Key English Test (KET)

This is an examination based on the Council of Europes Waystage specification. It provides an early learning objective for learners, enabling them to meet their basic communication needs in English, and representing a first step towards the Preliminary English Test and the other, more advanced, Cambridge examinations.

There are three components:

Reading / Writing

Candidates are expected to be able to read in order to extract factual information from short, simple texts taken from a variety of genuine sources, and to write in order to complete simple texts. Use is made of graphics and layout in contextualising and adding to the authenticity of the task. Reading texts are taken from sources such as signs, forms, instructions on machines, guides, product packaging and newspapers. Texts used for writing include forms and simple messages and letters.

There are forty objective items relating to a number of reading-based activities and fifteen items requiring short written responses (one or two words, or a number) relating to reading-based activities. There is also a short writing task. The following task types are used: multiple-choice, matching and gap-filling.

Listening

Candidates must be able to follow short spoken exchanges, and to extract specific information without necessarily understanding every word. Listening texts are adapted from authentic texts or specially written to simulate authenticity. They include public announcements, traffic information and telephone conversations. Texts are read at a rate a little slower than normal speech.

There are fifteen objective items and ten items requiring short answers (one word, a number, etc.). The task types used are multiple-choice and matching.

Speaking

Candidates are tested in pairs by two examiners (an Interlocuter and an assessor) and are required to participate in conversation about themselves and other topics, both with each other and with the examiner.

Weighting of components

Listening and Speaking each carry 25% of the total marks, and Reading/Writing 50%.

Results

There are two pass grades: Pass and Pass with Merit, and two fail grades: Narrow Fail and Fail. Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.