Exam overview

What's in the KET Speaking paper?

The KET Speaking test has two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner just listens. Both examiners decide your grade.

What's in the KET Speaking paper?

The KET Speaking test has two parts and you take it with another candidate. There are two examiners. One examiner talks to you and the other examiner just listens. Both examiners decide your grade. Time allowed: Number of parts: Marks: You have to talk: 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates 2 25% of total with the examiner with the other candidate

Part 1
What's in Part 1? Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks you some questions about yourself and you answer. What do I have to practise? Giving information about yourself. How long do we have to speak? 5-6 minutes

Practise Part 1
Now try Part 1 from the sample KET Speaking paper.

Part 2
What's in Part 2? The examiner gives you some information or a card with some ideas for questions. You have to talk with the other candidate and ask or answer questions. What do I have to practise? Asking and answering simple questions about daily life. How long do we have to speak? 3-4 minutes.

Practise Part 2
Now try Part 2 from the sample KET Speaking paper.

What's in the exam?

Paper

Content

Marks (% of total) 50%

Purpose Shows a pupil can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. They will also have to fill gaps in simple sentences and write a short message or note.

Reading and Writing 9 parts/56 (1 hour 10 questions minutes) Listening (30 minutes, 5 parts/25 including 8 questions minutes' transfer time) Speaking (810 minutes 2 parts per pair of candidates) Introduction.

25%

Requires a pupil to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly. Tests a pupils ability to take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Their Speaking test will be conducted face-toface with one or two other pupils. This makes their test more realistic and more reliable.

25%

For the KET exam you need the kind of English that a visitor to an English-speaking country should have. You need to understand simple statements of fact, signs, notices, and instructions from people such as police officers. You will also need to be able to give basic information about yourself, and to give and receive simple messages. These messages may be written or spoken, for example on the telephone. People who want to do the test must know how to introduce themselves and other people, and how to talk about simple things such as the weather, their sports and their hobbies. When they have not understood, or they do not understand the other person, they must know how to say this, and try to explain, or ask the other person to explain again.

Do both examiners speak during the test?

No, only one examiner (the interlocutor) speaks. The other examiner (the assessor) stays silent except for greeting and saying goodbye to the candidates.

Do the candidates speak to each other as well as to the examiner?

Yes. In Part 1 the candidates only speak to the examiner, but in Part 2 they must talk to each other. In this part, it is important that they speak to each other and NOT to the examiner, unless something is not clear to them.

If you know your partner is it easier to do well?

There is no evidence that candidates do better, or worse, in the Speaking test when they know their partner. Some people feel more relaxed and confident when they do the test with someone they know, while others may feel shy or that the situation is unnatural. In both cases, the examiners are trained to to give all candidates equal opportunities to do their best.

What happens if candidates are 'mis-matched', for example by putting a shy person with a confident one?
Examiners are trained to deal with this situation and be fair to all candidates. Everyone has the chance to show what they can do. However, candidates should remember to make the best use of the time to show their language skills without dominating their partner.

What happens if there is an uneven number of candidates?

The last test will be taken with a group of three candidates. In this case the test will last 13-15 minutes.

What are DOs and DON'Ts?

The DOs and DON'Ts are advice from the Cambridge ESOL examiners about what you should do (DOs) and what you shouldn't do (DON'Ts) when you are preparing for or taking the exam. Refer to them when you are studying so that you know what to do when you take the exam.

DOs

Make sure you know what you have to do in both parts of the test. Practise speaking English as much as possible, both inside and outside the classroom. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions and questions during the test. Speak clearly, so that both examiners can hear you. Talk to the examiner in Part 1. Talk to your partner in Part 2. Ask the examiner to repeat the instructions or a question if you're not sure. Listen to your partner's questions and answers in Part 2 and try to make it a natural conversation. Remember that the examiners want you to do your best. Try and relax and enjoy the test. Always try to answer the questions, even if you are worried about making mistakes. The examiners can't mark you if you don't say anything. You may be nervous during the test. Practise speaking English in many different situations so that you can speak clearly even when you are nervous.

DON'Ts

Don't worry too much about making grammar mistakes. Don't worry if you don't understand. Just ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question. Don't prepare long answers in advance. Don't worry if you think your partner is not as good, or much better at speaking English than you. The examiners mark you one by one. Don't worry if the examiner stops you. It is important that the tests are not too long.