The Listening paper in KET for Schools helps learners show how well they understand spoken English in everyday situations. It lasts about 30 minutes and includes five short parts with a total of 25 questions. Students listen to conversations, announcements, and short talks, and answer questions by choosing pictures, filling in notes, or matching information. All recordings are spoken clearly and slowly, making it accessible for young learners. This part of the test encourages careful listening and helps build confidence in understanding English outside the classroom.
Part 1: Picture Matching Made Simple.
In Part 1 of the Listening test, students hear five short conversations between two people. Each conversation is linked to a set of pictures, and the task is to choose the correct picture that matches what was said. The voices are clear and the topics are familiar—like school, hobbies, or daily routines—so learners can focus on picking out key information. This section is designed to test basic listening skills, such as identifying specific details and understanding simple exchanges. It’s a gentle start to the Listening paper and helps students ease into the rhythm of the test.
Question 1: Where will Mia meet Tom?
- 🔍 Look at the pictures before the audio starts so you know what to listen for and can spot key differences.
- 🎧 Listen carefully for specific details like time, place, or activity—not just the general topic.
- ⚠️ Be careful with distractors—the speaker might mention all three options, but only one is correct.
Transcript.
Narrator: Cambridge English, Key English Test – Listening. There are five parts to the test. You will hear each piece twice.We will now stop for a moment. Please ask any questions now because you must NOT speak during the test. Now, look at the instructions for Part One.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
Question 1.
Tom: Hi Mia, shall we meet at the café like last time? Mia: Not today. I’ve got some books to return—let’s meet at the library instead. Tom: Okay, I’ll see you there at 4. Mia: Great! Don’t forget your library card.
Narrator: Now listen again.
Question 2.
Man: Did you hear the forecast for this afternoon? Woman: Yes, they said it’ll be cloudy but no rain. Man: That’s better than yesterday’s storm. Woman: Definitely. I might go for a walk if it stays dry.
Narrator: Now listen again.
Question 3.
Anna: Hey Tom, are you free later? Tom: I’ve got football practice. What about you? Anna: I was going to meet my cousin, but she cancelled. So I think I’ll just go to the library and finish my history homework. Tom: Sounds productive. Do you want to grab a snack after? Anna: Sure, if I’m done in time!
Narrator: Now listen again.
Question 4.
Mum: Ben, do you want a sandwich again today? Ben: No thanks, I had one yesterday. I feel like something hot. Mum: Pasta or soup? Ben: Pasta sounds great. I’ll have that.
Narrator: Now listen again.
Question 5.
Emma: Mum, can we go shopping on Saturday morning? Mum: We’re going in the afternoon, remember? Emma: Oh right. Then I’ll go swimming with Lily in the morning. Mum: Good idea. You haven’t been to the pool in a while.
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of Part 1.
Part 2: Listening for Key Information in a Monologue.
In Part 2 of the Listening paper, students hear one person speaking — often a teacher, guide, or announcer — giving information about a topic such as an event, job, or activity. While listening, learners complete a short set of notes by filling in missing details like dates, times, numbers, or specific words. This part tests their ability to understand factual information and pick out key points from a longer piece of speech. The speaker talks clearly and at a steady pace, but students need to stay focused, as the answers often come quickly and in order.
✅ Tips for Success.
- 📝 Read the notes before listening so you know what kind of information to expect—look for clues like blank spaces after words like “on,” “at,” or “costs.”
- 🎧 Listen for key facts like numbers, dates, and times—these are often the answers and usually come in the same order as the gaps.
- ⏳ Don’t panic if you miss one answer—stay focused and keep listening, as the next gap might be easier to catch.
Transcript.
You will hear a teacher talking to a group of students about a trip to a museum.
Hi everyone. I want to tell you about our trip to the museum next week. We’re going on Thursday, so make sure you’re free. You’ll need to be at school by 8:30 in the morning — that gives us time to get there before it opens.
We’re visiting the History Museum, which has a brilliant new exhibition on ancient Egypt. You’ll love it. We’ll have lunch in the park nearby, so bring something to eat or money to buy food.
Tickets cost five euros, and you’ll need to give me the money by Monday. Let me know if you have any questions!
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of Part 2.
Part 3: Understanding a Dialogue.
In Part 3 of the Listening paper, students hear a conversation between two people—often friends, classmates, or family members—talking about everyday topics like plans, hobbies, or school. After listening, they answer five multiple-choice questions, each with three options. This part tests the ability to follow a dialogue and understand details such as opinions, decisions, or changes of plan. Learners should listen carefully for tone, agreement, and specific information that helps them choose the correct answer.
Questions 11 – 15.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
You will hear Zoe talking to her friend Liam.
11. Why might Zoe miss the cinema?
A. She has a music lesson.
B. Her cousin is visiting.
C. She is feeling tired.
12. What time is the film?
A. 6:00.
B. 6:30.
C. 7:00.
13. Where will Liam and Zoe eat after the film?
A. At the Italian restaurant.
B. At the burger place.
C. At Zoe’s house.
14. What is Zoe doing tomorrow morning?
A. Going shopping.
B. Having a music lesson.
C. Visiting her cousin.
15. What will Zoe bring to the park?
A. Her guitar.
B. A picnic.
C. Her sketchbook.
✅ Tips for Success.
- 🎧 Listen for changes and decisions — the speakers often start with one idea and then change their minds, so the final choice is what matters most.
- 👥 Focus on who says what — sometimes the correct answer depends on understanding which person agrees, disagrees, or suggests something.
- 📝 Read the questions before listening — this helps students know what to listen for and spot the key information more easily.
Transcript.
Narrator: Part 3. You will hear a teacher talking to a group of students about at trip to the museum. For each question, choose the correct answer.
