KET practice tests with key

Annette Capel
Annette Capel's main interests are in testing and corpus lexicography. She has been involved in the
English Profile Programme since 2007, developing the six-level English Vocabulary Profile.
Annette has co-authored four of the titles in the 'Objective' series of exam courses (ObjectiveFirst
Cerllficate, Object/Ve Proficiency, Objective KET and Object/Ve IELTS). She also works as a freelance
consultant for Cambridge ESOL as an item writer and paper chair at different CEFR levels.


KE
PRACTICE TESTS
ANNETTE CAPEL • SUE IRELAND

with answers

OXFORD


An overview of the KET examination
KET, the Key English Test, is aimed at elementary level
students. It tests the four skills of reading, writing,
listening and speaking and is based on the Waystage
specification (1990, Council of Europe). Students at
this level have probably covered between 180 and
200 hours of English.
KET tests the language used in everyday situations
through a range of different test formats. There are
two versions of KET available: KET and KET for Schools.
Both follow the same format and the level is identical.
The only difference between them is that KET for
Schools is particularly aimed at school students in the

content and treatment of topics.
Candidates take three papers: Paper 1 Reading and
Writing, Paper 2 Listening, and Paper 3 Speaking. They
do not necessarily have to pass all three components,
since their final mark is a total score across the three.
There are two passing grades, 'Pass with merit' and
'Pass: and two failing grades, 'Narrow fail' and 'Fail'. A
'Pass' is around 72% of the total marks.
KET and KET for Schools are available throughout the
year as a paper-based or computer-based test. Further
information on entering candidates can be obtained
through the British Council, a Cambridge ESOL Local
Secretary, or by contacting:
Cambridge ESOL
1 Hills Road, Cambridge CBl 2EU U.K.
www.cambridgeesol.org

Paper 1 Reading and Writing
(1 hour 10 minutes)
This paper carries 50% of the final marks (60 'raw'
marks are scaled to 50). Parts 1-5 require different
reading skills. Parts 6-8 demand a combination of
reading and writing skills. Part 9 is a test of
continuous writing, where the candidate has to write
a piece of 25-35 words.
Summary of Paper 1
Part 1 Signs
Testfocus: understanding real world notices
Part 2 Sentences about a topic
Test focus:readingand choosing appropriate

vocabulary
Part 3 Verbal exchange patterns
Test focus:reading and identifying suitable responses
Part 4 Factual text
Test focus: reading for main ideas and detail

Part 5 Factual text
Test focus: reading and choosing appropriate structural
words
Part 6 Word completion
Test focus: vocabulary and spelling
Part 7 Note, short message, letter
Testfocus:reading and writing a suitable word in a
series of gaps
Part 8 Form completion
Test focus: understanding two texts and transferring
information from them to a form

)

)
)
)

·1

Part 9 Continuous writing
Test focus: writing a short message

)

Paper 2 Listening (about 25 minutes)
This paper has five parts and a total possible mark of
25, thus representing 25% of the total final marks. The
listening material is on cassette and candidates hear
each part twice.
Summary of Paper 2
Part 1 Short dialogues
Test focus: listening to identify information

)
)
) .
·._

r .

Part 2 Conversation
Testfocus: listening and matching information
Part 3 Conversation
Test focus: listening and choosing from 3 answers
Part 4 Conversation
Test focus: fistening and writing down information
Part 5 Monologue
Test focus: listening and writing down information

)

Paper 3 Speaking (8-10 minutes)
The KET Speaking test takes the format of two
candidates and two examiners, one of whom assesses

the candidates and takes no part in the interaction. A
total possible mark of 20 is scaled up to 25, to
represent 25% of the final marks. There are two parts
to the Speaking test.
Summary of Paper 3
Part 1 Personal information
Test focus: giving personal factual information (the
examiner asks each candidate some questions)
Part 2 Prompt card activity
Test focus:asking for and giving non-personal
information(the two candidates ask each other
questions)

)
)


CONTENTS
Test 1

4

Test 2

22

Test 3

40

Test4

58

Materials for the Speaking Test

76

Answer Sheets

82

Teaching Tips

85

Key

87

Tapescript

90


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING
-

Test 1

-

-

---

-------------------

- --.

-

~{:._,,y,/~::,7~,.._

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

-

-

_- __

-

Tip ., , ..

1~~~~

Read the example. Remember that
this letter cannot be an answer

to 1-5.

