A2 Key

A2 Key, previously known as Cambridge English: Key and the Key English Test (KET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and University of Cambridge ESOL examinations).

A2 Key is designed for learners who are new to learning English and shows that they can use English to communicate in simple situations. It is targeted at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

A2 Key is one of the examinations in Cambridge English Qualifications – a path for improving language skills. Each Cambridge English Qualification targets a particular level of the CEFR and they work together to create an effective learning journey.

There are Cambridge English Qualifications for schools, general and higher education, and business. A2 Key is offered in two versions, A2 Key for Schools, for school-aged learners, and A2 Key, for general and higher education adult learners.^[1]

History

A2 Key (previously known as the Key English Test (KET) and Cambridge English: Key) was developed through extensive trialling between 1991 and 1994.^[2]

It was launched to offer students a basic qualification in English and provide a first step for those wishing to progress towards higher level qualifications, such as B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. An updated version of A2 Key was launched in March 2004, following a review with stakeholders.^[3]

A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools

A2 Key is available in two versions:

• A2 Key, designed for adult learners. A2 Key is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
• A2 Key for Schools, designed for school-aged learners. A2 Key for Schools is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for Schools.

A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools both have the same exam format (e.g. number of papers, number of questions, time allowance), both support learners to develop real-life communication skills, and both versions lead to the same certificate.

The exams use different topics and content:

• A2 Key is targeted at the interests and experiences of adult learners and is designed to support learners whatever their goals – whether they want to get into university, start their own business or develop their career.
• A2 Key for Schools is designed specifically for school-aged students and is informed by research into how children develop language skills. The topics and tasks in the exam are designed to reinforce the learning students do in class.^[1]

Format

Both versions of the exam (A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools) are made up of three papers, which cover all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking).^[4]

The Speaking paper is taken face-to-face and candidates have the choice of taking the Reading and Writing paper and Listening paper on a computer or on a paper.^[5]

1. Reading and Writing (1 hour 10 minutes – 50% of total marks)

The Reading and Writing paper has nine parts and 56 questions. Candidates are expected to be able to read and understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.

Parts 1 to 5 focus on reading skills, including underlying knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. The exam includes tasks such as supplying missing words, completing gapped sentences, selecting the right sentence for each gap in a given text, and completing multiple choice questions about a given text.

Parts 6 to 9 focus on writing skills, including underlying knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. The exam includes tasks such as providing a word to match a definition, supplying words to complete spaces in a text, using information in a text to complete a document, and writing a short message of 25 – 30 words.

2. Listening (approximately 30 minutes – 25% of total marks)

The Listening paper has five parts comprising 25 questions. Candidates are expected to understand spoken material in both informal and neutral settings on a range of everyday topics, when spoken reasonably slowly.

Part 1 has five short conversations and three pictures. Candidates listen for information such as prices, numbers, times, dates, locations, directions, shapes, sizes, weather, descriptions etc. They then answer five multiple choice questions.

Part 2 has a longer conversation related to topics such as daily life, travel, work or free time. Candidates identify simple factual information in the conversation and match together two lists of words (e.g. names of people and the food they like to eat).

Part 3 has another conversation. Candidates listen for information in the conversation and answer five multiple choice questions.

Part 4 has a recording of a conversation between two people. Candidates write down information from the conversation to complete a message or notes.

Part 5 has a recording of one person speaking. Candidates write down information from the monologue to complete a message or notes.

3. Speaking (8–10 minutes – 25% of total marks)

The Speaking test has two parts and is conducted face-to-face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. Candidates are expected to demonstrate conversation skills by answering and asking simple questions.

Part 1 is a conversation with the examiner. Candidates give personal information about themselves, e.g. about their daily life, interests, etc.

Part 2 is a collaborative task with the other candidate(s). The examiner gives each candidate a prompt card and asks them to talk with the other candidate(s) and ask and answer questions related to the prompt card.

Scoring

In February 2016, Cambridge English Scale scores replaced the candidate profile and standardised scores used for pre-2016 results. All candidates (pre- and post-2016) receive a Statement of Results, with those scoring high enough also receiving a certificate. ^[6]

Timing and results

Candidates take the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking paper is often taken a few days before or after the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers, or on the same day.

The exam is available to be taken at test centres in paper-based and computer-based formats. Both versions of the exam award the same internationally accepted certificate. The Speaking test is only available to be taken face-to-face with an examiner.

The paper-based exam and the computer-based exam are offered at test centres throughout the calendar year. A directory of all global exam centres and their contact details can be accessed on the Cambridge Assessment English website.

Successful candidates receive two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Universities, employers and other organisations may require either of these documents as proof of English language skills.

An online Statement of Results is available to candidates four to six weeks after the paper-based exam and two weeks after the computer-based exam. Successful candidates (those scoring above 45) receive a hard-copy certificate within two months of the paper-based exam and within four weeks of the computer-based exam.

Usage

A2 Key demonstrates language proficiency at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

It is designed to show that a successful candidate has English language skills to deal with basic situations, e.g. they can understand simple written English such as short notices, understand simple spoken directions, communicate in familiar situations, use basic phrases and expressions, write short, simple notes and interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly.^[8]

Learners can use this qualification for education or work purposes, as well as to progress to higher level English language qualifications, such as B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.

Many higher education institutions around the world recognise A2 Key as an indication of English language ability. This includes universities based in:

• Brazil (e.g. Universidade Católica de Brasilia)
• Chile (e.g. Universidad de Santiago de Chile)
• Egypt (e.g. Alexandria University)
• Mexico (e.g. Universidad Autonoma del Estado Mexico)
• Myanmar (e.g. University of Computer Studies, Yangon)
• Vietnam (e.g. Tra Vinh University)
• Spain (e.g. Universidad Salamanca).

A full list of organisations can be accessed on the Cambridge Assessment English website.

Additionally, many global companies and brands accept A2 Key as part of their recruitment processes including Chelsea Football Club Academy.^[9]

Preparation

A comprehensive list of authorised exam centres can be found on the Cambridge Assessment English website. Free preparation materials, such as sample tests, are available from the website for A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools . There is also a wide range of official support materials, jointly developed by Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge University Press.

See also

• Cambridge Assessment English
• Cambridge English Qualifications
• B1 Preliminary
• B2 First
• C1 Advanced
• C2 Proficiency

References

External links

• Website for A2 Key
• Website for A2 Key for Schools