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A2 Key (KET)
About A2 Key (KET)
A2 Key, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key (KET), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. This basic-level qualification is a great exam to take if you’re new to learning English.
An A2 Key qualification is proof of your ability to use English to communicate in simple situations.
The exam tests all four English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking.
It should give you the confidence to go on and study for higher-level exams such as B1 Preliminary and B2 First.
A2 Key (KET) exam format
A2 Key is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
| Paper | Content | Marks (% of total) |
Purpose |
| Reading and Writing (1 hour) See sample paper |
7 parts/ 32 questions |
50% | Shows you can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. |
| Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time) See sample paper |
5 parts/ 25 questions |
25% | Requires you to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly. |
| Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates) See sample paper |
2 parts | 25% | Shows you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Your Speaking test will be conducted face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. |
Reading and Writing
The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1–5 are about reading and Parts 6–7 are mainly about writing.
| Exam parts | Description | What do candidates have to do? | How many questions are there? | How many marks are there? |
| Part 1 | Multiple choice | Read six short real-world texts for the main message. | 6 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 2 | Multiple matching | Read seven questions and three short texts on the same topic, then match the questions to the texts. | 7 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 3 | Multiple choice | Read one long text for detailed understanding and main ideas. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 4 | Miltiple-choice cloze | Read a factual text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete the gaps. | 6 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 5 | Open cloze | Complete gaps in an email (and sometimes the reply too) using one word. | 6 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 6 | Guided writing | Write a short email or note of 25 words or more. | 1 | The question has a maximum of 15 marks available |
| Part 7 | Picture story | Write a short story of 35 words or more based on three picture prompts. | 1 | The question has a maximum of 15 marks available |
Listening
The A2 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.
| Exam parts | Description | What do candidates have to do? | How many questions are there? | How many marks are there? |
| Part 1 | Multiple choice | Identify key information in five short dialogues and choose the correct visual. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 2 | Gap fill | Listen to a monologue and complete gaps in a page of notes. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 3 | Multiple choice | Listen to a dialogue for key information and answer five 3-option questions. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 4 | Multiple choice | Identify the main idea, message, gist or topic in five short monologues or dialogues and answer five 3-option questions. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
| Part 5 | Matching | Listen to a dialogue for key information and match five items. | 5 | One mark for each correct answer |
Speaking
The A2 Key Speaking test has two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.
| Exam parts | Description | What do candidates have to do? | How long do candidates have to speak? |
| Part 1 | Interview | Respond to questions, giving factual or personal information. | 3–4 minutes. |
| Part 2 | Discussion | Candidates discuss likes and dislikes, and give reasons. | 5–6 minutes. |
A2 Key (KET) exam result
| Cambridge English grade scale | Grade | CEFR level |
| 140–150 | Grade A | B1 |
| 133–139 | Grade B | A2 |
| 120–132 | Grade C | A2 |
| 100–119 | Level A1 | A1 |
The test measures the A2 level according to the CEFR Framework. The test is reliable at levels above A2 (Level B1) and below level A2 (Level A1).
Scores between 100 and 119 are also reported on the candidate’s Test Results Report, but the candidate will not receive an A2 Key Test (KET) certificate.
A2 Key (KET) sample exam
A2 Key sample exam
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KAo16Hc_o7S4b5fA7hs-ZFBOwlOrjbyx?usp=sharing
A2 Key for Schools sample exam
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O4tuZiV8wVUmQ8at1GjVvJHFI2-IfpIn?usp=sharing
Who accepts Cambridge English exams?
Cambridge English exams are recognised by over 25,000 universities, employers and governments around the world. Our English language tests can open doors to higher education, improve employment opportunities, and because they are globally recognised, can increase your choices for study or work.
Find out more: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-choose-us/global-recognition/