Part 1
Questions 1-5

f(~~);'Jj:~q;/,&t.J'~.lif.$1i1-ils~~

Which notice (A-H) says this (1-5)?
For questions 1-5, mark the correct letter A-Hon your answer sheet.
Example:
0

2

Be careful when you cross here.

Answer:

c

D

A

Cheap CDs for sale

Cars cannot park here.

B

Watch repairs
while you wait

We will give you something free.

D
4

B

There are tickets for this evening.

c
3

A

You will have to wait to see the doctor.

E

F

G

H

c:::::::::Jc:::::::::Jc:::::::::Jc:::::::::J
-c:::::::::J
c:::::::::Jc:::::::::J

I

..

.,

Buy two films
for the price
of oner

No rock.. coneerl toni~ht
(sin~ ill)

)
)
)
)
)

E
5

)

Buy your favourite songs here.

)
F

30- 40 111i11s delayfol'
all appointments- sorry

G

H

4

- NO STOPPING HOSPITAL ENTRANCE

)


I

TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

I

Part 2
Questions 6-10
Read the sentences about a music club.
Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space.
For questions 6-10, mark A, B or Con your answer sheet.
Example:
0

The music club
A

6

meets

after school every Wednesday.
B

Sam and Tim
A

arrived

goes

c

gets

the club last year.
B

joined

C

Answer:

Sam is learning the
A

8

B

guitar

C

Try all three choices in the space

watch

B

B

Sam and Tim didn't
A

make

on your

answer.

match

hear

,,
B

do

rock

in the school hall.

C

Sam and Tim's parents came to
A

10

film

c

there and Tim plays in a band.

Last week the music club did a
A

9

songs

B

Tip~~
came

before you decide

7

A

-==

concert

to them.
C

listen

any mistakes and the music sounded great!
C

happen

5

I


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Part 3
Questions 1 1 -15

Tip ''''"'''ift!"''"'"'"""''1w:1";'''£tr!ifilrc,1@~~~~~~-

Complete the five conversations.

conversation carefully.

Read the first half of each

For questions 11-15, mark A, B or Con your answer sheet.
Example:

0

How is Kate?

A

She's my sister.

B

She's fine.

C

She's gone.

')

)

Answer:

11

12

13

14

15

6

Would you check Sam's homework?

What time did the bus arrive?

Dan's got a new bicycle, hasn't he?

I'd like to try on these shoes, please.

Here's my ticket.

A

Can l do it later?

B

When did it finish?

C

He's wrong.

A

It's 3 o'clock.

B

About 20 minutes ago.

C

For half an hour.

A

It's his brother's.

B

He's a good driver.

C

It's too old.

A

Would you like them?

B

What colour are they?

C

Are they the right size?

A

How much does it cost?

B

Can I see your passport too?

C

Where do you go?

A

B

=--=

c

I

)

)

.)
)
)
)


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Questions 16-20

Tip

Complete the conversation at the doctor's.
What does Peter say to Dr Robertson?

Read the beginning of the
conversation with the example.

For questions 16-20, mark the correct letter A-H on your
answer sheet.
Example:
Dr Robertson:

Hello, you must be Peter Jones.What's the problem?

Peter:

0

Answer:

.

A
c::::::J

B
c::::::J

c

D

E

c:::::::J 11===:1 c::::::::i

F

c::=:J

G

H

c::::::J ~

Dr Robertson:

Oh yes, it's the right one, isn't it. Where
does it hurt?

A

I suppose not. Will I need to go
to hospital?

Peter:

16

B

The left one's fine.

Dr Robertson:

Can you move it?

c

I was playing football this
morning and I fell badly.

Peter:

17

D

It's my leg, doctor, it really hurts.

Dr Robertson:

Does it? And how did you do this, Peter?
E

How long will it take?

F

The pain's here,just above my
foot.

G

Well I wanted to, but I had to
play until the end.

H

I can, but it hurts when I walk.

..

..

Peter:

18

.

Dr Robertson:

Did you leave the match when that
happened?

Peter:

19

Dr Robertson:

That wasn't a very good idea, was it?

Peter:

20 .......••...

Dr Robertson:

It's not that bad! But don't play any
football for two weeks.

Peter:

Right, I won't.

..

7

I


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Part 4
Questions 21-27
Read the article about Jenny's holiday in New Zealand.
Are sentences 21-27 'Right' (A) or 'Wrong' (B)?

