How to calculate the A2 Key (KET) score

The exam of A2 Key (KET) It is made up of 3 components (papers) and each paper from different parts. Let's see:

  • Reading: 30 items = 30 points (1 item = 1 point)
    • Part 1: 6 items
    • Part 2: 7 items
    • Part 3: 5 items
    • Part 4: 6 items
    • Part 5: 6 items
    • Minimum score to pass: 20 points
  • Writing: 2 items = 30 points
    • Part 6: 1 item = 15 points
    • Part 7: 1 item = 15 points
    • Minimum score to pass:  18 points
  • Listening: 25 items = 25 points (1 item = 1 point)
    • Part 1: 5 items
    • Part 2: 5 items
    • Part 3: 5 items
    • Part 4: 5 items
    • Part 5: 5 items
    • Minimum score to pass: 17 points
  • Speaking: 45 points in total (not divided into items or parts). In this case, the scores are assigned to competency categories:
    • Grammar & vocabulary: 5 points (It is valued out of 5, but multiplied by 2)
    • Pronunciation: 5 points (It is valued out of 5, but multiplied by 2)
    • Interaction: 5 points (It is valued out of 5, but multiplied by 2)
    • Global: 15 points (It is valued out of 5, but multiplied by 3)
    • Minimum score to pass: 27 points

Brilliant. We already know the value of each part and each question of the A2 Key (KET). Now I'm going to explain to you calculate your own grade. Pay attention, this is where the math comes in:

  1. Add the points for each part separately. For example: R = 23 points; W = 23; L = 19 points; S = 27 points.
  2. Find the total percentage of each part. To do this, divide the score obtained by the number of items, and multiply by 100. Like this:
    • Formula: (score/number of items) x 100
    • R = 23/30×100 = 77%
      W = 23/30×100 = 77%
      L = 19/25×100 = 76%
      S = 27/45×100 = 60%
  3. Take the average of the 4 percentages.
    • Formula: Media = (R + W + L + S)/4
    • My score = (77 + 77 + 76 + 60)/4
    • My score = 73%
  4. Use this calculator to transform the percentage to the Cambridge English Scale score. For example, if you enter 72%, it will give you 122 points, which is approved.

Finally, if you want to know if you have gotten a good or bad grade, within the pass, here are the different ranges according to the scores:


PERCENTAGE SCORE GRADE MCERL LEVEL
44% – 69% 100 – 119 Level A1 (Fail) A1
70% – 84% 120 – 132 Grade C A2
85% – 89% 133 – 139 Grade B A2
90% – 100% 140 – 150 Grade A B1

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