A2 Key for Schools study guide
A2 Key for Schools · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
A2 Key for Schools is a Cambridge English Qualification at CEFR level A2, reported on the Cambridge English Scale in the 120–139 range. It is the school-oriented version of A2 Key: both sit at the same level and follow the same format, but A2 Key for Schools is tailored to the interests and experience of school-age learners, while A2 Key is designed for adults. The qualification shows that a learner can understand and use basic phrases and expressions, understand simple written English, introduce themselves and answer basic questions about themselves, and interact with English speakers at a basic level. It is a stepping stone towards B1 Preliminary for Schools. Topics on this exam: Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The A2 Key for Schools study guide has 3 sections and about 1,301 words.
01Reading and Writing - A2 Key for Schools
The A2 Key for Schools Reading and Writing paper lasts 1 hour and has 7 parts, 32 questions. Parts 1–5 test reading and language use; Parts 6–7 test writing. It carries 50% of the total marks. Texts are short and school/family oriented: signs, notices, messages, emails and simple articles.
443 words, about 2 min02Listening - A2 Key for Schools
The A2 Key for Schools Listening paper lasts about 30 minutes and has 5 parts, 25 questions. Each recording is played twice. The tasks use short dialogues and monologues set in school, family and everyday situations. Listening is worth 25% of the total marks.
428 words, about 2 min03Speaking - A2 Key for Schools
The A2 Key for Schools Speaking test lasts 8–10 minutes and is taken by two candidates with two examiners. It has two parts and is worth 25% of the total marks. The test checks simple everyday communication: giving personal information, asking and answering questions, giving opinions and interacting with a partner. The examiner asks each candidate questions about themselves: name, age, school, family, hobbies, daily routines and likes/dislikes.
430 words, about 2 min