Tip

.,,,<1Ơ#;:;,'0!;!ĐÊ'1>"'"'*"''e~~<1'%!',l);t~~~-

Read all of the text before you
answer the questions,

If there is not enough information to answer 'Right' (A) or 'Wrong' (B),
choose 'Doesn't say' (C).
For questions 21-27, mark A, B or Con your answer sheet.

OUR HOLIDAY IN
ast year, my husband Mike
and I decided to visit New
Zealand. We wanted to tour
the country, but we both hate
long car journeys. The travel
agent suggested a 13-day
coach trip. It was a good price,
so we booked it with our plane
tickets. We made a good choice.
The coach journeys passed
quickly and our driver told us
about each place. We learned a
lot from him.
We flew from London to
Christchurch and had a free day
there before the coach trip
started. We weren't at all tired,
so we walked round the city
from morning till night. It has
good museums, many
restaurants and lovely shops.
The best place we visited on the
trip was Queenstown. You can
choose to do almost anything,

from sailing to climbing. We had
three days there, but it wasn't
enough.

8

All the hotels were good. My
favourite one was the Puka Park
Lodge. It was on a hill above a
beach and there were trees
everywhere. We woke up and
listened to the birds singing.
Now, when we're eating
breakfast at home and we hear
the noise of the traffic, we think
of those beautiful mornings in
New Zealand!

.)

)

)


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Example:

0

Jenny and Mike prefer travelling by car.
A

21

A

B

=-=

c

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

They went swimming at the Puka Park Lodge.
A

27

Answer:

They wanted to stay longer in Queenstown.
A

26

Doesn't say

After the plane journey, they needed to sleep.
A

25

c

The driver gave them useful information.
A

24

Wrong

Their coach was a fast one.
A

23

B

They paid for the coach tour when they got to New Zealand.
A

22

Right

Right

B

Wrong

C

Doesn't say

C

Doesn't say

Their house is near a busy road.
A

Right

B

Wrong

9

I


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Part 5

Tip

Questions 28-35

Look at the words before and after

Read the article about Penelope Cruz, the film star.
Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space.
For questions 28-35, mark A, B or C on your answer sheet.

each space to help you decide your
answer.

Penelope Cruz
The actor
(0)

Penelope

Cruz

comes

Madrid and was born in

1974. She dances (28) . . . . . . . . . . . . well
and

once

(29)

made

a

rock

film won an Oscar in the famous film
competition,

.

foreign film.

video

the group Mecano. Cruz

for the (32)

When

she

is

going

to

make

(33) . . . . . . . . . . . . new film, she looks for

first film in 1991

information that will make the film really

and soon became a big name in

special. This often means travelling to

Spanish cinema. Since then, she has

(34)

(31)

in several important films

people there. She loves (35)

in Spain and in the U.S.A. One Spanish

photographs on these trips.

made (30)

country and talking to
.

Information taken from www.latin-connection.com and Vanity Fair April 2000

Example:

0

A

from

B

by

c

on

28

A

too

B

very

c

enough

29

A

at

B

with

c

to

30

A

his

B

its

c

her

31

A

been

B

be

c

being

32

A

good

B

better

c

best

33

A

any

B

no

c

some

34

A

other

B

all

c

another

35

A

take

B

taking

c

takes

"10

Answer:

:I.p.:

A

B

-==

c

I

)

l

l
.

l
l

. l

I

j


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Tip

Part 6

Add the first letter to the number
of spaces to see how long each
word is.

Questions 36-40
Read the descriptions of some places in a town.
What is the word for each one?

The first letter is already there.There is one space for each other letter in the word.
For questions 36-40, write the words on your answer sheet.
Example:
O

t

You can watch actors in a play here.

Answer:

1<91

_

theatre
g

36

You take your car here to fill it up with petrol.

37

If you need a book to help you with your homework,
you may find it here.

38

You go here if you need somewhere to stay for
the night.

h

39

When you eat in this place the waiter brings
everything to your table.

r

40

You choose the things you want to buy here and
pay for them at the exit.

s

_

_

_

11


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Part 7
Questions41-50

Tip~-._~~

Complete the letter.
Write ONE word for each space (41-50).
For questions 41-50, write your words on your answer sheet.

Read the text or texts quickly first
for meaning.

Example:

I

91

a
')

Dear Karen,
My sister is going to have (O)

party on Saturday (41)

she has just

finished her exams.

)

Everybody is going to bring some food to eat and (42)
lemonade to drink. (43)
of CDs and (45)

)

will be fruit juice and

music will be good too. My sister has got (44)
of her friends has a guitar and will sing a (46)

.

songs.

