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You are here:

  1. Cambridge English
  2. Exams and tests
  3. A2 Key for Schools
  4. Exam format
  5. 2020 update

A2 Key for Schools from 2020

  • Exam format
    • 2020 update

To make sure our exams are up to date with the latest research in language learning and teaching, we update them regularly. The revision of A2 Key for Schools is now complete and the updated exam will start being used for exam sessions in January 2020.

At a glance – what’s new?

Here are the main changes to the A2 Key for Schools exam from January 2020:

  • The exam will be 10 minutes shorter, but it still covers all the same language skills and tests at the same level as the current version.
  • There are new or revised tasks in each of the papers.
  • The way grades are reported has been updated – candidates will now receive a grade of A, B, or C.

Exam format in detail

A2 Key for Schools is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.

Paper Content Marks
(% of total)
Purpose
Reading and Writing
(1 hour)
7 parts/
32 questions
50% Shows you can understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines.
Listening
(30 minutes, including 8 minutes' transfer time)
5 parts/
25 questions
25% Requires you to be able to understand announcements and other spoken material when people speak reasonably slowly.
Speaking
(8–10 minutes per pair of candidates)
2 parts 25% Shows you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Your Speaking test will be conducted face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.

  • openbook
    Reading and Writing
  • playlist
    Listening
  • megaphone
    Speaking

openbook What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

The A2 Key for Schools Reading and Writing paper has seven parts and different types of texts and questions. Parts 1–5 are about reading and Parts 6 and 7 are mainly about writing.

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

Part Task
Format
No. of questions
1
Multiple-choice short texts Understanding six short messages 6
2 Matching Read three short texts for specific information and detailed comprehension. Same as one of the options for old Part 4 but always now three texts and A, B, C multiple-choice options (not Right, Wrong or Doesn’t Say). 7
3 Multiple-choice long text Read one longer text for detailed understanding and main ideas.
Same as one of the options for old Part 4.
5
4 Multiple-choice gap fill Read a text and choose missing words (A, B, C) to fill in the gaps. Same as old Part 5 but shorter. 6
5 Open gap fill Read a text and write words in the gaps. Same as old Part 7 but shorter. 6
6 Writing a short message Write a message in response to information given.
Same as old Part 9 but students now write 25 words or more, rather than writing 25–35 words.
1
7 Writing a short story Write a short story based on three pictures, 35 words or more. 1

playlist What’s in the Listening paper?

The A2 Key for Schools Listening paper has five parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

Part
Task
Format
No. of questions
1 Multiple-choice short texts Listen to five short texts for specific information and choose the right picture (A, B, C). Same as old Part 1. 5
2 Gap fill Listen to a longer text and write down missing information in the gaps (a word, number, date or time). Same as old Part 5. 5
3 Multiple-choice long text Listen to a longer text for specific information, feelings and opinions. Same as old Part 3. 5
4 Multiple choice Listen to five short texts for the main idea or message. 5
5 Matching Listen to a longer text for specific information. Same as old Part 2. 5

megaphone What’s in the Speaking paper?

The A2 Key for Schools 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 listens. Both examiners give marks for your performance.

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

Part
Task
Format
1
Introductory phase
Interactional and social language. Candidates give factual information of a personal kind and answer examiner questions about their daily life, interests, likes, etc., followed by a longer ‘Tell me something about …’ question.
2
Collaborative task
Compare, describe and express opinions. Discussion between candidates based on picture prompts on a topic, e.g. ‘holidays’ and follow-up discussion led by the examiner on the same topic.

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