A2 Key from 2020

Exam format

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 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 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 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.

Reading and Writing
Listening
Speaking

What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

The A2 Key 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

What’s in the Listening paper?

The A2 Key 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

What’s in the Speaking paper?

The A2 Key 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.

At a glance – what’s new?

Exam format in detail

openbook What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

playlist What’s in the Listening paper?

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

megaphone What’s in the Speaking paper?

Summary of changes in the 2020 update

What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

What’s in the Listening paper?

What’s in the Speaking paper?