)
·-)

My sister lives in Station Street, (47)
(48)
evening (50)

nine o'clock. (49)
you get home.

to the cinema, and the party will start
we go there together? Please phone me this

)
)
)

.)
Yours

)
)

Marie

J

;

12

I


TEST 1 READING AND WRITING

Part 8
Questions 51-55

Tip

Read this advertisement and email about someone who is going
to study English.
Fill in the information on the form for this student.

Rememberthat the information will

"'"'"'"'"''''ilili'""''W*iii!'i!!i!W!i
come from both texts.

For Questions 51-55, write the information on your answer sheet.

Central College, London
We have six-week courses beginning on
22.05, 19.06 and 10.07.
Email Kay Thorpe to book your place now!

From: Giovanni Zola
To: Kay Thorpe
Sent: 20 May
I'm going to study English at your college. Please find me a small flat to rent.
I'll be at home in Italy for the next four weeks. My flight to London is on June
17, so I have booked a hotel for two nights.

CENTRAL COLLEGE
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION FORM

Gtovo.nni

First name:
Surname:
Nationality:

En~\ish

Course:
Starting date:
Number of weeks:

1~!

i~ /!I

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1~ ~·~ : 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wants to live in:

I'! I;

ijJ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

13


TEST

r

READING AND WRITING

Part 9
Question 56
You are going to meet your friend Jan at the sports centre.
Write a postcard to Jan.

Tip
Don't forget to include all three

Say:
• when you want to meet her there
• what sport you would like to do
• what she should bring
Write 25-35 words.

Write your postcard on your answer sheet.

14

points in your answer.


TEST 1 LISTENING

Paper 2 Listening
Part 1

np ~"",,,,.,,,,,j,~~'?"~"""~"""~%t,,,,:cli'il"'1'{;(1',"',,Jl!~lill!1:'.~~-

Questions 1-5
You will hear five short conversations.
You will hear each conversation twice.
There is one question for each conversation.
For questions 1-5, put a tick
under the right answer.

Don·t decide on your answer until you
have heard all of the conversation
(each person will speak twice).

I./ I

Example:

0

Where will Sarah put her sports bag?

I

I

I

I

~~II~~_____,.

I~!

1

What time wHI the party start?

t.,

cD
2

What is the weather like for Jack's holiday?

15


TEST 1 LISTENING

3

Which fruit does the woman buy?

4

How will Tom go to school tomorrow?

I
i

.)

).
5

When will Rob have his next driving lesson?

AT URDA Y'

)

)

.

:

;

i
I
!

16


TEST 1 LISTENING

Part 2
Questions 6- 1 O
Listen to Sally talking to a friend about her holiday.
What activity did she do on each day?
For questions 6- 1 O, write a letter A-H next to each day.
You will hear the conversation twice.

Tip . ., .~~~(~ ~
Listen for words that mean the
same because you may not hear the
words in A-H themselves.

~

Example:

O

Sunday

Activities

Days

6

7

8

9

10

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

D

A

bicycle ride

B

flying

c

football

D

golf

E

horse-riding

F

sailing

G

swimming

H

tennis

D
D

D
D

17


TEST 1 LISTENING

Part 3

Tip

Questions 11-15
Listen to Rachel talking to her friend Sam about some French visitors.
For questions 11-15, tick

I./ I A, B or C.

You will hear the conversation twice.

"""~~"'"'$--*;®J'ii'"*~~

.

=

.-

Read Questions 11-15 in the 20
seconds before the recording

starts.
'{to.~~~+$~~~~~\~~~~~

Example:
0

The French visitors will arrive on

A

Monday.

B

Tuesday.

c

Wednesday.

D
D

[ZJ

...

)

..

··.

11

12

13

14

15

A

coffee.

B

pizza.

c

ice-cream.

A

Summer Rock.

B

Fast Life.

c

American Story.

A

8.00.

B

8.15.

c

8.30.

Rachel and Sam will take their French

A

by taxi.

visitors to Emsworth

B

by bicycle.

c

by bus.

The best thing to have at Cafe 200 is

Rachel and Sam will book cinema tickets for

On Friday,everyone must meet at

On Saturday evening, they will

A
B

c

18

)

D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D

D
D
D

D
go to the disco. D
go swimming. D
play tennis.

)

)

)

i

)

.


TEST 1 LISTENING

Part 4
Questions 16-20

Tip~,,.,""~~

You will hear a woman asking for some information about a castle.

Don't write more than one or
words or a number.

