You want to take the KET but you don’t know where to start? You are exactly where you should be!
In this article you will learn:
- What is the KET exactly?
- Who is the targeted audience
- What version to choose
- How can GlobalExam help you get the highest KET score possible!
So if you are thinking about registering at the KET, don’t look any further.
Let’s get a closer look!
If you are not sure yet which Cambridge/IELTS tests to take please read through.
What is the definition of the KET test?
The KET (or KEY) English Test is the easiest of the Cambridge exams. It is known today as the A2 Key test, because it certifies you as an A2 level student in English. This exam tests your level in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
The KET shows that you can:
- understand and use basic phrases and expressions
- understand simple written English
- introduce yourself and answer basic questions about yourself
- interact with English speakers at a basic level.
Who can take the KET test?
The KET exam is the test to choose if you are new to learning English. If you want to make sure you have a basic understanding of spoken and written English, and that you are able to have short interactions with English speakers, you are the perfect candidate!
The KET can also give you the confidence to study for higher-level English exams, such as the PET. Depending on your age, you will have to choose between two versions of the text. You can find more information on this point down below.
What is the format of the KET test?
The KET lasts about two hours. It is made up of three papers. The first paper (50% of the final mark) tests your reading and writing abilities. It lasts about one hour, and shows that you can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.
The second paper (25% of the final mark) tests your listening skills: you will need to be able to understand announcements and other slow spoken materials.
The third paper (25% of the final mark) will focus on your speaking abilities: you will need to take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. You will be face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.
Two versions of the KET test
There are two versions of the KET: the A2 Key and the A2 Key for Schools. Deciding which one to take is fairly easy: it depends on how old you are. The two tests are almost exactly the same, the only difference between the two tests is the targeted audience.
The A2 Key is designed for teenagers or adults, whereas the A2 Key for Schools is aiming at school-age learners. This difference has consequences on the content of the test, but not on the format or on the level being tested. The two versions certify that you are an A2 level English learner.
How to get ready for your test with GlobalExam?
Even if the KET is known to be the easiest test of the Cambridge Exams, it doesn’t mean you don’t need to be prepared before taking it. It is very important to know what kind of questions and exercises to expect before the day of the exam, to avoid any unnecessary stress and bad surprises.
GlobalExam has everything you need: first, you can evaluate your actual level for free before taking the test. It is easier to design a study plan when you know what you need to work on. Once you are clear with what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can try our exercises designed to reproduce the kind of exercises you will have to face during the test. All of this for free!
If you are looking for a quick revision, you also have access to vocabulary and grammar study sheets, to make your studying more efficient.
Find out more on our Premium Plans
Finally, if you wish to go further and make sure you have everything you need before taking the test, you can sign up for one of our Premium Plans. This will give you access to very thorough sections built to help you get prepared.
You can find the training mode (exercises on particular sections of the test, so you can focus on one section in particular), the exam mode (gives you access to mock exams in real-life conditions), Corrections and statistics (every exercise and mock exam gives you a detailed correction and explanation for each question and your score is immediately displayed), The Statistics and skills (displays clearly what are your weaknesses or your strengths on one particular skill).
For each skill you can find some related exercises that allow you to work even more on this particular skill. It is also possible to follow a study plan in order to get a direction on which exercises to do on a particular period of time (you can decide on a date when you’ll be tested, what level you are starting on, and what is your objective).
