A2 Key (KET) practice: reading, writing and speaking
A2 Key, still called KET by most teachers, tests everyday English: the sign you read in a shop, the note a friend leaves on the table, the short email you send back. This course breaks the exam into fifteen tasks and gives each one its own page with a strategy, the mistakes candidates really make and forty original practice questions. Work through one task at a time rather than sitting whole papers from the start.
Who A2 Key is for
- Learners who have finished an A1 course and want proof that their English now works in daily life.
- Teenagers taking their first external English exam at school, often a year or two before B1 Preliminary.
- Adults who need a simple, permanent certificate for a job application or a language school place.
- Students who understand slow, clear speech about familiar topics but freeze when they have to write or speak under time pressure.
- People coming back to English after a long break who want a realistic first target rather than a B2 exam they are not ready for.
- Parents and teachers who want a clear map of what an A2 candidate is actually asked to do in each paper.
- Anyone who can read short texts but loses marks through spelling, word order and careless copying.
The exam at a glance
| CEFR level | A2, the second level on the Common European Framework |
|---|---|
| Papers | Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking |
| Length | Around two hours in total across the three papers |
| Speaking format | Normally taken in pairs, with two examiners in the room |
| Results | Reported on the Cambridge English Scale, with a pass at A2 |
| Wider results | A very strong paper can show B1; a weak one can still show A1 |
| Validity | The certificate does not expire and never needs renewing |
Note
Pick Two Activity is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the British Council, IDP, ETS, Duolingo or any other exam board. Exam names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the exam you are preparing for. Every question on this page is original practice written by us: we do not provide, copy or reproduce official exam papers.
The papers
Reading
A2 Key reading practice for all five task types: signs and short messages, matching texts to people, multiple choice, word-bank gap-fill and open cloze.
Writing
A2 Key writing practice by task: the short message, the email reply, the story from pictures, spelling and punctuation, and planning a 25-word answer.
Listening & Speaking
A2 Key listening and speaking practice: picture multiple choice, numbers and times, matching, the personal information exchange and the picture conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What is A2 Key and why is it also called KET?
A2 Key is a Cambridge English qualification at CEFR level A2. Its older name was Key English Test, which is why most teachers and schools still say KET.
How many papers are there?
Three: Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The whole exam takes around two hours, and the speaking test is normally taken in pairs.
How long does the certificate last?
It does not expire. The certificate shows the level you reached on the day and never needs renewing, although some institutions prefer recent results.
What level of English do I need before I start?
You should be able to understand simple everyday sentences, write a few sentences about yourself and hold a very basic conversation. If that is still difficult, A1 Movers or a longer A1 course comes first.
Is A2 Key easier than B1 Preliminary?
Yes. A2 Key uses shorter texts, simpler grammar and everyday topics, and it asks for much less writing. Many students take A2 Key first and B1 Preliminary a year or two later.
How long should I study before the exam?
It depends on where you start, but a learner who has finished an A1 course usually needs several months of regular study. Little and often beats long sessions close to the exam date.
Do I lose marks for wrong answers?
No. There is no penalty for a wrong answer in the reading and listening papers, so you should never leave a question blank.
What can I get if I do very well?
Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale, and a strong performance can show that your English is at B1 rather than A2. A weaker performance can still be recorded at A1.
How should I practise at home?
Work on one task type at a time, as these pages are organised. Do ten questions, check them, and write down the words and errors you got wrong; that list is your real syllabus.
Is the speaking test taken alone?
Normally you take it with another candidate and two examiners are present. Part of the mark is for interacting with your partner, so practising with a classmate is genuinely useful.