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. An APTIS audio clip includes background noise such as typing and phone ringing, set in an office. What is the primary purpose of these sound cues? → To provide context clues about the setting of the conversation
2. Choose the correct connector: 'She was exhausted; _____, she continued working.' → nevertheless
3. In the APTIS Speaking test, Part 1 (personal questions), what type of responses are expected? → Short personal answers about yourself, your life, and experiences
4. Which option correctly uses a discourse marker to illustrate a general point? → She is talented; for example, she won three design awards.
5. It is important that you do not __________ a promise you have made to a client; it reflects poorly on the company's reputation. → break
6. When describing the location of objects in a picture, which phrase is most appropriate? → In the background of the image...
7. Which linking word is used to add a similar or additional supporting point? → Moreover
8. You are writing a LinkedIn post about a professional achievement. Which tone is most appropriate? → Professional yet personable, sharing the story behind the achievement
9. Choose the word closest in meaning to 'eloquent'. → well-spoken
10. In a long reading text, the author uses the phrase 'it is worth noting that' before a piece of information. What function does this phrase serve? → It draws the reader's attention to a significant detail
11. 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
12. Which of the following words is a synonym for "tenacious"? → Persistent
13. Which discourse marker is MOST useful for introducing a contrasting idea during an APTIS interactive task discussion? → Nevertheless
14. Which option correctly completes the collocation: 'The committee will _______ a decision on the funding application by the end of the month.' → reach
15. Which sentence is written in an appropriately informal style for a friendly email? → Just wanted to let you know about the party!
16. What does 'mandatory' mean? → required by rule or law
17. What does the word "ephemeral" mean? → Lasting for a very short time
18. You receive a complaint email from a customer. Which opening for your formal reply is most appropriate? → Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
19. What is the meaning of the word "prolific"? → Abundant
20. Which phrase signals that you are about to justify your opinion? → The reason I think this is...
21. She's the most talented musician ___ I've ever heard. → that
22. The more you practice, ___ you become. → the better
23. 'He was not only hardworking _____ also talented.' Which word correctly completes this pair? → but
24. It is essential that every student ___ the assignment on time. → submit
25. 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
26. What does 'engagement rate' measure on social media? → How often followers interact with content relative to reach or follower count
27. During an APTIS listening task, a speaker says 'Not only did she finish the report, but she also presented it.' What does this structure emphasize? → A surprising or additional achievement beyond the first
28. In APTIS speaking Part 4 (extended response), what is the recommended length for a justified opinion? → Several sentences that include a viewpoint and supporting arguments.
29. Which phrase would you use in an informal email to ask a friend for a favor? → Could you do me a favor and pick me up?
30. 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