Cambridge A2 Key (KET) key terms

A verb used in exam instructions when you must pick one answer from the choices given. You read all the choices first, then decide which one fits the task best.

One of the answers you can pick in a task, often printed as A, B or C. You compare the options carefully before deciding which one completes the task properly.

The reply that the exam marking accepts as right. Usually only one reply is correct, so read the question again before you write anything on the paper.

An empty space left in a sentence or short text where you must write the missing word. Read the whole sentence first to guess what kind of word fits.

To join two things that belong together, such as a question and its answer, or a person and the thing they want. You draw a line or write a letter.

A group of words that gives a complete idea and usually ends with a full stop, a question mark or an exclamation mark. It normally has a subject and a verb.

A short public message, often on a board or a door, that tells people something such as opening times or a rule. Notices appear often in the reading tasks.

Short written information you send to someone, for example on a phone or a piece of paper. A message usually has a greeting, the information, and your name.

A message sent from one computer or phone to another using the internet. In the writing task you may have to answer an email from a friend.

A small card with a picture on one side that you send by post without an envelope. You write a short holiday message and the address on it.

A written or spoken request asking someone to come to a party, meal or event. It usually says the date, the time and the place.

A short text or picture that tells people about something for sale or about an event. Advertisements in the reading paper often give prices, times and phone numbers.

A table that shows the times when trains, buses, classes or events happen. You read across the rows to find the day and the time you need.

A short piece of writing about a topic, found in a newspaper or magazine. In the reading paper an article usually tells you about a person, place or hobby.

A piece of writing that tells about events, real or imagined, with a beginning, middle and end. In A2 Key you may write a short story from three pictures.

To hear the recording two separate times. In A2 Key Listening each part is played two times, so you can check your answers the second time.

The sound you hear in the listening test, played from a device. It contains conversations, announcements or messages spoken by different people.

To put a small mark in a box to show your answer. You tick the box next to the picture or word that you have chosen.

A small square or rectangle printed on the question paper where you write or tick your answer. Keep your writing clear and inside the box.

A talk between two or more people who take turns speaking. In the listening test you often hear a short conversation between friends or family members.

A person who is talking in a recording or in the speaking test. Listen for words that tell you who is speaking, such as 'mum' or 'teacher'.

The amount of money you must pay for something. In listening and reading tasks, prices are often said in numbers, like 'four pounds fifty'.

The hour and minute when something happens. In the listening test you often hear times like 'half past seven' or 'quarter to nine'.

The way the letters of a word are written or said in order. In the listening test a name is sometimes spelled aloud for you to write down.

The word that a person, place or thing is called. In the listening test you often write a person's name, so listen carefully to each letter.

The group of numbers you dial to call someone. In listening tasks these are given in small groups of digits, so write them down one by one.

The person who asks you questions and listens to you in the speaking test. You should look at the examiner and answer in a clear voice.

The other candidate who does the speaking test with you. You ask each other questions and sometimes talk together about the same topic.

To say or write the letters of a word in the correct order. In the speaking test you may be asked to spell your family name.

To say something again. If you do not hear the examiner clearly, you can say 'Sorry, could you repeat that, please?' and they will say it again.

A small card with words or pictures that the examiner gives you in the speaking test. It shows the topic and the ideas you can talk about.

To say what someone or something is like, using details about appearance, place or feelings. In the speaking test you describe a photograph or a person.

A picture taken with a camera. In the speaking test you talk about what you can see in a photograph, such as people, objects and places.

Basic facts about you, such as your name, age, where you live and what you like doing. The speaking test always begins with questions like these.

The hours when you are not at school, at work or studying. In the speaking test you often answer questions about what you do in your free time.

A word that joins a reason to a statement. Using 'because' in the speaking test helps you give longer answers and say why you think something.