Exam Tips for Cambridge: KET

Here are some tips from Cambridge about the KET exam (the new name for this exam is "Key", not KET, but it is the same.)

Reading and Writing paper:

DO

• Read the instructions and study the example carefully.
• Do exactly what the instructions say, for example, only put ONE word in the gaps in Part 7.
• Answer all the questions, even if you are not sure.
• Check your answers and make sure you have put the right letter on the answer sheet.
• Write your answers on the answer sheet for Parts 6, 7, 8 and 9.
• Take your time and don’t hurry. There is plenty of time to answer all the questions.

DON’T

• Don’t worry if there are words you don’t understand. Try to guess them.
• Don’t make a spelling mistake when you are copying the words in Part 8.
• Don’t write fewer than 25 words in Part 9.
• Don’t use a pen on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass the whole examination?
No. Your grades are based on your overall score in all the papers.

If I make a mistake filling in my answer sheets, is this picked up by the computer?
If you leave out an answer, the computer accepts the answer sheet. If you fill in more than one box, the computer rejects it.

What is the recommended timing for each part?
There is no recommended timing as some tasks will take longer than others depending on how you approach them. Candidates have different strengths and weaknesses and this will affect how long they need to spend on each part. Overall, 1 hour and 10 minutes allows you plenty of time to complete all the tasks.

Listening paper:

DO

• Practise listening to English as much as possible.
• Revise the letters of the alphabet and numbers.
• Revise vocabulary in topics, for example jobs, sports, colours.
• Read the instructions carefully.
• Work through some past papers for practice.
• Make sure you understand how to complete the answer sheet.
• Check your answers at the second listening.

DON’T

• Don’t get nervous in the exam. Just relax and do your best!
• Don’t leave any answers blank (make a guess if necessary).
• Don’t worry if you don’t know how to spell a word – this may not be a problem.
• Don’t forget to transfer your answers to the answer sheet correctly.

Speaking paper:

DO

• Make sure you know what you have to do in both parts of the test.
• Practise speaking English as much as possible, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions and questions during the test.
• Speak clearly, so that both examiners can hear you.
• Talk to the examiner in Part 1.
• Talk to your partner in Part 2.
• Ask the examiner to repeat the instructions or a question if you’re not sure.
• Listen to your partner’s questions and answers in Part 2 and try to make it a natural conversation.
• Remember that the examiners want you to do your best.
• Try and relax and enjoy the test.
• Always try to answer the questions, even if you are worried about making mistakes. The examiners can’t mark you if you don’t say anything.
• Practise speaking English in many different situations so that you can speak clearly even if you are nervous.

DON’T

• Don’t worry too much about making grammar mistakes.
• Don’t worry if you don’t understand. Just ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question.
• Don’t prepare long answers in advance.
• Don’t worry if you think your partner is not as good, or much better at speaking English than you. The examiners mark you one by one.
• Don’t be so nervous that you don’t speak.
• Don’t worry if the examiner stops you. It is important that the tests are not too long.