WHAT DOES THE SPEAKING TEST INVOLVE?
The speaking part of the A2 Key has 2 sections; an introductory phase and a collaborative task.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
The exam has a time limit of 8-10 minutes.
WHAT LEVEL IS REQUIRED TO PASS?
The A2 is a basic level English qualification.
CEFR LEVEL: A2 MORE INFORMATION
SCALE SCORE: 120-139
This level shows you can:
- understand and use basic language
- understand simple written English
- introduce yourself and ask simple personal questions
- interact in English at a basic level
Part 2: The collaborative task
The candidates need to give their opinions about a situation. They need to compare, describe and discuss a situation based on picture prompts. The topics are familiar: holidays, gifts, free time, education (etc). After, there are some follow up questions on the same topic to continue the conversation.
Example question 1:
Now, in this part of the exam you are going to speak together.
Here are some pictures that show different places to go on holiday.
Do you like visiting places like these?
Do you like going on holiday to places like these? Why? Why not?
I’ll say that again.
Do you like going on holiday to places like these? Why? Why not?
All right? Now talk together.
Do you think…
… going on beach holidays is fun?
… visiting the mountains is interesting?
… going to different cities is relaxing?
… going to museums and art galleries is boring?
… doing trips is exciting?
So, (Candidate A), which of these places do you like best?
And you, (Candidate B), which do you like best?
Now, do you prefer (Candidate B) going on holiday with friends or family? (Why?)
And what about you (Candidate A)?
Do you prefer travelling to a different country or staying in your country, (Candidate A)? (Why?)
And you (Candidate B)?
Thank you, that is the end of the test.
Example question 2:
Now, in this part of the exam you are going to speak together.
Here are some pictures that show different places to eat in.
Do you like eating in restaurants like these? Why? Why not?
I’ll say that again.
Do you like eating in restaurants like these? Why? Why not?
All right? Now talk together.
Do you think…
… eating in restaurants is fun?
… trying new types of food is exciting?
… eating healthily is cheap?
… junk-food is tasty?
… eating outside is better than inside?
So, (Candidate A), which of these places do you like best to eat out?
And you, (Candidate B), which do you like best?
Now, do you prefer (Candidate B) eating in restaurants or at home? (Why?)
And what about you (Candidate A)?
Do you prefer eating local food or international food, (Candidate A)? (Why?)
And you (Candidate B)?
Thank you, that is the end of the test.
Example question 3:
Now, in this part of the exam you are going to speak together.
Here are some pictures that show different sports to do.
Do you like doing sports like these? Why? Why not?
I’ll say that again.
Do you like doing sports like these? Why? Why not?
All right? Now talk together.
Do you think…
… doing sport is fun?
… joining a team is enjoyable?
… spending time outside is healthy?
… training is exhausting?
… exercise is important for everyone?
So, (Candidate A), which of these sports do you like best?
And you, (Candidate B), which do you like best?
Now, do you prefer (Candidate B) doing sport alone or with others? (Why?)
And what about you (Candidate A)?
Do you prefer doing sport in Summer or Winter, (Candidate A)? (Why?)
And you (Candidate B)?
Thank you, that is the end of the test.
Example question 4:
Now, in this part of the exam you are going to speak together.
Here are some pictures that show different jobs to do for a living.
Do you like working in jobs like these? Why? Why not?
I’ll say that again.
Do you like working in jobs like these? Why? Why not?
All right? Now talk together.
Do you think…
… being a teacher is interesting?
… helping other people makes you happy?
… working on your own is easy?
… working in a team is hard?
… working with other people is helpful?
So, (Candidate A), which of these jobs do you like best?
And you, (Candidate B), which do you like best?
Now, do you prefer (Candidate B) working alone or with others? (Why?)
And what about you (Candidate A)?
Do you prefer working inside or outside, (Candidate A)? (Why?)
And you (Candidate B)?
Thank you, that is the end of the test.
