KET is an acronym for Key English Test, so the phrase “ket exam” is essentially a tautology. This name was coined at the University of Cambridge by specialists from the ESOL unit aimed at foreigners. More precisely, for learning English by native speakers of other languages. So, for you and me.

To test foreigners' knowledge and proficiency in a language, a special approach is needed. Special international tests were developed from 1991 to 1994. In 2004, they were significantly improved, and today every student in 130 countries can take the Cambridge English language test.

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Cambridge English: Key shows the basics of English. This is the level thanks to which you can communicate in simple everyday circumstances (shopping in a store, traveling on transport, dating, tourism, etc.) and continue to study the following levels. In other classifications, similar training is called Pre-Intermediate, or A1-A2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale.

As for the requirements for students, age is not strictly regulated. You can take the KET when you feel ready and/or when you have taken an appropriate course at an English language school. And if this happened before your 15th birthday, then you will probably be asked to take the KET for schools exam. It is designed to test the same knowledge, but the topics of the tasks focus on school life and related situations.

Where and how do you take the Key English Test?

KET consists of three compulsory parts: Reading and Writing, Listening, Speaking.

KET exams are taken all over the world, including in Moscow. In the capital of Russia there are several centers where you can not only learn English, but also take Cambridge exams. To do this, you need to find out the dates of the tests - as a rule, they are held throughout the year. Moreover, please note that knowledge of grammar, listening comprehension (listening), vocabulary and reading technique are tested on one day, and oral speech – on another (a little earlier or later).

How is KET assessed?

Test results are expressed in points. The maximum success is 100 points, or all correct answers. But to crack KET, it is acceptable to fail a few times.

• 90-100 points – excellent result, or Pass with Distinction.
• 85-89 points – satisfactory, that is, Pass with Merit.
• 70-84 points – the exam is accepted and accepted, just Pass.
• 45-69 points indicate that your knowledge level reaches A1 Level
• 0-44 points is too few, the exam is not passed, it is a Fail.

Only the first two options, that is, a test result of 89 points inclusive, allow you to obtain a KET certificate. In addition, an excellent result (from 90 to 100 points) automatically entitles you to the CEFR “B1” certificate. Those who score at least 45 points will be issued a CEFR “A1” certificate. Everyone else will have to repeat the basic training, improve their knowledge and retake the exam.

How to prepare for the KET?

Since the number of tasks in the three parts is not the same, points for completing them are awarded differently. As much as 50% of the exam depends on Reading and Writing. Listening and Speaking, respectively, add 25% of points. This means that only comprehensive study of the English language will prepare you to successfully pass the Key English Test. The ideal option is if the foreign language school is accredited to accept Cambridge exams. But this is not a prerequisite. You can enroll in prep courses or study for the test yourself.

To prepare for the exam, you need to complete as many practice exercises as possible. And although the test itself is taken exclusively in the personal presence of the examiner, sample KET tasks are available online, and their completion depends only on your self-discipline. Knowledge of the rules, a good vocabulary and experience with typical questions and tasks - and you can get a high assessment of your knowledge.

You will see by passing the ket exam that this is only the first step on the path to learning English. It is no less important than the following, because it will give you confidence in your abilities and the desire to continue your studies. And then, you see, the time will come to take the PET (Preliminary English Test) - but this is a topic for another article.

Key English Test (KET)- an international exam in English, the result of which is an indicator of English language proficiency at an initial level (CEFR A2). There are 2 types of exam - for adults (from 15 years old) and for children and teenagers (it is called KET for Schools) - for children 11-14 years old. They differ in topics - for example, schoolchildren will be offered reading topics such as school, hobbies or plans for the future, while adults will be offered work or studying at university. At the moment, it is possible to take the test on paper or on a computer - your choice. In any case, the exam is taken at an authorized center.

KET Exam Modules

The KET testing process includes 3 modules: Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking.

