Understanding the A2 Key (KET) Exam: A Complete Breakdown of What to Expect

The A2 Key is an internationally recognized English language exam designed for learners at an elementary level (A2 on the CEFR scale). It tests basic skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam is created by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, which ensures it meets high standards of reliability and recognition around the world.

This exam can be taken in two formats: A2 Key (for adults) and A2 Key for Schools, which is specifically tailored for younger learners, with content and topics that are relatable and age-appropriate.

The exam is broken down into:

1. Reading and Writing (1 hour) – 50%

   • Tests understanding of simple texts (signs, brochures, magazines) and writing abilities through various tasks.

   • Seven parts: multiple-choice, matching, cloze tests, and guided writing (short email/note or picture story).

2. Listening (30 minutes) – 25%

   • Assesses the ability to understand slow, clear spoken English (announcements, conversations).

   • Five parts with 25 questions.

3. Speaking (8-10 minutes) – 25%

   • Evaluates conversational skills through simple question-and-answer tasks.

   • Conducted face-to-face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.

Reading and Writing Paper

The A2 Key Reading and Writing paper assesses your ability to understand and produce basic written English. It is divided into seven parts, each testing different skills, such as reading comprehension, vocabulary usage, and writing simple texts. You will encounter a variety of text types, including short messages, emails, and stories, and will be asked to complete tasks that reflect everyday communication in English.

Structure:

1. Part 1: Multiple choice: Read six short real-world texts and identify the main message.

2. Part 2: Matching: Read seven questions and match them to three short texts on the same topic.

3. Part 3: Detailed text comprehension: Read a longer text for detailed understanding and identify main ideas.

4. Part 4: Vocabulary cloze: Complete a factual text by choosing the correct vocabulary items to fill the gaps.

5. Part 5: Open cloze: Complete gaps in an email using one word.

6. Part 6: Guided writing: Write a short email or note based on prompts.

7. Part 7: Picture story: Write a short story based on three picture prompts.

   
   

Each section has a specific number of questions and marks. The total marks determine the final score, reflecting the candidate's ability to use English in everyday situations.

Listening Paper

The A2 Key Listening paper is designed to test your ability to understand spoken English through five different tasks. For each part, you will listen to recorded texts and answer questions based on what you hear. Each recording is played twice to give you a chance to catch the necessary information.

Structure:

1. Part 1 (Multiple choice): Identify key information in short dialogues and select the correct visual representation.

2. Part 2 (Gap fill): Listen to a monologue and complete missing words in a page of notes.

3. Part 3 (Multiple choice): Listen to a conversation and answer questions by selecting from three options.

4. Part 4 (Multiple choice): Understand the main idea or message in short monologues or dialogues and choose from three options.

5. Part 5 (Matching): Listen to a conversation and match information to different items.

   
   

The Listening paper tests your ability to extract key details and the overall meaning of spoken English, ensuring you can follow simple conversations, announcements, and instructions.

Speaking Paper

The A2 Key Speaking paper evaluates your ability to communicate in basic English. The test is conducted with one or two other candidates and involves two examiners—one who asks questions and the other who listens and assesses your performance. The Speaking test has two parts and focuses on everyday conversation skills.

Structure:

1. Part 1: Interview (3–4 minutes) – Respond to questions by giving factual or personal information.

2. Part 2: Discussion (5–6 minutes) – Discuss likes and dislikes with the other candidate(s) and provide reasons for your opinions.

Preparing for the A2 Key Exam

Preparation for the A2 Key exam doesn’t have to be stressful. There are plenty of resources available to help children practice, including online games, courses, resources and practice questions. Some parents opt for private tutoring to give their children personalized guidance and support, especially when targeting specific areas like speaking or writing.

A Stepping Stone to Future Success

The A2 Key exam is more than just a test—it’s an opportunity for your child to grow academically, develop essential communication skills, and gain a recognized qualification that can open doors to future educational opportunities. By achieving success in this early stage of English learning, your child will be motivated to continue exploring the language, setting them up for lifelong success in an increasingly globalized world.

If you’re considering the A2 Key exam for your child, know that it’s an investment not just in their language skills, but in their confidence, independence, and future opportunities.