Liam: Hi Zoe, are you still coming to the cinema tonight? Zoe: I was planning to, but my cousin’s visiting unexpectedly. Liam: Oh no! So you’re not coming? Zoe: I think I’ll come later. I’ll meet you after the film for dinner. Liam: Okay, we’re watching the 6:30 film. Want to meet at the Italian place afterwards? Zoe: Actually, I’d prefer the burger place. It’s quicker and I’m starving. Liam: Fair enough. Are you still free tomorrow afternoon? Zoe: Yes, but I’ve got a music lesson in the morning. Liam: Great. Let’s go to the park after lunch. Zoe: Sounds perfect. I’ll bring my sketchbook.
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of Part Three.
Part 4: Understanding the Main Idea.
In Part 4 of the Listening paper, students hear five short recordings—each one a brief monologue or dialogue about everyday topics. After each recording, they answer a multiple-choice question with three options. The focus is on identifying the main idea, message, or topic of what was said, rather than picking out specific details. This part tests the ability to understand general meaning and gist, so learners should listen carefully for tone, purpose, and overall context.
Listen here.
For each question, choose the correct answer.
16. What is the main topic of the conversation?
A. Planning a surprise party.
B. Choosing a birthday gift.
C. Deciding where to go for dinner.
17. What is the speaker mainly talking about?
A. A recent holiday.
B. A visit to the dentist.
C. A school project.
18. What is the main idea of the dialogue?
A. Getting ready for a sports match.
B. Talking about weekend plans.
C. Discussing a new hobby.
19. What is the speaker mainly doing?
A. Describing a favorite restaurant.
B. Giving directions.
C. Explaining how to cook a meal.
20. What is the main topic of the conversation?
A. Choosing a film to watch.
B. Discussing homework.
C. Talking about a school trip.
✅ Tips for Success.
- Listen for the overall message, not just details Focus on what the speaker is really trying to say — are they describing an event, giving advice, or making a plan? Don’t get distracted by small facts.
- Think: 'What’s this mostly about?' After each recording, ask yourself: What was the main topic? What was the speaker’s purpose? This helps you choose the best answer even if you didn’t catch every word.
- Use the answer options to guide your thinking Read the three choices before listening. They’ll give you clues about what to listen for — and help you spot the correct idea more easily.
Transcript.
Narrator: Part 4. Listen and choose the correct answer. You will hear the recording twice.
Question 1: Anna: Have you finished decorating the room yet? Ben: Almost! I’ve hung the balloons and put up the banner. Anna: Great. I’ll bring the cake later. Ben: Don’t forget to tell Mia — she still doesn’t know it’s a surprise!
Question 2: I had my dentist appointment yesterday, and I was so nervous. I hadn’t been in over a year. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad — just a quick check-up and a bit of cleaning. The dentist was really kind and explained everything clearly.
Question 3: Jake: What are you doing this weekend? Ella: I’m going to the cinema with my cousin, then we’re meeting some friends at the café. Jake: Sounds fun. I’ve got football on Saturday, but I’m free Sunday. Ella: Let’s meet then!
Question 4: To make this pasta dish, you’ll need tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. First, chop the tomatoes and cook them with garlic. Then boil the pasta until soft, and mix everything together. It’s simple and delicious!
Question 5: Bill: Did you enjoy the school trip yesterday? Lily: Yes! The science museum was amazing. I loved the space section. Bill: Me too. I took loads of photos. Lily: I hope we do something like that again soon.
Narrator: Now listen again.
That is the end of Part 4.
Part 5: Matching Key Information.
In Part 5 of the Listening paper, students hear a single dialogue between two people discussing a set of items—such as activities, preferences, or plans. Their task is to listen carefully and match five items (e.g. people, places, or objects) to the correct options. This part tests the ability to identify specific information and follow a conversation with multiple details. Learners should focus on who says what, listen for clues like time, location, or opinion, and use the transcript and illustrations to support their understanding.
✅ Tips for Success.
- Scan the options before listening Take a moment to read the names and choices. This helps learners anticipate what to listen for — especially when the speaker mentions specific people, places, or items.
- Listen for clues about who gets what Encourage learners to focus on keywords like 'you’ll go to…', 'you’re assigned to…', or “you’ll bring…' These phrases often signal the correct match.
- Use process of elimination If learners are unsure about one answer, they can often work backwards from the ones they’re confident about. Each option is used only once — so narrowing down helps!
Transcript.
Narrator: Part 5. Listen and match.
Teacher: Right, everyone — let’s go over the museum trip plans. We’ll be visiting five different sections, and I’ve assigned each of you to one. Liam: Which one am I in? Teacher: You’ll be in the Art section Liam. You’ll look at paintings and sculptures. Sophie: What about me? Teacher: You’re in the History section Sophie. Lots of old maps and documents. Noah: I hope I get something fun! Teacher: You’re in the Science section Noah — experiments and interactive displays. Olivia: And me? Teacher: You’re in the Nature section Olivia. You’ll see animals and plants. Emma: That leaves me! Teacher: Yes, Emma — you’re in the Technology section. Robots and inventions!
Narrator: Now Listen again. That is the end of the listening test.
After completing the Listening paper, learners are given 6 minutes to transfer their answers onto the official answer sheet. This step is crucial, and we strongly recommend practicing it in advance. Under exam conditions, nerves and time pressure can easily lead to mistakes — so building confidence in this final stage helps ensure that hard-earned marks aren’t lost.
ANSWERS
Part 1.
1. c. 2. c. 3. b. 4. b. 5. b.
Part 2.
6. Thursday. 7. 8:30. 8. the History Museum. 9. in the park. 10. five euros.
For more practice click here.
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