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KET · Sentence Structure · Japan

Sentence Structure for the KET Exam — Japanese candidates

8% of the KET test plan. A2 sentence patterns: simple sentences, basic coordination (and/but/because), and question formation. Calibrated for Japanese candidates.

If you have already studied this content from a textbook, you know the material. The question this page answers is whether you can apply it under exam conditions. Sentence Structure sits at roughly 8% of the Cambridge Key English Test (A2) content distribution — Sentence structure at A2 requires forming simple sentences accurately, using basic connectors (and, but, because, so), and forming questions correctly (subject-auxiliary inversion). Writing tasks and speaking are both assessed on grammatical accuracy. Pass rates for the KET are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For Japanese candidates preparing for KET, the calibration of study to local context matters: TOEIC is the dominant English credential in Japan. JLPT is taken by both inbound foreign workers and Japanese students seeking Japanese-language certification.

Pass rates for KET (Japan) are published periodically by the awarding body.

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.

  • !Missing the auxiliary in questions: "Where you live?" instead of "Where do you live?"
  • !Run-on sentences without punctuation or connectors
  • !Incorrect word order in statements: "I like very much it" instead of "I like it very much"

Study tips

  • 1Drill the question word order: question word + auxiliary + subject + main verb.
  • 2Practice the five basic connectors in sentences: and (addition), but (contrast), because (reason), so (result), or (alternative).
  • 3Write 5 sentences per day on A2 topics and self-correct for word order and subject-verb agreement.
  • 4日本の受験者の方は、KET の各セクションにおいて時間配分の練習が最も重要です — 模擬試験を本番と同じ条件で繰り返してください。

Sample KET Sentence Structure questions

These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real KET questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.

  1. 1

    Form a correct question: you / live / where / do

    • AWhere you live?
    • BWhere do you live?Correct
    • CDo where you live?
    • DYou where do live?
    Why this answer?

    English questions use subject-auxiliary inversion: question word (where) + auxiliary (do) + subject (you) + main verb (live). "Where do you live?" is the standard A2 question pattern.

Frequently asked questions

How complex should my sentences be in A2 Key Writing?
At A2 level, simple and compound sentences (using and, but, because) are appropriate. You do not need complex sentences with subordinate clauses (which, that, although). Accuracy matters more than complexity — a correct simple sentence is better than an incorrect complex one.
What is the KET pass rate for Japanese candidates?
Pass rates for KET candidates in Japan are published periodically by the awarding body. Practice questions, full-length simulations, and weak-area drills are the highest-impact way to improve your odds.
How long should Japanese candidates study Sentence Structure for the KET?
For most candidates, focused mastery of Sentence Structure requires 20–40 hours of deliberate practice — drilling sample questions, reviewing failure modes, and timing yourself against exam conditions. TOEIC is the dominant English credential in Japan. JLPT is taken by both inbound foreign workers and Japanese students seeking Japanese-language certification. Combine Sentence Structure study with full-length mock exams in the final two weeks before your test date.

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