Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'There aren't ___ students in the classroom today.'

some
any (Correct answer)
much
a

Correct answer: any

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

Question 2: A friend invites you to a movie on Friday. You want to accept. Which reply is CORRECT?

Friday is a day of the week.
Movie is on Friday.
Invitation accepted by me on Friday.
That sounds great! I would love to come. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: That sounds great! I would love to come.

'That sounds great! I would love to come' is a natural, enthusiastic acceptance.

Question 3: You hear about a job at a cafe. The pay is _____ dollars per hour.

nine (Correct answer)
ten
eleven
twelve

Correct answer: nine

The manager explains the starting pay is nine dollars per hour.

Question 4: You hear a message about a doctor's office. The address is on _____ Street.

Pearl
Palm
Pine (Correct answer)
Park

Correct answer: Pine

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

Question 5: The examiner asks: 'How long have you been studying English?' The candidate started two years ago. Which answer is correct?

I have been studying English for two years. (Correct answer)
I studied English two years before.
I study English since two years.
I am studying English since two years ago.

Correct answer: I have been studying English for two years.

'I have been studying English for two years' correctly uses the present perfect continuous with 'for' to express duration.

Question 6: What is a "boarding pass"?

A document you need to enter a foreign country
A map showing the airport gate locations
A document confirming your seat that allows you to get on the plane (Correct answer)
A receipt for your checked luggage

Correct answer: A document confirming your seat that allows you to get on the plane

A boarding pass is the document or card that confirms your seat assignment and allows you to board the plane at the gate.

Question 7: 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?

9:45 AM (Correct answer)
9:15 AM
11:30 AM
10:00 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 8: You hear a travel announcement. Passengers should go to gate number _____.

40
14
44
41 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 41

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

Question 9: You hear a message about a concert. The venue can hold _____ people.

200
300 (Correct answer)
500
400

Correct answer: 300

The organizer explains the venue has a maximum capacity of 300 people.

Question 10: 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.
7:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. (Correct answer)

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 11: Read this email from your friend, Alex: Hi, I'm having a party next Saturday at my house. Can you come? It starts at 7 p.m. Please tell me if you can bring some snacks. Which is the BEST reply to Alex?

Dear Alex, Thanks for the invitation! I'd love to come on Saturday. I can bring some crisps and nuts. See you then! (Correct answer)
To Alex, I am writing to inform you that I will attend your party. I will procure some snacks to contribute.
Hi Alex, I will go to your party. I start at 7 p.m. I can bring snacks.
Hello Alex, Yes. I come. I bring snacks for the party next Saturday. It is at 7 p.m.

Correct answer: Dear Alex, Thanks for the invitation! I'd love to come on Saturday. I can bring some crisps and nuts. See you then!

This answer is the best because it uses a friendly and informal tone suitable for an email to a friend. It clearly accepts the invitation, confirms understanding of the day, offers to bring specific snacks, and uses an appropriate closing. The other options are either too formal, grammatically incorrect, or unnatural.

Question 12: A sign at a park entrance reads: 'DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES.' What does this rule require?

Dogs are not allowed in the park
Leads must be purchased at the park entrance
Dogs can run free in certain areas only
Owners must keep their dogs on a lead throughout the park (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Owners must keep their dogs on a lead throughout the park

'At all times' means the lead rule applies everywhere in the park without exception.

Question 13: A story prompt gives you a picture of a beach. Which detail adds the most interest?

Waves crashed against the rocks as Mia found a glass bottle with a note inside. (Correct answer)
The beach was nice and big.
Many people go to the beach in summer.
There was a beach with water and sand.

Correct answer: Waves crashed against the rocks as Mia found a glass bottle with a note inside.

Specific sensory details and a story event make writing more engaging.

Question 14: We _____ our grandmother last summer.

are visiting
visits
visit
visited (Correct answer)

Correct answer: visited

'Last summer' indicates a completed past action, so 'visited' is correct.

Question 15: We had a big storm ___ the night.

during (Correct answer)
since
for
by

Correct answer: during

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

Question 16: We need _____ more chairs for the meeting room.

a few (Correct answer)
less
much
a little

Correct answer: a few

'A few' is used with countable nouns like chairs.

Question 17: Which sentence avoids the common KET mistake of repeating the same word too often?

The big dog saw a big tree and ran to the big tree quickly.
The dog spotted a large tree and sprinted toward it. (Correct answer)
The dog that was big saw the tree that was big and ran there.
A big dog ran to a tree that was also big in size.

Correct answer: The dog spotted a large tree and sprinted toward it.

Using synonyms like 'spotted' and 'large' instead of repeating 'saw' and 'big' improves quality.

Question 18: Choose the correct word: 'I need to buy ___ new shoes because mine are old.'

any
an
a
some (Correct answer)

Correct answer: some

'Some' is used with plural nouns like 'shoes' in affirmative sentences.

Question 19: She _____ born in New York but grew up in Boston.

is
were
has
was (Correct answer)

Correct answer: was

'Was born' is the correct past simple passive form for a single person.