READING AND WRITING module

The “Reading and Writing” module lasts 1 hour 10 minutes. It includes 9 parts with the following types of tasks:

• Matching offers with short notices
• Reading text and answering multiple choice questions
• Comparison of question and answer
• Spelling and orthography task
• Text with blanks that need to be filled in
• Letter

KET results are assessed according to the following system: a total of 230-point scale is adopted in the assessment system. The maximum score for KET is 150. With a result from 120 to 133 points you receive a Pass grade, from 134 to 140 points - Pass with Merit and receive a level certificate A2. If you score 140-150 points, you receive a Pass with Distinction rating. When receiving a Pass with Distinction assessment, the level is indicated in the certificate B1. If you scored less than 120 points, then the level is indicated in the certificate A1.

How to Pass the KET Exam

In order to take the exam, you need to find an authorized center in your city. After this, you need to choose a convenient session - as a rule, they take place three times a year: in March, June and December. Then you need to register at the selected center - send an application and pay for the exam. Registration usually begins 3 months before the exam. The cost of the KET exam in Moscow is now about 6,000 rubles. When registering, you will immediately know the date of the written part, but the oral part, as a rule, is held on a different day. First, only the frame is indicated (for example, from December 3 to December 17), and after payment and confirmation of registration, approximately 3-4 weeks before the exam, you receive the exact schedule and information about the location of the exam.

You must have your schedule and identification document with you during the exam. When you enter the classroom, you will be asked to put away all your belongings, and your mobile phones will be collected, giving you a number in return, just like in the cloakroom. You can only leave a document and a bottle of water on the table. All stationery supplies are provided by the center. All parts of the exam, except Writing, are completed with a pencil, and Writing with a pen. Erasers are also provided, so even if you make a mistake, you can change your answer. For each part you receive a booklet with tasks and an answer sheet. The booklet can be used as a draft, and the final answers can be transferred to the form. For the Writing part, you will be provided with a draft. Even if you made a mistake in the final version, it’s okay, it can be corrected. The most important thing is to write the text so that it is easy to read.

You will learn the result 4-6 weeks after passing the exam. It can be viewed on the website. And after a few weeks at your center you receive your certificate.

Why do you need a KET certificate?

The KET certificate is valid for life and is a recognized international document in business and academic environments.
Possession of a KET certificate will be a significant advantage when entering prestigious educational institutions in the UK and the USA, and will also significantly help you in finding work in large foreign companies. The KET certificate is proof of the holder's basic knowledge of the English language.
Despite the fact that KET is an entry-level exam, it gives you a unique opportunity to find out the strengths and weaknesses of your English and determine what you need to “pull up” in the future, and also allows you to pass higher level exams in the future: and.

I don’t know about you, but my students and I just light up when we talk about the opportunity to take the International Cambridge English Language Exam. Apart from the privileges and opportunities that the certificate provides, even preparing for it is fun, especially if you have chosen good materials to work with. It’s the same as going to the gym and working out on cool machines or pumping up yourself with brand new chrome dumbbells - pure “buzz”! So we will devote today’s article to materials that will help you pass everything “excellently.” And right away I would like to say that although there are a huge number of resources, most of them can be paid, because the “flagships” of education in England are constantly working to improve their materials.

KET

The youngest of the Cambridge family. Even a well-prepared schoolchild can handle it. Books recommended for preparation:

Activate! A2 is a fun textbook with lots of grammar and vocabulary topics. The authors also emphasize the effectiveness of using the audio and video materials that come with the basic book. You can view the assortment

We also recommend using specially designed books Practice Book for KET, and you can see more details

PET

• You can find many tests to practice or just test yourself
• To improve your vocabulary: cambridgeenglish.org
• Free sample assignments: amazonaws.com
• Lots of tests and exercises for PET: flo-joe.co.uk
• Official page with a bunch of cool presentations on exam topics: cambridge.org
• For grammar preparation: roadtogrammar.com

FCE

Average, or the first among exams, is not for amateurs. In addition to the books officially developed by Cambridge University (which, by the way, we also use in online classes via Skype), there are many more places where you should look for good materials and resources:

• Lots of test options for practice, especially in sections such as Reading, Use of English and Writing:
• Grammar and more grammar: elt.oup.com
• Lots of useful stuff, a treasure trove of wisdom online: wordpress.com

CAE

• Lots of tests and exercises from all parts of the exam:
• Lots of useful links, from general technical tips to idioms: wordpress.com
• Catalog of official certified textbooks for every taste, including CAE textbooks: cambridge-la.org
• Tips, exercises and tests:

IELTS

Of course, this is one of the favorites among international English exams. You need to prepare for it intensively, using the maximum number of different resources, because what you will get in the exam is known only to some druids in the admissions office at Cambridge University.

