22105-ket-vocabulary-list

Cambridge English Vocabulary List

Key English Test (KET) and Key English Test for Schools (KETfS)

  • Developed by UCLES in 2012

  • Aimed to assist teachers in guiding students for KET examinations.

Introduction to the KET Vocabulary List

Purpose

  • Provides vocabulary essential for KET and KET for Schools preparations.

Development Background

  • Originally created by Cambridge ESOL with external consultants.

  • Based on the Council of Europe’s Waystage (1990) specifications.

  • Incorporates high-frequency vocabulary identified through corpus evidence.

Vocabulary Levels

  • Targets A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

  • Includes:

    • Receptive Vocabulary: Words candidates should understand.

    • Productive Vocabulary: Words needed to answer questions.

Updates

  • Vocabulary changes annually based on:

    • Cambridge Learner Corpus (over 44 million words).

    • English Vocabulary Profile for common words/phrases in British and American English.

Organization of the List

Categories of Words

  • Word Sets: Common categories (e.g., days of the week).

  • Grammar Words: Includes pronouns, modal verbs, etc.

  • Exemplification: Example phrases for clarity in usage.

    • E.g., "bank" defined as a financial institution only.

Multi-word Verbs

  • Includes both literal and non-literal meanings:

    • Literal: sit down, go out.

    • Non-literal: look after.

Topic Lists

  • Grouped by themes such as:

    • Food and Drink

    • House and Home

    • Sports

Sensitive Topics

  • Avoids potentially offensive topics (e.g., war, politics).

Personal Vocabulary

Importance

  • General vocabulary but may not cover all personal descriptions (hobbies, likes, dislikes).

Abbreviations Used

  • Common abbreviations:

    • abbrev: abbreviation or acronym

    • mv: modal verb

    • adj: adjective

    • n: noun

    • adv: adverb

    • phr v: phrasal verb

    • prep: preposition

    • Br Eng: British English

    • Am Eng: American English

Summary of Key Points

  • List does not cover all potential exam vocabulary.

  • Includes both receptive and productive vocabulary.

  • Updated each year to reflect current usage.

Contents Overview

Format

  • Alphabetical organization from A to Z, followed by:

    • Appendix 1: Word Sets

    • Appendix 2: Topic Lists covering various themes.

Appendices Overview

Appendix 1: Word Sets

  • Includes cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, days of the week, months, seasons, countries, languages.

Appendix 2: Topic Lists

  • Categorizes words for practical familiarity.

Vocabulary Sample (A)

  • Words with part of speech and examples:

    • a/an (det): e.g., "a book about animals"

    • able (adj): e.g., "be able to"

Vocabulary Sample (B)

  • Sample of the 'B' words section:

    • baby (n)

    • bad (adj)

    • bat (n): e.g., bat for sports.

Extended Vocabulary Samples

  • Vocabulary categorization continues through additional letters.

  • Each sample includes relevant definitions or examples of usage.