Listen and complete questions 16-20.
You will hear the conversation twice.

two

Trip to Langton Castle
Castle open:

Wednesday to Saturday

Opening times:

...............

Tour takes:

..................

until 5 p.m.
minutes

Watch film about a:

Shop sells: books, postcards,
Cost per student (in group):

£

19


TEST 1 LISTENING

Part 5

Tip

Questions 21-25

'"''""""!Af;'f""*''!!ii'i!.''%~~*1*'JR~~~~
Read the notes carefully to
undere;tand what information is
needed.

You will hear a woman talking about a shopping centre.
Listen and complete questions 21-25.
You will hear the information twice.

.j

FOREST·HALL SHOPPING CENTRE
Number of shops:

)
.)

over 200

Shops close at:
)

Children's room near:

Clothes show in:

...........................

shop

)

)

Food and drink in:

........................

Square

Cinema - number of films:

You now have 8 minutes to write your answers on the answer sheet.

20

.

!'

} .


TEST 1 SPEAKING

.

.

.

. .

.

Tip·. ~~k~!lO<>·
~..~~~w
l.leten carefully to the questions in
Part 1 and answer clearly so that
the examiners can hear you.

Paper 3 Speaking
The Speaking test takes between 8 and 10 minutes. You take it
with a partner. There will be two examiners. One of them will just
listen to you, the other will ask you and your partner questions,
and then ask you to talk to each other.

Part 1
This part of the test takes 5-6 minutes. The examiner will ask you
and your partner questions about yourselves, your school or job,
your daily life and your activities in your free time.

Part 2
This part of the test takes 3-4 minutes. The examiner will ask you
and your partner to talk together, using some cards to help you.
Cards 1-6 (pages 76-81)
The examiner will give you a card with some information on it.
Your partner will get a card with some words on it. Your partner
will make five questions using the words on the card. You will
answer the questions using the information on your card. Then
you will change over. The examiner will give you and your
partner two different cards.. Thistime
you will ask five questions
.
. :.
and your partner will answer them.
Remember, you can ask the examiner or your partner to repeat
anything you do not understand ..

21


TEST 2 READING AND WRITING

Paper 1 Reading and Writing

Tip .

,,,.~Â'f&!'{P/&":,YãX
Be careful! The same word in a
question and a notice does not

Part 1
Questions 1-5

mean this notice is the correct

Which notice (A-H) says this (1-5)?
For questions 1-5, mark the correct letter A-Hon your answer sheet.

~-~-
answer.

Example:
0

You won't get anything to eat here.

Answer:

A
i=:i

B
t=:::I

c

D

c=::::::a -

E
c::::=i

F
[=:J

G

H

c::::=i

C=:::J

I

. ··~

J

)

")

1

2

3

Parents should not let their children play
here.

A

B

NO i:;'OA.1"5 TO 13LA.CK ISLA.NI)
eeCA.Use OF 'BAJ) weA.weR...

c

Museum Activit~ Da~
Saturday lOam - 3pm
Children aged 8 and up

You won't need a raincoat today.

This is meant for young people.
D

4

You cannot travel here today.

E

5

DO NOT GO NEAR THE RUINS.
DANGER OF FALLING STONES.

I

·s~~dt)aed

·..

)

I

Today's weather:
Sunny,dry
Temperature 30°

You can visit this place at any time.
F

G

SUPERMARKET

24 HOURS A DAY

r CITY TOURS

H

22

NOW OPEN

Every 30 minutes
Last tour 6pm

)


TEST 2 READING AND WRITING

Part 2
Questions 6-1 O
~--

Read the sentences about going to the beach.
Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space.
For questions 6-10, mark A, B or Con your answer sheet.
Example:
0

Carlos
A

6

B

got

early

pity

pay

B

passed

B

time

worked

A

-==

B

in the morning.

..,..,,p

. . ., ., ,. . .
I
.,,,...,..,_%.,,_~.

C

Remember that all the sentences
are about the same topic.

ready

J

c

.-~·-""""'~~~1.i:lr-

~--"''iiil'/$i'ffil!!f
C

B

B

arrived

under a tree.
C

rest

some sandwiches for lunch.
buy

In the afternoon, they
A

Answer:

welcomed

to the beach, they went for a swim.

Carlos went to a bar to
A

10

c

said

Then Maria was tired, so she had a
A

9

short

When they
A

8

B

The two friends left the city
A

7

asked

Maria to spend the day at the beach.

C

earn

volleyball with some friends.
moved

C

played

23

I