Speaking - A2 Key for Schools
What the test contains
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.
Part 1: Interview (3–4 minutes)
The examiner asks each candidate questions about themselves: name, age, school, family, hobbies, daily routines and likes/dislikes. You may be asked to spell your surname. Answer in short full sentences, not one word. For example, “I’m from Ankara” is better than “Ankara.”
Part 2: Collaborative task (5–6 minutes)
The examiner gives a picture prompt with several options. You and your partner discuss them, give opinions and choose one. Then the examiner asks follow-up questions. Talk to your partner, not only to the examiner. Use simple interactive phrases: What do you think?, I prefer … because …, Do you like …? Give a reason for your opinion and respond to your partner’s idea.
Worked example
Prompt: activities for a school club - football, reading, swimming, cycling. Candidate A: “I’d like to play football because it’s fun. What about you?” Candidate B: “I prefer reading. Football is tiring for me.” Why this works: A gives an opinion with a reason and asks B. B answers with a different opinion and a reason. This shows interaction, not a memorised speech. If B only says “Yes” or “No,” there is little language to assess.
Traps that cost marks
- Answering the examiner but ignoring your partner in Part 2.
- Giving one-word answers in Part 1.
- Reciting a long prepared monologue instead of responding to the question.
- Discussing every picture but never choosing one.
- Staying silent when you do not understand; ask Can you repeat that, please?
How to prepare
Practise short answers with a reason: I like … because …. Practise asking your partner for an opinion and reacting to it: That’s a good idea, but …. Record yourself and check that your meaning is clear; A2 does not require perfect grammar, but it does require understandable communication.