Speaking Success: A Guide to the A2 Key (KET)

Speaking Success: A Guide to the A2 Key (KET)

The exam's structure, and both parts of the Speaking test — practised by Philo and Sophia.

•The Speaking test, at a glance

The A2 Key (formerly KET) Speaking test lasts 8–10 minutes and is taken in pairs, with two examiners present: the Interlocutor, who talks to you and runs the test, and the silent Assessor, who only listens and grades. It has two parts:

1. Interview
3–4 min
2. Collaborative Task & Discussion
5–6 min

Speaking is one of four skills tested across the whole A2 Key exam (alongside Reading and Writing, which are combined into one paper, and Listening) — but the rest of this guide is about Speaking's own two parts, below.

1Interview (3–4 minutes)

The examiner begins with a fixed greeting and asks your name, then asks each candidate simple personal questions in turn — about your home, your family, your school or job, and your daily life. You may also be asked to spell a word, such as your surname or the name of your town. Nothing here should surprise you: it is the kind of question you would genuinely be asked when meeting someone new.

ExaminerGood morning. What's your name?
PhiloMy name's Philo.
ExaminerPhilo, can you spell your family name for me, please?
PhiloYes — P-H-I-L-O.
ExaminerThank you. And Sophia, where do you live?
SophiaI live in Alexandria, near the harbour.

Tip

If you don't understand a question, it's perfectly fine to ask the examiner to repeat it — "Sorry, can you say that again, please?" is a completely normal thing to say, and examiners expect it.

2Collaborative Task & Discussion (5–6 minutes)

The examiner gives each candidate a prompt card showing the same topic from a slightly different angle — for example, planning a birthday party, or talking about a school trip. You use the words and pictures on your card to ask your partner questions, and to answer theirs. Once you've both had a turn, the examiner joins in and asks a few more questions on the same topic, to both of you.

Asking a question

  • "What time...?"
  • "Where...?"
  • "How much...?"
  • "Do you like...?"

Giving a short answer

  • "Yes, I do."
  • "At six o'clock."
  • "In the garden."

Giving a reason

  • "...because it's fun."
  • "...because I like it."

Asking for repetition

  • "Sorry?"
  • "Can you say that again?"
  • "What does that mean?"

Joining ideas

  • "...and then..."
  • "...but I don't like..."
  • "...so we need..."

Showing interest

  • "Really?"
  • "That's nice!"
  • "Me too."

Remember

  • Ask full questions, not just single words — "Where?" is understandable, but "Where is it?" shows more.
  • Listen to your partner's answer before asking your next question.
  • Take turns — don't try to ask every question yourself.
  • Speak clearly and don't worry about small mistakes; the examiners want to hear you communicate.

Worked example — planning a class trip

SophiaWhere do you want to go on the class trip?
PhiloI want to go to the harbour, because I like boats. What about you?
SophiaI want to go to the Library. What time does the trip start?
PhiloIt starts at nine o'clock, and we need to bring some food.
SophiaOK, and how much money do we need?
PhiloNot much — two coins, I think.
ExaminerDo you like school trips?
SophiaYes, I do, because it's different from a normal day.
ExaminerAnd Philo, what do you usually do on a school trip?
PhiloI usually take notes, and I ask a lot of questions.

•How Speaking Is Scored

Examiners assess four things. Three are marked by the silent Assessor, and one — Global Achievement — is marked by the Interlocutor who has been talking to you throughout:

Grammar & Vocabulary

Using appropriate everyday words and simple, accurate grammar.

Pronunciation

Being easy to understand — a strong accent is fine, as long as you're clear.

Interactive Communication

Keeping a simple exchange going with the examiner and your partner.

Global Achievement

An overall impression of how well you communicated in everyday, familiar situations.

Trivium Home School — Philo & Sophia