KET · 12% of test plan
Reading & Vocabulary for the KET Exam
Reading is the first component of A2 Key and tests ability to understand short texts like notices, signs, emails, and messages. The vocabulary tested is everyday A2-level (food, transport, shopping, personal information). Candidates who build a strong core A2 vocabulary bank score reliably on this section.
Locale-specific study guides
Pass-rate data, regulatory context, and study tips for Reading & Vocabulary all change by candidate locale. Pick your context:
- Reading & Vocabulary · United StatesCalibrated for American candidates
- Reading & Vocabulary · United KingdomCalibrated for British candidates
- Reading & Vocabulary · IndiaCalibrated for Indian candidates
- Reading & Vocabulary · PhilippinesCalibrated for Filipino candidates
- Reading & Vocabulary · NigeriaCalibrated for Nigerian candidates
Common failure modes
These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.
- !Selecting answers based on words that appear in the text but do not match the question
- !Not understanding the register difference between formal notices and informal messages
- !Spending too long on gap-fill when a quick vocabulary scan would suffice
Study tips
- 1Learn the Cambridge A2 Key vocabulary list — 1,200 words grouped by topic (food, family, transport, etc.).
- 2Practice reading short texts (shop signs, notices, simple emails) and summarising them in one sentence.
- 3For multiple-choice reading, read the question first, then locate the answer in the text.
Sample KET Reading & Vocabulary questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real KET questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
Read: "The library will be CLOSED on Monday for maintenance. Normal opening hours resume Tuesday." What does this notice tell you?
- AThe library is always closed on Mondays
- BThe library will not be open on MondayCorrect
- CYou can visit the library on Monday morning only
- DThe library has changed its opening hours permanently
Why this answer?
The notice states the library will be closed on Monday specifically for maintenance. It will reopen Tuesday, so this is a temporary closure, not a permanent change or a regular Monday closure.
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