FORMAT AND SCALE OF CAMBRIDGE A2 KEY FOR SCHOOLS FROM 2020

Accordingly, Cambridge Assessment English has made certain changes in all three exams for 4 skills: Reading & Writing, Listening, Speaking. Specifically, the A2 Key for schools exam is as follows:

Reading and Writing Exam:​

- Exam duration: 60 minutes (old format 70 minutes): There is a change in the order of parts in the test and it is shorter (the previous test consisted of 9 parts, with 56 questions)

- Exam score: 50%

- Reading test: 5 parts - 30 questions

- Writing test: 2 parts.

Reading Test:

• Part 1: This is a new part of B1 PET (fS). This part includes 6 questions (multiple choice A, B or C), and candidates will choose the best answer being suitable with the given text.

• Part 2: Read three short texts for specific and extensive information. Similar to one of the options for the old Part 4 but there are always options A, B, C that corresponds to the three texts (neither True, False or Not given).

• Part 3: Taken from Part 4 in the old format.
• Part 4: Taken from Part 5 in the old format but shortened from 8 sentences to 6 sentences.
• Part 5: Taken from Part 7 in the old format but shortened from 10 sentences to 6 sentences.​

Writing test:​

• Part 1: Similar to the old Writing test: Write a reply message/email but candidates must write at least 25 words, not from 25 to 35 words as before.
• Part 2: Write a short story from 3 pictures (at least 35 words).

Listening Test​

- Exam duration: 30 minutes

- Score: 25%

The new exam structure is similar to the previous format with 5 parts, 25 questions. However, the order of the sections has changed.

• Part 1 (5 questions) - New format remains the same: You will hear 5 audio recordings, there will be 3 pictures in the topic, choose the picture match with answer A, B or C based on given information.
• Part 2 (5 questions) - Taken from Part 5 of the old format: Listen to a long monologue, and fill in 5 blanks in a record or note.
• Part 3 (5 questions): Listen to a conversation between 2 people. Choose answers A, B or C based on the information heard. Similar to Part 3 of the previous format.
• Part 4 (5 questions): Added to replace the old Part 4: Listen to 5 short conversations/monologues and choose A, B or C.

• Part 5 (5 questions) - Remained from Part 2 of the old format: Listen to a long conversation between two people and matching information.

Speaking Exam​

- Exam duration: 8 - 10 minutes.

- Score: 25%

The speaking test has 2 parts, but the second part has changed. There are 2 test-takers together and 2 examiners.

• Part 1 - Interview (3-4 minutes): Talk to the examiner. The examiner will ask the candidate about some personal information (occupation, hobby, routine, daily activities) in turn.

• Part 2 - Collaboration (5-6 minutes): Two candidates talk about 1 picture with given clues and answer the topic questions, for instance, “holiday”. Each contestant takes turns speaking for 1 minute. Then choose the best choice. In the speaking test, the test-taker needs to compare, describe and present their opinions.

Test scores are assessed based on your entire Speaking test, not on each section. The examiner scores the individual test scores, not comparing you to your peers.

Change the results on Statement of Results and Certificates.​

All exams that score 100-150 points are granted certificates. However, there are some changes specifically:

• From 140 - 150 points: Grade A (formerly Excellent - Pass with Distinction)
• From 133 - 139 points: Grade B (formerly Good - Pass with Merit)
• From120 - 132 points: Grade C (formerly Passed)
• From 100 - 119 points: Receive A1 Certificate

In addition to certificates, candidates will receive a Statement of Results illustrating the score of each skill based on the Cambridge scale.

To register the Cambridge Assessment English and possess valuable certificates recognized widely in 150 countries and more than 22,000 organizations, agencies, schools around the world, Parents and Candidates please contact Ocean Edu English System - VN 048 via Hotline: 19006494 or register at the nearest Ocean Edu Branch.