Start Your English Journey with Cambridge KET
The Cambridge A2 Key (KET) is the first step on the Cambridge English pathway — it proves a learner can communicate in simple, everyday situations and is the perfect foundation before B1 PET.
7
Reading & Writing Parts
A2
Cambridge Level
5
Listening Parts
AI
Powered Practice
What is the Cambridge A2 Key?
The Cambridge A2 Key (KET) is a globally recognised English qualification at elementary level. It proves you can understand and use basic phrases and expressions, introduce yourself, and interact in simple everyday situations.
🇨🇳 Why this platform is different: Standard KET practice books use Western names, places and examples. Here, every test is AI-generated using Chinese cultural contexts — Chinese cities, festivals, food, school life and daily situations. Learners focus on learning English, not decoding unfamiliar culture.
- Recognised by schools, employers and immigration authorities worldwide
- Aligned with the CEFR A2 level — the essential first step before B1 PET
- Builds everyday vocabulary, grammar and confidence in all four skills
- A permanent certificate that never expires — verifiable online
School Success
A2 Key builds the everyday English reading and writing skills that support every subject taught in English.
Thinking Skills
Even simple tasks train attention to detail, following instructions and organising ideas clearly.
Language Foundation
A2 is the essential first step — it gives learners the everyday vocabulary and grammar they need before moving to B1 PET.
First Certificate
Cambridge A2 Key is a globally recognised certificate — proof that a learner can communicate in basic everyday English.
Three Papers. One Strong Foundation.
A2 Key tests Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking — building the core skills for everyday English communication.
Reading & Writing
Build your foundation in understanding short messages, signs, emails and simple articles — then learn to write your own short messages and stories in clear English.
What you will develop
Listening
Train your ear for everyday English. AI-generated audio covers short conversations, announcements and talks — mirroring real A2 Key exam conditions.
What you will develop
Speaking
Build confidence talking in English. Practise answering personal questions and working with a partner to discuss simple situations and make decisions together.
What you will develop
Attention to Detail
Reading short texts and signs trains careful observation — spotting the small differences in meaning that matter.
Understanding Meaning
You learn to work out what messages and notices mean in context, not just translate word by word.
Expressing Yourself
Writing short messages and speaking about yourself builds the habit of clear, simple communication.
Working Together
The paired speaking task develops listening and responding to a partner — a real-life communication skill.
KET Builds Real-Life Communication
At A2 level, language learning is about connecting words to real situations. Every KET task uses practical, everyday scenarios — so learners don't just study English, they learn to use it.
These skills — careful reading, clear expression and teamwork — transfer directly to school subjects and daily life.
Full Exam Structure — What to Expect
The Cambridge A2 Key tests three papers. Here is exactly what each one contains.
Reading & Writing — 60 minutes · 7 parts
Short texts, matching, cloze, and two short writing tasks
Short Texts MCQ
Read 6 short real-world texts (signs, notices, messages) and choose the correct answer (A, B or C).
💡 Tip: Read the whole short text first — the wrong answers often use words from it but change the meaning.
Matching People to Texts
Match 5 people's needs with 8 short texts (A–H). Only 5 texts are used.
💡 Tip: Underline each person's key need. A text must match the main need, not just one detail.
Longer Text MCQ
Read a longer article and answer 5 questions, each with 4 options (A, B, C, D).
💡 Tip: Questions follow the order of the text. Find the right paragraph before choosing.
Multiple-Choice Cloze
Fill 5 blanks in a short text by choosing one word from four options (A, B, C, D). Tests vocabulary and grammar.
💡 Tip: All four options fit grammatically. The answer depends on meaning and word choice.
Open Cloze
Fill 6 blanks in a short text — you must think of the word yourself. Tests grammar words.
💡 Tip: Answers are usually small grammar words: prepositions, articles, pronouns. Only ONE word per gap.
Guided Writing
Write a short message or email to a friend, covering 3 bullet points given in the question.
💡 Tip: Write at least 25 words and address ALL 3 bullet points. Keep it simple and clear.
Picture Story
Write a short story based on 3 pictures. Use your imagination to connect them.
💡 Tip: Use past tenses. Describe what happens in each picture and link them with 'then', 'after that', 'suddenly'.
Listening — about 30 minutes · 25 questions
5 parts with short dialogues, matching, MCQ and gap-fill
Short Dialogues MCQ
Listen to 5 short conversations and choose the correct answer (A, B or C).
💡 Tip: Read the question before listening. The answer is often a paraphrase, not the exact word.
Matching
Listen to a longer recording and match 5 items to 8 options (A–H).
💡 Tip: Read the options first. Speakers paraphrase — listen for meaning, not exact words.
Monologue MCQ
Listen to a longer talk or conversation and answer 5 MCQ questions (A, B, C).
💡 Tip: Questions follow the order of the recording. Note key points as you listen.
Gap-Fill Notes
Listen to a monologue and complete notes by filling in missing information.
💡 Tip: Write what you hear. Spelling must be correct. Answers are short — 1–2 words or a number.
Matching
Listen to a recording and match 5 items to 8 options (A–H).
💡 Tip: Each option is used once. Listen for the specific detail that links the item to its option.
Speaking — 8–10 minutes · 2 parts
Taken in pairs with an examiner
Personal Questions
The examiner asks you simple personal questions about your life, hobbies, school and daily routine.
💡 Tip: Give full answers — don't just say 'yes' or 'no'. Add a short reason: 'Yes, I like it because…'
Collaborative Task
You and your partner discuss a simple situation with pictures and make a decision together.
💡 Tip: Ask your partner's opinion: 'What do you think?' Suggest, agree and decide together.
Where Does A2 Sit on the CEFR Scale?
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the international standard. A2 Key is the first certificate on the Cambridge pathway — the essential foundation before B1 PET.
CEFR Scale
Cambridge PET ★ level
Score range
40% – 69%
Cambridge B1 PET Result Band
Below Pass
0–39%
Pass
40–59%
Pass with Merit
60–74%
Distinction
75–100%
Pass (40–59%): B1 level confirmed — a solid result for everyday English use.
At B1, a student can…
- Handle most travel situations
- Understand clear standard speech on familiar topics
- Write simple connected text on familiar subjects
- Describe experiences, events and briefly justify opinions
Your Learning Roadmap
A1
Start
A2
Cambridge KET ★
B1
Cambridge PET
B2
Cambridge FCE / IGCSE
C1
IELTS 7+ / A-Level
You are here at A2 KET — the foundation of the entire pathway. Master this, then move to B1 PET.
Ready to start your KET journey?
Practise the Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking papers — all with Chinese cultural contexts to make learning familiar and effective.