• Russian-language site with a whole list of books that will be useful to you. Everything is clear and understandable: artefact.lib.ru
• Your "friend" and "assistant" for the exam: ieltsbuddy.com
• The official source with a lot of information on rules, tasks, tips and tips! britishcouncil.org
• The selection on this site will make your eyes run in different directions! It’s good that everything is clear and in alphabetical order: dxschool.org

Of course, if you have the funds, you can use the latest paid official sources of information (certified materials), as well as textbooks for the CELTA and DELTA programs. But even without any specific textbooks, a large number of free resources available will help you pass everything with flying colors!

When you are just starting to learn English via Skype, it may seem that this is almost Moses’ road through the desert, because in terms of duration and abundance of materials, they are somewhat similar! But don’t worry, we will help you “filter” the information, and the “Promised Land” with a Cambridge certificate will soon appear on your horizon!

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

Cambridge exams are becoming increasingly popular in our country. They allow you to objectively assess the overall level of language proficiency, and their results are recognized throughout the world.

Among a fairly large number of different international exams in English, a separate category consists of tests for students with an initial level of language proficiency. Passing them is the first step that should be overcome by those who strive for perfect command of a foreign language. These exams include ket (key English test). The development of the test was carried out in 1991–1994, during this period it was tested. In 2004, the exam underwent significant revision

The Cambridge Key English Test is the first in a series of exams from the University of Cambridge. This is the easiest General English test. If we talk about the European system of levels of foreign language proficiency, the Common European Framework Reference ket can be classified as level A2 or Pre-Intermediate. If your knowledge of English is still quite modest, but you want to test yourself, you can take this test. A small victory will serve as motivation for further improvement in this area.

Those who speak English at an elementary level and are able to apply it in practice are allowed to take the ket. Anyone over the age of 15 can take it. Successfully passing the exam implies the ability to grasp the meaning of simple texts, be able to communicate in the most common everyday situations, and understand simple oral instructions. Every year, the number of ket takers exceeds 40 thousand people around the world.

In 2009, a special exam called ket for schools was released. This test is completely identical to the usual key English test, however, the topics covered in the exam materials also relate to school life. This test is more suitable for candidates who are under 15 years of age.

IMPORTANT! The Cambridge Key English Test is conducted six times a year on clearly fixed days in March, May and June, as well as November and December. Passing the specified language exam is possible only in centers accredited by the University of Cambridge. At the moment, there are over 2,400 of them in Russia and countries around the world. Many centers are ready to accept applications for taking ket even from a candidate who is not a student of this particular center. You should contact the organization where you plan to take such a test in advance - at least 10 weeks before the date of the test.

Cambridge Key English Test stages

Ket (key English test) covers 4 basic language skills at once, including reading, writing, perception and understanding of oral speech, and conversational communication skills. The exam includes sections designed to assess vocabulary and English grammar. The tasks and questions used in the tests are as close as possible to real everyday situations.

Key English Test includes only 3 components - successive stages of the exam:

1. Reading and Writing
2. Listening
3. Speaking

The duration of the first stage of the exam is 1 hour 10 minutes. This component accounts for as much as 50% of the grade for the entire exam. This includes nine tasks, five of which test reading skills and four test writing skills. This part of the test is designed to assess the test taker's understanding of everyday information in written form. The tasks of the Reading block only involve grasping the general message of a sign or sign, correlating a short statement with a suitable answer, filling in the given gaps in the dialogue, etc. The Writing block includes four tasks without giving answer options: fill in the gaps in the text, fill in a questionnaire, and write a short one within 20–25 words. Here you need to demonstrate your ability to handle grammatical structures, vocabulary, and spelling skills.

