The Key English Test (KET) is an A2 level exam that tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. It has three sections - Reading and Writing which counts for 50% of the marks, Listening which counts for 25% of the marks, and Speaking which counts for the remaining 25% of the marks. The KET is aimed at elementary level students and certifies a basic knowledge of English.

1. KEY FOR SCHOOLS
•Cambridge English: KEY (KET)
•Difficulty level: A2 elementary
The Key English Test is the easiest of
the Cambridge exams.
•Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know your studies have started
well and you have a basic knowledge of reading, writing,
speaking and listening.

2. What is the KEY test like?
The test has three sections:
Reading & Writing - 60 minutes, 30 reading questions
and two writing parts.
Listening - 25 minutes
Speaking - 8-10 minutes

3. • Score
The Reading and Writing paper counts for 50% of your marks,
and the Listening and Speaking papers each count for 25% of
your marks. You will receive a separate score for each of the
three papers. These three scores are averaged to give you an
overall result for the exam.
You will receive a Statement of Results.
• 140–150 = Grade A = B1
• 133–139 = Grade B = A2
• 120–132 = Grade C = A2
• 100–119 = Level A1

4. KEY Reading & Writing
• The Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper has 7 parts and 32 questions.
You get one mark for each correct answer in parts 1-5, and a maximum of 15 marks
each for parts 6 and 7.
• Reading and Writing are taken together - 60 minutes
• Reading part 1: understanding messages
• Reading part 2: three texts with questions
• Reading part 3: long text with multiple choice questions
• Reading part 4: text with multiple choice gaps
• Reading part 5: text with gaps
• Writing part 1: write a message
• Writing part 2: write a story based on pictures
• Scoring
The Reading part has 30 questions and there are two writing parts.

5. • How to prepare for KET Reading and Writing
• Read the instructions carefully before you start each section.
• Take your time and don't hurry. There is plenty of time to answer all
the questions.
• Study these vocabulary topics.
• Study grammar at A2 level.
• Study more reading exercises at A2 level.

6. A2 Key (KET) Listening
• The Cambridge English: Key Listening paper has five parts. For each
part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some
questions. You hear each recording twice.
• Time allowed - about 30 minutes
Listening part 1: pictures with multiple choice questions
Listening part 2: fill in a form
Listening part 3: multiple choice
Listening part 4: listen to five short texts
Listening part 5: longer conversation and matching

7. • Scoring
The Listening section is worth 25% of the total score for the exam.
• Each of the 25 listening questions scores 1 mark.
• How to prepare for KEY Listening
• Read the instructions carefully before you start each section.
• Read the questions before you listen. You will hear the audio twice.
• Listen! The more English you listen to the better your will do. Listen to
the radio, English language TV, podcasts...
• Learn how letters and numbers are pronounced.

8. KEY Speaking
• Time allowed - 8-10 minutes
• Normally you will do the speaking test with another candidate. The two
of you will meet two examiners. One of the examiners will talk to you,
the other does not participate in the conversations.
• There are two parts to the speaking test:
• Speaking part 1: short questions and answers between you and the
examiner
• Speaking part 2: the examiner gives you some information or a card with
some ideas for questions. You have to talk with the other candidate and
ask or answer questions.

9. • Scoring
The Speaking section is worth 25% of the total score for the exam.
• How to prepare for KEY Speaking
• Read this article explaining how to do well in the speaking exam.
• Speak as much as you can, with your friends, family and classmates.
• Practise asking and answering questions about daily life.
• Practise giving information about yourself.