Question 20: Which sentence is in the past simple tense?

I watch TV every night.
I am watching TV.
I have watched TV.
I watched TV last night. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I watched TV last night.

'Watched' is the past simple form, confirmed by the time marker 'last night.'

Question 21: What does the image represent?

Do not stand up while the bus is moving (Correct answer)
The bus begins to move when all the seats are full
If the bus is full, please give your seat to a senior

Correct answer: Do not stand up while the bus is moving

This image likely represents a safety sign found on public transport. The correct answer is a direct safety instruction advising passengers not to stand up while the bus is in motion. This rule is crucial to prevent falls and injuries due to sudden stops or turns.

Question 22: A friend asks what your favorite subject is. Which is the BEST reply sentence?

Subject exists in schools.
I go to school every day.
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 23: Which sentence about the past is grammatically correct?

They not went to the cinema last night.
I not did my homework.
She didn't liked the music at the party.
He didn't answer the phone. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He didn't answer the phone.

The correct structure for a negative sentence in the Past Simple is 'didn't' + the base form of the verb (infinitive). 'He didn't answer' follows this rule correctly.

Question 24: He decided to _____ up smoking after his doctor's advice.

give (Correct answer)
put
take
set

Correct answer: give

'Give up' means to stop doing something, commonly used with habits like smoking.

Question 25: Which sentence best opens a short story about a lost dog?

The brown dog was lost yesterday in the park near the school.
This story is about a dog that got lost near a park.
Dogs can get lost easily if their owners are not careful.
Max disappeared on a rainy Tuesday, and nobody noticed until dinnertime. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Max disappeared on a rainy Tuesday, and nobody noticed until dinnertime.

A strong opening names the character and creates immediate tension with specific details.

Question 26: Which sentence CORRECTLY expresses agreement with a friend's opinion in an email?

Opinion agreed upon by both parties.
I totally agree with you — the movie was amazing! (Correct answer)
Agreement is being expressed by me regarding your opinion.
Yes agreeing with you I am totally.

Correct answer: I totally agree with you — the movie was amazing!

'I totally agree with you' is a natural, direct way to express agreement in informal writing.

Question 27: Which sentence best describes a character's feelings without using the word 'happy'?

She felt a feeling of happiness inside her.
She was happy and very happy about the news.
She was not sad, so she was happy.
She smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt.

Showing emotion through physical action is more effective than simply naming the feeling.

Question 28: The train _____ at 9:15 every day.

leaving
left
leave
leaves (Correct answer)

Correct answer: leaves

Timetabled facts use present simple; third-person singular: 'leaves'.

Question 29: You hear about a yoga class. The instructor's name is _____.

Maura
Maria (Correct answer)
Mara
Marina

Correct answer: Maria

The recording introduces the class instructor as Maria.

Question 30: A KET examiner asks: 'What languages do you speak?' The candidate speaks Spanish and a little English. Which reply is best?

I speak Spanish and I little English.
Spanish I speak and English a little bit speaking.
I speak Spanish, and I can speak a little English. (Correct answer)
I am speaking Spanish and little of English.

Correct answer: I speak Spanish, and I can speak a little English.

'I speak Spanish, and I can speak a little English' is grammatically correct and uses 'can' naturally for ability.

Question 31: In KET Speaking, a candidate cannot understand a question. What is the most appropriate thing to do?

Start answering a different question.
Stay silent and wait for the examiner to move on.
Say 'Sorry, could you repeat that, please?' (Correct answer)
Say 'I don't know' immediately.

Correct answer: Say 'Sorry, could you repeat that, please?'

Politely asking for repetition using 'Could you repeat that, please?' shows good communication strategy and is perfectly acceptable.

Question 32: In KET Speaking Part 1, candidates are expected to answer questions about themselves for approximately how long?

30 seconds
5–6 minutes
1–2 minutes (Correct answer)
8–10 minutes

Correct answer: 1–2 minutes

KET Speaking Part 1 lasts about 1–2 minutes where candidates answer personal information questions.

Question 33: I am _____ forward to meeting you next week.

waiting
seeing
looking (Correct answer)
watching

Correct answer: looking

'Look forward to' is a fixed phrasal verb meaning to be excited about a future event.

Question 34: Your pen pal asks what you did last weekend. Which sentence uses the CORRECT tense?

I go to the park yesterday.
I will go to the park yesterday.
I went to the park on Saturday. (Correct answer)
I am going to the park yesterday.

Correct answer: I went to the park on Saturday.

Past simple 'went' is correct for a completed action in the past.

Question 35: Which sentence correctly uses the gerund?

She enjoys swam.
She enjoys swim.
She enjoys swimming. (Correct answer)
She enjoys to swim.

Correct answer: She enjoys swimming.

After 'enjoy', a gerund (-ing form) is required.

Question 36: The baby was born ___ midnight.

by
at (Correct answer)
on
in

Correct answer: at

Use 'at' with midnight, noon, and specific times.

