8/12/2019 Activate the KET and KET for Schools Exams

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The KET and KET for

Schools Exams

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There are two versions of KET available: KET and KET for Schools. KET for Schools has been specifically

designed for younger candidates, but the format, task types, test focuses and level of the question papersremain the same. The significant difference is in the content, which has been targeted at the interests and

experiences of younger students.

KET Level

The KET for Schools exam is at Level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) has developed a Can Do framework to describe what

language users at different levels can usually do within different situations.

Below is an overview of the Can Do framework for A2 level.

Typical abilities Listening and Speaking Reading and Writing

Overall generalability

CAN understand simple questions and instructions.

CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar

context.

CAN understand straightforward information within a known area.

CAN complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards

related to personal information.

Social & Leisure CAN have short conversations with friends about interestingtopics.

CAN make simple plans with people, such as what to do,

where to go, and when to meet.

CAN express likes and dislikes in familiar contexts using

simple language.

CAN understand short simple messages from people who share

his/her interests, for example emails, postcards or short letters

from pen-friends.

CAN write a very simple personal letter, note or email, for

example accepting or offering an invitation, thanking someone

for something, apologizing.

School and Study CAN understand basic instructions on class times, dates androom numbers.

CAN ask the person to repeat what they said, when he/she

does not understand something.

CAN express simple opinions using expressions such as

I dont agree.

CAN understand the general meaning of a simplified text book orstory, reading very slowly.

CAN write about his/her daily life in simple phrases and

sentences, for example family, school, hobbies, holidays, likes

and dislikes.

KET marking

Candidates are given a final grade based on their total score in all three papers.

Pass with Merit = 85100%

Pass = 7084%

NB The pass mark is 70%

There is no minimum pass mark for individual papers.

Certificates are not issued to candidates awarded a Fail grade.

Reproduced from the KET for Schools Handbook for Teacherswith the permission of Cambridge ESOL