Cambridge English: Key

Comparison between the exam Cambridge English: Key and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Cambridge English: Key, also known as the Key English Test (KET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge English Language Assessment (previously known as University of Cambridge ESOL examination). Cambridge English: Key is a basic level qualification which demonstrates the ability to communicate using English in simple situations.

Launched in 1994, Cambridge English: Key is designed to be the first step for students wishing to progress towards higher level English language qualifications, and aims to support learners to master the basics in English. It is focused on Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Cambridge English: Key is offered in two variations: Cambridge English: Key (KET), for adult learners, and Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools, for school-aged learners. Both versions of the exam lead to the same qualification, the Key English Test. Both versions have the same exam format (three exam papers) – the only difference is that the topics in the ‘for Schools’ version have been targeted at the interests and experiences of school-aged learners.[1]

Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools is part of a suite of qualifications designed specifically for school-aged learners, which includes Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) for Schools, focused on CEFR Level B1, and Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools, focused on CEFR Level B2.

History

Cambridge English: Key was developed; through extensive trialling, as the Key English Test between 1991 and 1994. It was launched to offer students a basic qualification in English and provide a first step for those wishing to progress towards higher levels, such as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET).[2]

In 1999, Cambridge English: Key was reviewed with stakeholders and an updated version of Cambridge English: Key was launched in March 2004. Cambridge English: Key is focused on Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), although it also certifies Levels B1 and A1.[3]

Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools

From 2009, in response to increased use of Cambridge English exams within schools, Cambridge English Language Assessment introduced versions of some of its exams designed for school-age students. This included: Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools, Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) for Schools and Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools.

Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools follows the same format as Cambridge English: Key for adult learners. The level of the question papers is identical and both versions of the exam lead to the same certificate. The only difference is that the content and treatment of topics in the ‘for School’ version are targeted at the interests and experiences of school pupils.[4]

Format

Both versions are made up of three exam papers, which incorporate all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking).[5] 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 paper.[6]

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.[7]

Scoring

All candidates (pre- and post-2016) receive a Statement of Results, with those scoring high enough also receiving a certificate.

In February 2016, Cambridge English Scale scores replaced the candidate profile and standardised scores used for pre-2016 results.[8]

Scoring from February 2016

From 2016, the Statement of Results and the Certificate have the following information about the candidate’s performance:

Cambridge English: Key is targeted at CEFR Level A2, but also provides reliable assessment at the level above A2 (Level B1) and the level below (Level A1).

The candidate’s overall score is averaged from the individual scores for each paper (Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking).

The following scores are used to report results:

Grade Cambridge English Scale Score (100–150) CEFR Level
Pass with Distinction 140–150 B1
Pass with Merit 133–139 A2
Pass 120–132 A2
CEFR Level A1 100–119 A1

Scores are reported between 100 and 119. Candidates who achieve a score in this range will not receive the Key English Test certificate, but their score will be shown on their Statement of Results.

Scoring pre-February 2016

Pre-2016, the Statement of Results had the following information, reflecting the total combined score from all three papers:

Grade Score (total mark out of 100) CEFR Level
Pass with Distinction 90–100 B1
Pass with Merit 85–89 A2
Pass 70–84 A2
CEFR Level A1 45–69 A1

Pre-2016, the Statement of Results had a Candidate Profile, which showed the candidate’s performance on each of the individual papers against the following scale: exceptional, good, borderline and weak.

Pre-2016, candidates who achieved a score of 45 or more (out of 100) received a certificate.

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.

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.

Dates to take 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 English Language Assessment 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

Cambridge English: Key demonstrates language proficiency at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (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. Learners can use this qualification for education or work purposes, as well as to progress to higher level English language qualifications.

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

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

Additionally, many global companies and brands accept Cambridge English: Key as part of their recruitment processes including Chelsea Football Club Academy.[10]

Preparation

A comprehensive list of authorised exam centres can be found on the Cambridge English Language Assessment website. Free preparation materials, such as sample tests, are also available from the official website.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.britishcouncil.org/czechrepublic-exams-ket.htm Retrieved 7 May 2014
  2. ↑ http://www.cambridge-institut.de/uploads/media/KET_HB_intro_01.pdf Retrieved 7 May 2014
  3. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/22113-ket-understanding-statement.pdf Retrieved 7 May 2014
  4. ↑ Hawkey, R. & Milanovic, M. (2013) Cambridge English Exams: The First Hundred Years, Cambridge University Press, p.292
  5. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/22106-ket-information-for-candidates-en-.pdf Retrieved 7 May 2014
  6. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/key/how-to-prepare/ Retrieved 7 May 2014
  7. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/key/whats-in-the-exam/ Retrieved 7 May 2014
  8. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/cambridge-english-scale/ Accessed 31/03/2016
  9. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/key/results/ Accessed 31/03/2016
  10. ↑ http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/recognition/results.aspx?country=United%20Kingdom&type=All&exam=KET# Retrieved 7 May 2014
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