Question 37: 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 38: A travel agent says: 'The flight departs at 6:45 in the morning. We recommend arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure.' What time should passengers arrive?

4:45 a.m. (Correct answer)
5:45 a.m.
6:45 a.m.
4:00 a.m.

Correct answer: 4:45 a.m.

Two hours before the 6:45 departure means arriving by 4:45 a.m.

Question 39: You hear an interview: 'I've been a nurse for ten years, but I only moved to this hospital three years ago.' How long has she worked at this hospital?

Three years (Correct answer)
Ten years
Five years
Seven years

Correct answer: Three years

She states she moved to this specific hospital three years ago.

Question 40: A message about a craft fair says it is held at the _____ Hall.

Town (Correct answer)
Sports
Village
Church

Correct answer: Town

The announcement confirms the craft fair takes place at the Town Hall.

Question 41: Which word best describes the fixed path that a bus or train regularly follows?

Track
Route (Correct answer)
Lane
Road

Correct answer: Route

A route is the fixed path or course that public transport such as a bus or train regularly follows.

Question 42: Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb? 'She ___ to the market every Saturday.'

gone
goes (Correct answer)
go
going

Correct answer: goes

Third-person singular present simple requires the -s ending: 'she goes.'

Question 43: He is very good _____ playing the guitar.

for
on
at (Correct answer)
in

Correct answer: at

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

Question 44: Which sentence contains a spelling mistake that would lose marks on KET?

They decided to leave early.
He recieved a letter that morning. (Correct answer)
The dog barked loudly outside.
She walked slowly to the station.

Correct answer: He recieved a letter that morning.

'Received' is commonly misspelled; the rule is 'i before e except after c.'

Question 45: In KET story writing, which is the best way to show that time has passed?

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

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 46: The children were playing _____ the park when it started to rain.

in (Correct answer)
by
at
on

Correct answer: in

'In the park' is the correct preposition phrase for being inside a park area.

Question 47: 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 have got one brother. (Correct answer)
Yes, brothers I have one.
Yes, I am having one brother.

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 48: Which ending best closes a short story about finding a missing key?

Keys are important things to look after.
She looked for the key and then she stopped looking.
Finally, she laughed — it had been in her coat pocket all along. (Correct answer)
That is the end of the story about the key.

Correct answer: Finally, she laughed — it had been in her coat pocket all along.

A good ending resolves the problem and often includes an emotional or surprising detail.

Question 49: My little sister is only two years old, so she ___ read yet.

shouldn't
mustn't
doesn't
can't (Correct answer)

Correct answer: can't

The correct answer is 'can't', which is the contraction of 'cannot'. This modal verb is used to express a lack of ability. A two-year-old child typically does not have the ability to read.

Question 50: A tour guide says: 'The museum entry fee is twelve dollars for adults and half price for children under twelve.' How much does a ten-year-old child pay?

$6 (Correct answer)
$12
$8
$4

Correct answer: $6

Half of the $12 adult price is $6 for children under twelve.

Question 51: The film starts _____ half past seven.

by
in
at (Correct answer)
on

Correct answer: at

'At' is used with specific times of day.

Question 52: Which of these questions is an examiner LEAST likely to ask in the 'Personal Information' part of the KET Speaking test?

What did you do last weekend?
Tell me about your family.
What is your opinion on international politics? (Correct answer)
Do you work or are you a student?

Correct answer: What is your opinion on international politics?

The KET Speaking test focuses on simple, personal information about everyday topics like work, school, family, and hobbies. [3] Complex or controversial topics like international politics are not suitable for this level and are not asked.

Question 53: 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, 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.
Hi Sam, I'm busy so I can't.
I will not help you tonight.

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 54: You hear a man on the phone: 'I need to cancel my dentist appointment on the fourteenth and rebook it for the twenty-first.' On which date is his new appointment?

The twelfth
The fifteenth
The fourteenth
The twenty-first (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The twenty-first

He cancels the fourteenth and books a new appointment for the twenty-first.

Question 55: Which phrase is the BEST way to apologize in an email reply?

I am sincerely regretful about the unfortunate circumstances.
Sorry about that! (Correct answer)
This is not my fault.
You should not be angry.

Correct answer: Sorry about that!

'Sorry about that!' is a simple, natural apology appropriate for KET-level writing.

Question 56: Which of the following is a hobby that involves using wool and needles to make things like scarves and sweaters?

photography
sewing
dancing
knitting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: knitting

Knitting is the craft of using two long needles to create items from wool or yarn. Sewing typically uses a single needle and thread to join fabric.

Question 57: You hear a recorded message: 'Our offices are closed on public holidays. For urgent matters, please call our emergency line at 555-0199.' What should you do on a public holiday if it's urgent?

Visit the office in person
Call the emergency line (Correct answer)
Wait until offices reopen
Send an email

Correct answer: Call the emergency line

The message instructs callers to use the emergency line for urgent matters on holidays.

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%

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