KET for Schools Format and Content | Examinations & Certifications

A2 Key (KET) for Schools Format and Content

As of January 1st, 2020, changes have been applied to the A2 Key (KET) for Schools. In the following table, changes have been marked in bold.

Section	Time	Description	# of items
Reading & Writing	1 hour	Reading-Part 1 Six short emails, notices, signs, or text messages and three sentences next to each one (A, B, C). Candidates have to choose which sentence matches the meaning of the email, notice, sign or text message.	6 questions
		Reading-Part 2 Seven questions and three short texts on the same topic. Candidates have to match each question to one of the texts.	7 questions
		Reading-Part 3 A longer text, for example, a simplified newspaper or magazine article and five multiple-choice questions with three options (A, B, C). Candidates have to choose the correct answer.	5 questions
		Reading-Part 4 A short text with six numbered spaces and three words provided for each gap. Candidates have to decide which of the three words belongs in each gap.	6 questions
		Reading-Part 5 Candidates have to fill in six gaps in a text or texts using single words.	6 questions
		Writing-Part 6 Candidates have to write a message of 25 words or more (e.g. a note or email) in response to information given.	1 question
		Writing-Part 7 Candidates have to write a short story of 35 words or more based on three picture prompts.	1 question

Listening	about 30 mins	Part 1 There are five short recordings, each with a question and three images. Candidates listen to the text and choose the correct visual image.	5 questions
		Part 2 Candidates should listen to a longer text, identify specific information and only write down ONE word in the gaps (a number, date, or a time) in note form.	5 questions
		Part 3 An informal conversation and five 3-option questions. Candidates have to listen to the conversation and choose the right answer (A, B or C) for each question.	5 questions
		Part 4 Five short monologues or dialogues, each with a scene setter, a question and three options. Candidates listen to the recording and choose the option which best answers each question.	5 questions
		Part 5 A longer conversation between two people who know each other. Candidates have to match two lists of items by identifying simple information in the conversation.	5 questions

Speaking	8-10 minutes per pair of candidates	Part 1 Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks some general questions to each candidate in turn. Candidates respond to the examiner, giving factual or personal information.	2 parts
Speaking	8-10 minutes per pair of candidates	Part 2 The examiner gives candidates some picture prompts on a topic, e.g. ‘holidays’ and candidates talk to each other, comparing, describing, and expressing opinions.	2 parts