A2 Key (KET) Speaking – Practice Test 1 — Explanation

Welcome to this free Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Speaking practice test. It follows the real exam format exactly — the same two parts and the same kinds of examiner questions — so you know what to expect on exam day. Each exercise gives you the full examiner script, model answers and useful phrases, plus short questions that check you know how to answer well.

The A2 Key Speaking test lasts 8–10 minutes and is worth 25% of your total mark. You normally take it with another candidate, and there are two examiners in the room: the interlocutor, who talks to you, and the assessor, who only listens and marks.

What is the A2 Key (KET) Speaking exam?

The Speaking test shows that you can talk about everyday topics in simple English: yourself, your daily life, your likes and dislikes, and your opinions. You don't need perfect English — you need to communicate clearly and keep the conversation going.

The two parts

• Part 1 (3–4 minutes) — The examiner asks you and your partner questions about yourselves: your name, where you live, whether you work or study, and then two everyday topics (for example food and weekends). At the end of each topic you give a longer answer of about 20–30 seconds.
• Part 2 (5–6 minutes) — You and your partner talk to each other about a set of pictures on one topic, saying what you like and why. The examiner then asks you both a few opinion and preference questions.

How you are marked

• Grammar and Vocabulary — using simple structures and everyday words correctly.
• Pronunciation — being easy to understand; you do not need a perfect accent.
• Interactive Communication — answering, asking, and keeping the conversation going with your partner.

How to get a good score

• Never answer with one word. Add a reason or an example: not "Yes", but "Yes, I do, because…".
• Talk to your partner in Part 2, not to the examiner. Look at them, ask their opinion, and react to what they say.
• Ask if you don't understand. "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?" is perfectly fine and costs you no marks.
• Keep going. If you make a mistake, correct yourself and continue — don't stop.
• Practise out loud. Record yourself answering the questions below and listen back.

Ready? Start with Part 1 below, then move on to Part 2.