In Singapore, more and more parents are choosing to register their children for the Cambridge English exams, particularly KET (Key English Test) and PET (Preliminary English Test). These exams are not only recognized by many international and private schools but also help students build well-rounded English skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
As a professional language training provider, iWorld Learning has helped many students succeed and gathered extensive experience in KET/PET preparation. Today, we’re sharing expert tips on how to prepare for these exams effectively!
📌 What Are KET and PET?
KET (A2 Key) and PET (B1 Preliminary) are two levels in the Cambridge English Qualification suite, designed to assess practical language use.
- KET corresponds to CEFR Level A2: It focuses on basic communication skills for everyday life.
- PET corresponds to CEFR Level B1: It tests the ability to use practical English in school, travel, and daily situations.
For upper primary and lower secondary students in Singapore, KET and PET serve as important stepping stones toward higher-level exams like FCE, IELTS, and IGCSE.
🎯 Why Should Your Child Take the KET or PET?
- ✅ Recognized by many international and private schools in Singapore
- ✅ A valuable benchmark for measuring English proficiency
- ✅ Boosts children’s confidence in using English
- ✅ Helps develop exam awareness and English thinking patterns early
🧠 How to Prepare Effectively? Here’s What the Experts Recommend:
1️⃣ Build a Strong Foundation in Listening & Speaking
Both KET and PET emphasize real-life communication skills. Students must not only understand what they hear but also interact with the examiner during the speaking test.
Preparation tips:
- Practice 10–15 minutes of English listening daily (e.g. children’s news, story podcasts)
- Use official past listening papers for repeated focused practice
- Join small-group speaking classes to boost fluency and confidence
📌 iWorld’s speaking program includes mock oral exams conducted by experienced MOE-trained native English teachers, helping students get familiar with the exam structure.
2️⃣ Expand Practical Vocabulary and Sentence Structures
KET/PET exams focus on real-world scenarios. Simply memorizing vocabulary lists isn’t enough—students need to use words in meaningful ways.
Preparation tips:
- Build themed vocabulary lists (e.g. travel, school, shopping, home)
- Learn useful sentence patterns like “Would you like to…?” or “I think… because…”
- Practice using vocabulary and grammar in realistic situations
📌 iWorld integrates vocabulary, grammar, and speaking in interactive lessons—so students can learn and apply immediately.
3️⃣ Strengthen Writing Structure and Reading Techniques
Writing is a common challenge—students may go off-topic, write too briefly, or make frequent grammar mistakes.
Preparation tips:
- Practice common writing formats: notes, emails, and short essays
- Use the PEEL method for writing paragraphs: Point – Example – Explanation – Link
- Write at least one KET/PET essay weekly and get teacher feedback
4️⃣ Practice with Mock Tests and Past Papers
KET and PET exams are time-sensitive, and students need to get used to the pacing and format through practice.
Preparation tips:
- Use official Cambridge past papers for regular assessments
- Simulate real speaking tests to practice handling exam stress and examiner speed
- Track scores and progress to identify areas for improvement
👨🏫 Teacher’s Tip: Don’t Rely on Last-Minute Cramming
“KET and PET are very different from school exams—they assess comprehensive English ability. We recommend starting preparation at least 3 to 6 months in advance for the best results.”
— Brenda, iWorld Cambridge English Curriculum Specialist
🎓 iWorld KET / PET Intensive Preparation Program
- ✅ Small group classes (maximum 6 students)
- ✅ Real speaking simulations + detailed past paper analysis
- ✅ Taught by experienced native English teachers
- ✅ Aligned with CEFR and official Cambridge exam syllabi
- ✅ Suitable for students aged 7 to 15
📅 Class Schedule & Registration:
- New classes start every week – rolling admissions
- Free placement test for students of all levels
- Register now: 📞 +65 8798 0083
📍CBD Campus: 10 Anson Road, #24-15, International Plaza, Singapore 079903 (Green Line – Tanjong Pagar MRT)
📍Orchard Campus: 111 Somerset Road, #10-19, Singapore 238164 (Red Line – Somerset MRT)
💬 Frequently Asked Questions from Parents
Q: My child’s English isn’t strong yet. Can they still take the KET?
A: Absolutely! KET is designed for beginners and is a great way for upper primary students to assess and improve their English level.
Q: Can KET/PET results be used for school applications?
A: Yes. Several international and overseas schools use Cambridge English scores—especially PET and above—as part of their admissions criteria.
