LANGUAGE EVALUATIONS
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION
Fernando Mesquita
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION READING SKILLS In most language exams, you have to be able to show that when you read, you are capable of identifying and understanding the following:
Specific information Main ideas Text organization and structure Tone Gist Opinion Attitude Detail Purpose Vocabulary in context Inferences Distinguish major from minor ideas Locate referents Summarize important points Paraphrase
Question types
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What is the main idea of the passage?
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The word … in the passage refers to…?
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The phrase… in line… is closest in meaning to …?
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Where in the passage does the author provide a term for …?
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Which of the following sentences can best describe the main idea of this passage?
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What does the author mean by…?
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According to the paragraph…, which of the following is true of …?
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What can be inferred about…?
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The author discusses… in paragraph … in order to …?
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Why does the author mention…?
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The word … in the passage is closest in meaning to …?
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION LISTENING SKILLS In order to show understanding of spoken English, most language exams will ask candidates to develop the following skills:
Identify the main idea Listen for detail, specific information Listen for stated opinion. Listen for opinion or attitude Determine the purpose Understand detail Determine a speaker’s attitude Understand implication Make inferences Recognize the organization of information presented Recognize topic changes Recognize introductions and conclusions Recognize a speaker’s degree of certainty Identify relationship, topic, place, situation, genre, agreement, etc.
Question types What does the lecture/passage mainly discuss? What are the speakers mainly discussing? Why is speaker 1 talking to … about…? According to speaker 2, what is the problem with …? What does speaker 3 say about…? What does the speaker imply about? How is the lecture/debate organized? What is the purpose of the speaker`s response? What is the professor`s attitude towards those who…? Organize what you heard in a chart Place the events you heard in a sequence What is speaker x`s opinion on…? What do the speakers agree about? How did speaker 2 feel when she found out …?
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION WRITING SKILLS Writing skills are assessed by checking if candidates are able to:
Plan how to organize an essay/e-mail/report/letter/review/article‌ Develop the text by using reasons, examples and detail Express information in an organized manner Use effective linking words to connect ideas and help the reader understand the flow of ideas Use a range of grammar and vocabulary for effective expression Follow the conventions of spelling, punctuation and layout
The language functions below are usually assessed in international language exams: Expressing opinions Explaining Apologizing Comparing Describing Justifying Persuading Recommending/Suggesting Summarizing
Question types
It has been said, "Not all learning takes place in the classroom." Compare and contrast knowledge gained from personal experience with knowledge gained from classroom instruction. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
If you could change one important thing about your country, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
A friend of yours has received some money and plans to use all of it either • to go on vacation • to buy a car
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL EXAM PREPARATION SPEAKING SKILLS Language proficiency exams test candidates` ability to use general social and interactional language to talk about themselves. Advanced level exams assess candidates` ability to use English for academic and business purposes. The following skills should be emphasized in preparation courses:
Giving information about yourself Expressing your opinion about various topics Summarizing discussions or lectures Comparing Describing Exchanging ideas Expressing and justifying opinions, Agreeing and/or disagreeing Suggesting Speculating Evaluating Reaching a decision through negotiation
Question types and points to consider
Why do you think some people are attracted to dangerous sports or other dangerous activities? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice. Some people prefer to work for a large company. Others prefer to work for a small company. Which would you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better than other types of communication, such as letters, E-mail, or telephone calls. Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. Don`t forget to start with a: Short introduction Two–three main points to support the answer Two-three details or explanations to support each main point Short conclusion or concluding comment Your speech should be clear, coherent, cohesive and quite fluent.
Fernando Mesquita