Listening– the next stage of the exam. This component requires the examinee to have the ability to perceive small oral messages and dialogues that are spoken at a moderately slow pace. You will need to capture the information that is transmitted via audio recording. About 25 minutes are allotted to complete this set of tasks, and the result of this stage is 25% of the entire grade for ket.

Conversation practice– the final part. In 8–10 minutes, the test participants’ ability to maintain a conversation, ask simple questions and give adequate answers is tested. The process of passing this component of the exam is carried out in pairs or threes with colleagues with the participation of two examiners. This creates an atmosphere of real conversation.

The final score, formed based on the results of passing the exam, is the sum of points for all three modules. There is no passing score for each individual test; only the total score matters.

Upon completion of all specified stages of the exam, the documents are sent to the University of Cambridge for verification. All assessors are competent specialists in the field of English language teaching who have experience working with the appropriate language level.

The ket result is expressed as 4 marks

• passed with honors (Pass with Merit) – must score more than 85%
• passed (Pass) – it is enough to get from 70 to 85%
• passed with defects (Narrow Fail) – 45% is enough
• not passed (Fail) – less than 45%

After 5–6 weeks after passing the key English test, applicants are given a report containing the results of the test passed and a graph with the number of points scored for each module. Students who successfully pass the ket will receive a certificate of completion 10 weeks after the exam. This certificate is recognized by many companies working in the field of tourism, hotel business, and administrative activities. Many educational institutions also accept the ket (key English test) certificate as proof of basic English proficiency.

Passing this test will allow you to assess your strengths and weaknesses and identify what you should pay close attention to in the course of further language learning. Although the ket level is considered basic, it will help you identify problems in your knowledge and begin preparing for the next pet, fce level. Obtaining a ket certificate will give you confidence in your own abilities and will greatly facilitate your preparation for passing exams at a higher level.

Advantages of passing ket (key enslih test)

• the certificate does not require further confirmation
• The validity period of the certificate is unlimited
• allows you to make an objective assessment of foreign language knowledge at a professional level

Cambridge University exams are recognized throughout the world. The quality and integrity of test verification is undeniable. To qualify for ket admission, training centers undergo a rigorous selection process. Examiners work in groups supervised by specialists with extensive experience in this field, which allows for unification of assessment criteria. ket exam centers operate in accordance with strict rules laid down by UCLES, a department of the University of Cambridge.

How to prepare for the Key English Test

Preparing for the key English Test is quite simple, although it is responsible. You can tackle the problem yourself. It is recommended to purchase, for example, Objective KET, KET Practice Tests Plus, and study with their help. It will be equally useful to go to the official website ket cambridgeesol.org, where all the necessary information is presented. Reviewing it daily will help you move forward in your ket preparation. Here you can find examples of real test tasks and try your hand at it. If you want to prepare and pass the test as quickly as possible, but the deadlines are running out, you can seek professional help. Foreign language courses will come in handy. Classes with teachers in . It is quite possible for even a beginner to prepare for the ket exam in this way. Working with professionals brings significantly more positive results in a short time. Qualified teachers will help you in a structured manner and to the required extent to master the knowledge and skills for successfully passing ket.

You will receive a separate score for each of the three papers (Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking), giving you a clear understanding of your performance. These three scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. You will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) level.

When will I get my A2 Key Statement of Results?

All candidates receive a Statement of Results, and if you are successful in the exam you will also receive a certificate.

Your Statement of Results is released online, approximately four to six weeks after the exam for paper-based exams, and two to three weeks after the exam for computer-based exams. The fastest way to get your results is to sign up to ours.

When will I get my A2 Key certificate?

We send your certificate to your exam center about three weeks after results are available. Your exam center then sends it on to you.

• If you took a paper-based exam, your certificate will be sent to your center seven to nine weeks after the date of your exam.
• If you took a computer-based exam, your certificate will be sent to your center five to six weeks after your exam date.

A2 Key Scale Scores

Depending on which university, college or organization you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. For A2 Key, the following scores will be used to report results:

The exam is targeted at Level A2 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above A2 (Level B1) and the level below (Level A1).

Scores between 100 and 119 are also reported on your Statement of Results, but you will not receive the Key English Test certificate.