KET PAPER 3: SPEAKING

The paper contains two parts. The standard format is two candidates and two examiners. One examiner acts both assessor and interlocutor and manages the interaction by asking questions and setting up the tasks. The other acts as assessor and does not join in the conversation.

The test takes 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates.

Marks

Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test. 

Candidates are not expected to produce completely accurate or fluent language, but they are expected to interact appropriately and intelligibly. The emphasis in assessment is on the ability to communicate clearly. 

These are the two parts in detail: 

PAPER 3 : SPEAKING
PART	TASK TYPE AND FORMAT	FOCUS	TIMING
1	Each candidate interacts with the interlocutor. The interlocutor asks the candidates questions. The interlocutor follows an interlocutor frame to guide the conversation, ensure standardisation and control level of input.	Language normally associated with meeting people for the first time, giving information of a factual personal kind. Bio-data type questions to respond to.	5-6 minutes
2	Candidates interact with each other. The interlocutor sets up the activity using a standardised rubric. Candidates ask and answer questions using prompt material.	Factual information of a non-personal kind related to daily life.	3-4 minutes

Examples of the two parts

PART 1

PART 2

Another example:

KET PAPER 2: LISTENING

This paper contains five parts. Candidates will have about 30 minutes to complete the paper, including 8 minutes to transfer answers. Each item carries one mark. This gives a total of 25 marks which represents 25% of total marks for the whole examination.

These are the five parts in detail:

PAPER 2 : LISTENING
PART	TASK TYPE AND FORMAT	TASK FOCUS	NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
1	Three-option multiple choice. Short neutral or informal dialogues. Five discrete 3-option multiple-choice items with visuals, plus one example.	Listening to identify key information (times, prices, days of the week, numbers, etc.)	5
2	Matching. Longer informal dialogue. Five items (plus one integrated example) and eight options.	Listening to identify key information.	5
3	Three-option multiple choice. Longer informal or neutral dialogue. Five3-option multiple-choice items (plus integrated example).	Taking the ‘role’ of one of the speakers and listening to identify key information.	5
4	Gap-fill. Longer neutral or informal dialogue. Five gaps to fill with one or more words or numbers, plus an integrated example. Recognisable spelling is accepted, except with very high frequency words, e.g. ‘bus’, ‘red’, or if spelling is dictated.	Listening and writing down information (including spelling of names, places, etc. As dictated on recording).	5
5	Gap-fill. Longer neutral or informal monologue. Five gaps to fill with one or more words or numbers, plus an integrated example. Recognisable spelling is accepted, except with very high frequency words, e.g. ‘bus’, ‘red’, or if spelling is dictated.	Listening and writing down information (including spelling of names, places, etc. As dictated on recording).	5

KET PAPER 1: READING AND WRITING

This paper contains 9 parts (56 questions) and students will have 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete it. Each item carries one mark, except for question 56 which is marked out of 5. This gives a total of 60 marks, which is weighted to a final mark out of 50, representing 50% of total marks for the whole examination.

Let's see all the parts in detail:

PAPER 1 : READING AND WRITING
PART	TASK TYPE AND FORMAT	TASK FOCUS	NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
1	Matching. Matching five prompt sentences to eight notices, plus one example.	Gist understanding of real-world notices. Reading for main message.	5
2	Three-option multiple choice sentences. Five sentences (plus an integrated example) with connecting link of topic or story line.	Reading and identifying appropriate vocabulary.	5
3	Three-option multiple choice. Five discrete 3-option multiple-choice items (plus an example) focusing on verbal exchange patterns. AND Matching. Five matching items (plus an integrated example) in a continuous dialogue, selecting from eight possible responses.	Functional language. Reading and identifying appropriate response.	10
4	Right/Wrong/Doesn’t say OR 3-option multiple choice. One long text or three short texts adapted from authentic newspaper and magazine articles. Seven 3-option multiple-choice items or seven Right/Wrong/Doesn’t say items, plus an integrated example.	Reading for detailed understanding and main idea(s).	7
5	Multiple-choice cloze. A text adapted from an original source, for example encyclopaedia entries, newspaper and magazine articles. Eight 3-option multiple-choice items, plus an integrated example.	Reading and identifying appropriate structural word (auxiliary verbs, modal verbs, determiners, pronouns, prepositions, conjuctions, etc.)	8
6	Word completion. Five dictionary definition-type sentences (plus an integrated example). Five words to identify and spell.	Reading and identifying appropriate lexical item and spelling.	5
7	Open cloze. Text of type candidates could be expected to write, for example a short letter or email. Ten spaces to fill with one word (plus an integrated example) which must be spelled correctly.	Reading and identifying appropriate word with focus on structure and/or lexis.	10
8	Information transfer. Two short input texts, authentic in nature (emails, adverts, etc.) to prompt completion of an output text with one or more words or numbers (plus an integrated example).	Reading and writing down appropriate words or numbers with focus on content and accuracy.	5
9	Guided writing. Either a short input text or rubric to prompt a written response. Three messages to communicate.	Writing a short message, note or postcard of 25-35 words.	1