What’s in the Reading and Writing paper?

KEY Reading & Writing
The Cambridge English: Key Reading and Writing paper has 7 parts and 32 questions. You get one mark for each correct answer in parts 1-5, and a maximum of 15 marks each for parts 6 and 7.

Reading and Writing are taken together - 60 minutes

  1. Reading part 1 (Multiple choice)/6 questions/6 marks: understanding messages-Read six short real-world texts for the main message.
  2. Reading part 2 (Multiple matching)/7 questions/7 marks: three texts with questions-Read seven questions and three short texts on the same topic, then match the questions to the texts.
  3. Reading part 3 (Multiple choice)/5 questions/5 marks: long text with multiple choice questions-Read one long text for detailed understanding and main ideas.
  4. Reading part 4 (Multiple-choice cloze)/6 questions/6 marks: text with multiple choice gaps-Read a factual text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete the gaps.
  5. Reading part 5 (Open cloze)/6 questions/6 marks: text with gaps-Complete gaps in an email (and sometimes the reply too) using one word.
  6. Writing part 1 (Guided writing)/1 questions/15 marks: write a message-Write a short email or note of 25 words or more.
  7. Writing part 2 (Picture story)/1 questions/15 marks: write a story based on pictures-Write a short story of 35 words or more based on three picture prompts.
Scoring/Grading

The Reading part has 30 questions and there are two writing parts

The A2 Key exam uses the Cambridge English Scale to report results. Candidates receive a separate score for each of the three papers (Reading and Writing, Listening, and Speaking), as well as an overall score on a scale from 100 to 150. To pass the exam, candidates typically need to score about 120 or above. Those achieving a score of 140 or above will receive the A2 Key certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B1.

How to prepare for KET Reading and Writing

  • Read the instructions carefully before you start each section.
  • Take your time and don't hurry. There is plenty of time to answer all the questions.
  • Study these vocabulary topics.
  • Study grammar at A2 level.
  • Study more reading exercises at A2 level.
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