been cancelled
It has been moved to an earlier date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It has been moved to an earlier date

'Moved up' means the deadline is now earlier than it was originally scheduled.

Question 42: Read the passage: 'Community centers play a vital role in neighborhoods. They provide spaces for children's after-school programs, fitness classes, and cultural events. Many centers also serve as emergency shelters during natural disasters. Funding cuts in recent years have forced several centers to reduce their hours or close entirely.' What is the author's implied concern?

After-school programs are not beneficial for children
Natural disasters are becoming more frequent
Funding cuts are threatening valuable community resources (Correct answer)
Community centers are too expensive to build

Correct answer: Funding cuts are threatening valuable community resources

By listing the important services centers provide and then mentioning funding cuts forcing closures, the author implies concern about losing these resources.

Question 43: Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready for the exam.

was (Correct answer)
be
were
are

Correct answer: was

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it ('teacher'), which is singular.

Question 44: Choose the synonym for 'exhaustive':

comprehensive (Correct answer)
limited
superficial
partial

Correct answer: comprehensive

'Comprehensive' means covering all aspects thoroughly, which matches the meaning of 'exhaustive'.

Question 45: Read the text: 'The charity launched its fundraising campaign in spring. ___ By summer, it had exceeded its original target by 40%.' Which sentence best fills the gap?

The campaign featured online donations, local events, and corporate sponsorships. (Correct answer)
Fundraising requires a great deal of planning and commitment.
The spring season is traditionally busy for nonprofit organizations.
Charities often struggle to reach their financial goals.

Correct answer: The campaign featured online donations, local events, and corporate sponsorships.

Listing the specific methods used logically bridges the campaign launch with the strong financial result that followed.

Question 46: In APTIS picture description, which tense is most commonly used to describe what is currently happening in an image?

Present perfect
Future simple
Simple past
Present continuous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Present continuous

The present continuous tense (e.g., 'The man is walking') is standard for describing ongoing actions visible in a picture.

Question 47: A long text about space exploration states: 'Mars colonization faces formidable obstacles, not least the psychological toll of prolonged isolation.' What does 'not least' signal?

There are no other obstacles to colonization
The psychological toll is one important obstacle among several (Correct answer)
The author dismisses psychological concerns
The psychological toll is the least important obstacle

Correct answer: The psychological toll is one important obstacle among several

'Not least' is a discourse marker meaning 'and importantly,' used to include a significant example without implying it is the only one.

Question 48: Which collocation is correct: '___ a mistake'?

make (Correct answer)
commit
take
do

Correct answer: make

'Make a mistake' is the most common and natural English collocation for errors.

Question 49: Read the passage: 'Telecommuting has transformed how companies operate. Employees enjoy flexible schedules and avoid long commutes, leading to higher job satisfaction in many cases. However, some workers report feeling isolated and struggle to separate work life from home life. Managers also face new challenges in monitoring productivity and maintaining team cohesion.' What does the passage suggest about telecommuting?

It makes managers more productive
It should be banned in all workplaces
It has both advantages and disadvantages (Correct answer)
It is universally preferred by all employees

Correct answer: It has both advantages and disadvantages

The passage presents benefits like flexibility alongside drawbacks like isolation, showing a balanced perspective.

Question 50: It is essential that every student ___ the assignment on time.

submitted
submits
will submit
submit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: submit

The subjunctive mood requires the base form of the verb after expressions of necessity.

Question 51: ___ you mind closing the window, please?

Should
Could
Would (Correct answer)
Will

Correct answer: Would

'Would you mind' is the standard polite formula for making requests.

Question 52: I suggested ___ the meeting until next week.

postponing (Correct answer)
postponed
to postpone
postpone

Correct answer: postponing

'Suggest' is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

Aptis General Exam

The Aptis test by the British Council assesses English language proficiency across grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, writing, and speaking components.

Questions

150 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds