Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A KET examiner asks: 'What is something you are good at?' The candidate is good at cooking. Which reply is correct?

I am good at cooking, especially Italian food. (Correct answer)
I am good at cook especially Italian food.
Good at cooking I am, especially Italian foods.
Cooking I am good and especially the Italian.

Correct answer: I am good at cooking, especially Italian food.

'I am good at cooking' is correct because 'good at' is always followed by a gerund (-ing form).

Question 2: A student writes a 70-word story for a KET task that asks for about 35 words. What is the main risk?

The student will lose marks for writing too neatly.
The story will automatically receive top marks for extra detail.
More words means more chances to make grammar and spelling errors. (Correct answer)
The examiner will not read it.

Correct answer: More words means more chances to make grammar and spelling errors.

Writing too much increases the chance of errors, which can lower the overall mark.

Question 3: Choose the correct possessive form: 'Is this ___ book?' (referring to Maria)

Marias
Marias'
Maria's (Correct answer)
Maria

Correct answer: Maria's

Singular possessive is formed by adding 's to the name: Maria's.

Question 4: A student is writing a story and wants to connect two actions: 1. She finished her homework. 2. She went to the cinema. Which sentence connects these ideas best?

She finished her homework, but she went to the cinema.
She went to the cinema during she finished her homework.
Because she finished her homework, she went to the cinema.
After she finished her homework, she went to the cinema. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: After she finished her homework, she went to the cinema.

The word 'After' correctly shows the sequence of events – the homework was completed first, followed by the trip to the cinema. 'But' shows contrast, 'because' shows a reason which is slightly different from sequencing, and 'during' is grammatically incorrect here.

Question 5: Your friend asks what you are doing this summer. Which reply is MOST appropriate?

This summer is in the future months ahead.
I am planning to visit my grandparents and go to the beach. (Correct answer)
Visiting grandparents I am planning summer.
Summer is a season after spring.

Correct answer: I am planning to visit my grandparents and go to the beach.

This reply directly answers the question with a clear plan using correct future structure.

Question 6: You hear a message about a school trip. Students must arrive by _____ in the morning.

7:15
8:00
7:30 (Correct answer)
7:45

Correct answer: 7:30

The teacher says all students should be at the meeting point by 7:30 in the morning.

Question 7: We had a big storm ___ the night.

during (Correct answer)
for
by
since

Correct answer: during

Use 'during' to say something happened within a particular period.

Question 8: You hear a message about a doctor's office. The address is on _____ Street.

Pearl
Pine (Correct answer)
Palm
Park

Correct answer: Pine

The recording gives the office address as being on Pine Street.

Question 9: I'm not familiar with __________ attendees at this party, are you?

much
less
few
many (Correct answer)

Correct answer: many

"Many" is used with countable nouns, referring to a large number of individual items or people that can be counted, such as "attendees." In contrast, "much" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "much water," "much time"). Since "attendees" is a plural countable noun, "many" is the correct quantifier.

Question 10: John loves spending his weekends outside. He plants flowers in the spring and grows his own vegetables in the summer. What is John's hobby?

gardening (Correct answer)
shopping
camping
cooking

Correct answer: gardening

Gardening is the activity of growing plants, flowers, and vegetables in a garden. The description matches this activity perfectly.

Question 11: You hear a woman leaving a voicemail: 'Hi, I booked a table for six people at seven-thirty, but we actually need it for eight.' What correction is she making?

The date of the booking
The restaurant name
The number of people (Correct answer)
The time of the reservation

Correct answer: The number of people

She originally booked for six people but now needs the table for eight.

Question 12: A friend says they are learning to cook. Which is the BEST supportive reply sentence?

That is great! What dish are you learning to make? (Correct answer)
I do not cook very often myself.
Cooking is a process of applying heat to food.
Cooking classes are expensive sometimes.

Correct answer: That is great! What dish are you learning to make?

Showing interest and asking a follow-up question is the most natural, friendly reply.

Question 13: The examiner in the KET Speaking test asks you: "Where do you come from?" Which of the following is the most appropriate answer?

My house is near the city centre.
I came here on the bus.
I am from Madrid, in Spain. (Correct answer)
I like my city very much.

Correct answer: I am from Madrid, in Spain.

The question 'Where do you come from?' asks about your home town or country. 'I am from Madrid, in Spain' directly answers this question by providing the city and country. The other options misunderstand the question or provide irrelevant information.

Question 14: Your friend asks what sport you play. Which reply correctly uses the present simple?

I have played tennis every week.
I play tennis every week. (Correct answer)
I am playing tennis every week.
I played tennis every week now.

Correct answer: I play tennis every week.

Present simple 'I play' is used for regular habits and routines.

Question 15: I _____ not understand the question. Can you explain?

did
do (Correct answer)
does
am

Correct answer: do

Present simple negative with 'I' uses 'do not (don't)'.

Question 16: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'He was very tired, ___ he went to bed early.'

or
because
but
so (Correct answer)

Correct answer: so

'So' shows a result: being tired caused him to go to bed early.

Question 17: In KET story writing, which is the best way to show that time has passed?

Use 'Later that afternoon,' or 'The next morning,' (Correct answer)
Write the time in numbers, like '3:00 pm.'
Start a new paragraph with the word 'And.'
Repeat the same sentence twice.

Correct answer: Use 'Later that afternoon,' or 'The next morning,'

Time phrases like 'Later' or 'The next morning' signal a jump in time clearly and naturally.

Question 18: A woman is describing her commute: 'I take the bus to Central Station, then switch to the subway for two stops, and walk the last five minutes.' How does she travel the final part of her journey?

On foot (Correct answer)
By subway
By bus
By taxi

Correct answer: On foot

She walks for the last five minutes of her commute.

Question 19: A message says the library will be closed for _____ days for repairs.

ten
seven
three
five (Correct answer)

Correct answer: five

The announcement states the library will close for five days while repairs are completed.

Question 20: In the KET Writing task, you need to reply to an email and answer three specific points. What is the most important thing to do in your reply?

Make sure you answer all three points from the original email. (Correct answer)
Use a very formal and serious tone.
Write more than 50 words.
Use very long and complex sentences.

Correct answer: Make sure you answer all three points from the original email.

The primary goal of the KET email writing task is to show you can communicate effectively. This means you must address all the questions or points mentioned in the prompt to provide a complete and relevant response.

Question 21: A notice outside a public toilet reads: 'OUT OF ORDER — Sorry for the inconvenience.' What does this mean?

The toilet is reserved for disabled users
The toilet is not working and cannot be used (Correct answer)
The toilet is only for emergency use
The toilet closes early due to cleaning

Correct answer: The toilet is not working and cannot be used

'Out of order' means the facility is broken or not functioning, so it cannot be used.

Question 22: You hear a message about a car rental. The minimum age to rent is _____ years old.

twenty
nineteen
twenty-one (Correct answer)
eighteen

Correct answer: twenty-one

The recording states that renters must be at least twenty-one years old.

Question 23: The examiner asks: 'Do you have any brothers or sisters?' The candidate has one brother. What is the best reply?

Yes, one brother I have got.
Yes, I am having one brother.
Yes, brothers I have one.
Yes, I have got one brother. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, I have got one brother.

'Yes, I have got one brother' uses correct grammar and natural word order for this A2-level response.

Question 24: You hear a radio advertisement: 'Buy two large pizzas and get the third one free this weekend only.' What is the promotion?

One free pizza with any purchase
Buy two large pizzas, get one free (Correct answer)
Buy one get one free
50% off all pizzas

Correct answer: Buy two large pizzas, get one free

The offer is specifically buy two large pizzas and receive the third free.

Question 25: A KET candidate is asked 'Do you live in a house or an apartment?' They live in an apartment with their family. What is the ideal response?

My family we live together in apartment.
Apartment living is what I do with family members.
I am living with family in an apartment place.
I live in an apartment with my family. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I live in an apartment with my family.

'I live in an apartment with my family' is a simple, grammatically accurate sentence appropriate for A2 level.

Question 26: You will hear a man leaving a message about a dental appointment. The notes say: 'Dentist Appointment. Day: Wednesday. Time: ______.' What time is the appointment?

9:15 AM
9:45 AM (Correct answer)
10:00 AM
11:30 AM

Correct answer: 9:45 AM

The man in the message clearly states, 'I need to change it from 9:15... Is 9:45 on the same day possible?' This confirms the new, requested appointment time is 9:45 AM.

Question 27: You will hear a girl talking to her friend about her holiday plans. Which of the following will she need to buy?

A suitcase
A guidebook (Correct answer)
A new camera
A swimming costume

Correct answer: A guidebook

The girl says, 'I've already got my new swimming costume and my dad is lending me his suitcase. I thought about buying a camera, but my phone is good enough. I do need to get a guidebook for the city, though.' This clearly states the one item she still needs to purchase.

Question 28: The museum _____ at 10 a.m. on weekdays.

opened
opens (Correct answer)
opening
open

Correct answer: opens

Fixed schedules use present simple; 'the museum' is third-person singular: 'opens'.

Question 29: He spent two hours _____ the problem before finding the answer.

thinking of
thinking on
thinking for
thinking about (Correct answer)

Correct answer: thinking about

'Think about' is the correct phrasal verb when focusing on a problem.

Question 30: I always ___ a shower in the morning before I go to school.

get
have (Correct answer)
do
make

Correct answer: have

The correct answer is 'have' because 'to have a shower' is a common and fixed English collocation. While Americans might also say 'take a shower', 'have a shower' is standard and correct. The verbs 'do' and 'make' are not used with 'a shower'.

Question 31: A notice at a sports centre reception reads: 'Late arrivals may not be admitted to class.' What does this warn users about?

Late payment results in losing your membership
If you arrive after the class starts, you might not be allowed in (Correct answer)
Classes finish earlier than scheduled
All classes require advance booking

Correct answer: If you arrive after the class starts, you might not be allowed in

The notice warns that arriving late could mean being refused entry to the class.

Question 32: Please _____ quiet in the library.

be (Correct answer)
remain
keep
stay

Correct answer: be

'Be quiet' is a direct instruction using the imperative form of 'be'.

Question 33: A friend asks what your favorite subject is. Which is the BEST reply sentence?

I go to school every day.
Subject exists in schools.
School has many subjects for students.
My favorite subject is science because I love doing experiments. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: My favorite subject is science because I love doing experiments.

This answer directly responds to the question and gives a reason, which is good practice at KET level.

Question 34: Which of these is the CORRECT way to suggest a plan in a reply email?

Meeting at café 3 pm why not?
We should met at the café at 3 pm.
Suggestion: café, 3 pm, meeting.
Why don't we meet at the café at 3 pm? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Why don't we meet at the café at 3 pm?

'Why don't we + base verb' is a standard structure for making suggestions in English.

Question 35: Your friend asks where you went on vacation. Which reply uses vocabulary MOST appropriately for KET?

The geographical location of my vacation was the Iberian Peninsula.
Vacation destinations are numerous and varied globally.
I visited Spain with my family and we had a wonderful time at the beach. (Correct answer)
I am going Spain last year summer.

Correct answer: I visited Spain with my family and we had a wonderful time at the beach.

This sentence uses simple, clear vocabulary and correct grammar appropriate for KET level.

Question 36: A recorded announcement says: 'The swimming pool is open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.' When does the pool close on Saturday?

8 p.m.
9 p.m.
7 p.m.
6 p.m. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6 p.m.

The announcement states weekend hours end at 6 p.m.

Question 37: You will hear a recorded message about a museum. The notes say: 'Museum Information. On Saturdays, the museum closes at: ______ p.m.' What time does the museum close on Saturdays?

5:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. (Correct answer)
7:00 p.m.

Correct answer: 6:00 p.m.

The recorded message states: 'We are open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, we are open until 6:00 p.m.' Therefore, the correct closing time for Saturday is 6:00 p.m.

Question 38: It was _____ a difficult test that many students failed.

so
too
such (Correct answer)
very

Correct answer: such

'Such a' is used before a noun phrase (adjective + noun) to intensify meaning.

Question 39: A KET candidate wants to say they enjoy playing football in their free time. Which sentence is correct?

In my free time, I like playing football. (Correct answer)
My free time I am enjoy football playing.
In my free time I am liking to play football.
I am enjoy football in the free time.

Correct answer: In my free time, I like playing football.

'I like playing football' is correct because 'like' is not normally used in the continuous form and 'playing' follows naturally.

Question 40: The museum is closed ___ Mondays.

at
by
in
on (Correct answer)

Correct answer: on

Use 'on' with days of the week.

Question 41: You receive an email that says: 'I'm coming to your town next week. What's the weather like? What clothes should I bring?' What information MUST you include in your reply?

Ask your friend about their travel plans.
Tell your friend about the best restaurants in your town.
A description of your house.
Describe the weather and suggest some clothes. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Describe the weather and suggest some clothes.

The original email asks two direct questions: one about the weather and one about clothes. A good reply must answer these specific questions to be helpful and complete.

Question 42: In KET Speaking, what is the main purpose of Part 1?

To assess how well candidates can describe photos.
To test vocabulary related to work and business.
To allow the examiner to verify the candidate's identity and warm them up. (Correct answer)
To test candidates' ability to discuss opinions on social issues.

Correct answer: To allow the examiner to verify the candidate's identity and warm them up.

Part 1 is an introductory phase where examiners ask simple personal questions to settle candidates and verify their identity.

Question 43: Which of these is an indoor hobby?

Surfing
Sailing
Knitting (Correct answer)
Rock climbing

Correct answer: Knitting

Knitting is done indoors using yarn and needles to make clothing or fabric.

Question 44: What does the image represent?

Visitors are only allowed to sped one hour inside the museum
One hour is the minimum time recommended for a visit to the museum (Correct answer)
The guided tour of the museum usually less than sixty minutes

Correct answer: One hour is the minimum time recommended for a visit to the museum

The phrase "Recommended minimum visit: 1 hour" means that visitors should plan to spend at least one hour at the museum to fully experience it. It suggests that less than an hour might not be enough time to see everything properly. It does not imply a maximum time limit or refer to a guided tour.

Question 45: You hear a school announcement: 'The science fair has been moved from the gymnasium to the library due to repairs. All students should bring their projects there.' Where should students go?

The gymnasium
The auditorium
The cafeteria
The library (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The library

The announcement changes the location to the library because the gymnasium is being repaired.

Question 46: What is the purpose of including a problem in your short story?

To show that stories must always have a negative event.
To make the story longer and reach the word count.
To create interest and give the character something to resolve. (Correct answer)
To confuse the reader with difficult language.

Correct answer: To create interest and give the character something to resolve.

A problem gives the story structure: it creates tension that the ending can resolve.

Question 47: He is very good _____ playing the guitar.

for
on
in
at (Correct answer)

Correct answer: at

'Good at' is the correct preposition phrase for describing a skill.

Question 48: Which word is the correct past simple form of 'choose'?

Chosed
Chose (Correct answer)
Chosen
Choosed

Correct answer: Chose

'Chose' is the past simple form; 'chosen' is the past participle used with 'have/had.'

Question 49: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'There aren't ___ students in the classroom today.'

some
much
any (Correct answer)
a

Correct answer: any

'Any' is used in negative sentences with countable plural nouns.

Question 50: You hear a travel announcement. Passengers should go to gate number _____.

41 (Correct answer)
14
40
44

Correct answer: 41

The announcement clearly states that passengers should proceed to gate 41.

Question 51: A sign posted in a shared office says: 'MEETING ROOM BOOKING REQUIRED — Spontaneous use not permitted.' What must employees do before using the meeting room?

Check that no one is inside before entering
Use the room for no more than one hour
Ask their manager for approval on the day
Reserve the room in advance through the booking system (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reserve the room in advance through the booking system

The notice states that bookings are required and spontaneous (unplanned) use is not allowed.

Question 52: She likes to ___ in the park when the weather is nice — she finds it relaxing to walk slowly and enjoy nature.

dash
race
stroll (Correct answer)
sprint

Correct answer: stroll

'Stroll' means to walk in a slow, relaxed way for pleasure.

Question 53: Choose the correct comparative: 'This test is ___ than the last one.'

more difficult (Correct answer)
difficulter
most difficult
difficultly

Correct answer: more difficult

Multi-syllable adjectives form comparatives with 'more'.

Question 54: What does the image represent?

Do not talk to the operator while the machinery is running
You must close the door, because the machinery inside is dangerous (Correct answer)
The lift machinery might be stolen if the door is not kept shut

Correct answer: You must close the door, because the machinery inside is dangerous

The image likely depicts a warning sign. The correct answer explains that the door must be closed because there is dangerous machinery inside. This emphasizes a safety regulation, indicating that keeping the door shut is essential to prevent accidents or injuries from the equipment.

Question 55: Your friend Sam has emailed to ask for help with his homework. He asks: 'Can you help me with my maths homework tonight?' Which reply correctly and politely says NO?

Hi Sam, I'm busy so I can't.
I will not help you tonight.
Hi Sam, Thanks for asking, but I'm really sorry, I can't help tonight. I have to study for a test. How about tomorrow? (Correct answer)
No, I can't.

Correct answer: Hi Sam, Thanks for asking, but I'm really sorry, I can't help tonight. I have to study for a test. How about tomorrow?

This is the best answer because it is polite and gives a reason for refusing. It also suggests an alternative time, which is helpful and friendly. The other options are too direct and could sound rude.

Question 56: A teacher tells students: 'Your essays are due Thursday, not Wednesday as I said before. Sorry for the confusion.' When are the essays due?

Tuesday
Friday
Thursday (Correct answer)
Wednesday

Correct answer: Thursday

The teacher corrects the deadline to Thursday.

Question 57: A sign outside a restaurant says: 'FULLY BOOKED this Saturday.' What can you conclude?

You can still walk in on Saturday if you arrive early
The restaurant is closed every Saturday
There are no available tables for that Saturday (Correct answer)
The restaurant only takes bookings on Saturdays

Correct answer: There are no available tables for that Saturday

'Fully booked' means all reservations are taken, so no more tables are available.

Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Exam

The Cambridge A2 Key (KET) exam tests basic English proficiency at CEFR level A2, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills for everyday situations.

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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