This section contains the necessary tests for students to enter the academic programs of various levels.
The following examinations are posted: SAT, GMAT, ESOL, TOEFL, IELTS, DAF, DHS, DELE, CILS, DELF / DALF.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The standard test SAT is passed by foreign students wishing to obtain higher education in the universities of Canada and USA and graduate from them with bachelor degree . This is an examination of critical thinking skills that assess the knowledge of mathematics, literature and history. All schools in the US and Canada use the results of the SAT exam to assess the preparation of the applicant and compare the achievements in the teaching of students of various educational institutions.
The developer of this test is the College Board company, whose experts say that the passage of SAT will very quickly show how much the graduate is ready to study at the next school. The test was based back in 1901, but has since undergone many changes and today is a perfect option.
Not all schools require the passage of this exam, but only the most prestigious universities . Many colleges and universities can be admitted without passing a test.
By time, SAT takes approximately 4.5 hours and consists of three stages.
Mathematics passes as a test with multiple questions and multiple answers. To correctly answer the questions posed, you need to know geometry, algebra, the basics of probability theory, statistics and reading of schemes, graphs and tables (analysis of dates). At this stage, no more than 70 minutes are allowed.
Writing (letter) also includes questions with answers and writing a short essay. Answers to questions are estimated at 70% of the entire written session, and essay writing - by 30%. This part of the students must write in 60 minutes.
Critical reading (critical reading) consists of several questions that reveal knowledge of the analysis of the grammar of the sentence, but the main time passes for the analysis of texts. Students read excerpts from texts on natural, humanitarian and social sciences and answer the questions asked. Some questions include determining the style of the text or comparing two paragraphs. This part of the test is given 70 minutes.
Subject Tests SAT (profile tests)
In March 2005, the test included a written part of it. But even before its inclusion, many colleges required a written test and two others at the request of the student. Today, the requirements have decreased due to the fact that the main part added a written part and requires only two profile tests. Engineering schools require mainly profiles on mathematics, physics or chemistry at the second level.
Princeton and Harvard require the passage of three profile tests, and if the student wants to enter one of these universities, he should learn the conditions of admission 1-2 years before admission.
Some American schools accept the results of the AST test, developed in 1959 by a competing company. AST does not have profile tests in its composition, therefore the admissions commissions require their separate passage.
Variants of profile tests SAT
- On the History of the United States of America.
- On the World History.
- On Biology with Concentration in Molecular Biology or in Ecology.
- According to the literature.
- ] In mathematics of the 1st level.
- In mathematics 2 levels.
- In physics.
- In chemistry.
- In Chinese with listening.
- In Japanese with listening.
- In Latin .
- In the Korean language with listening.
- According to the modern Jewish language.
- In German with listening.
- In the Italian language.
- In Spanish with listening.
- In French with listening.
To take the test, it is not necessary to graduate from an American school. The democratic system of American education allows you to pass SAT to any student with a secondary education.
In the US, the SAT test has the ability to pass seven times a year. As a rule, it is tested on the very first Saturday of the approved month. College Board has its representative offices not only in the United States, but also in North America, Asia, Europe and Africa, where testing takes place on the same days.
If a student has good English, then he has an excellent opportunity to go through the 4 - 8-week preparatory course after the end of the 10th grade in the summer, with which you can not only improve your English, but also prepare for the SAT test. If the test is passed, then after the end of grade 11, the entrant will be accepted immediately to one of the most prestigious universities in America. If the test fails successfully, the student will have an opportunity to prepare well for a year and pass the test after the 11th grade.
Exam GMAT
Standard test GMAT helps business schools assess the level of students in the readiness to receive higher business education. The test is written in English, and its results are used by about 1,900 schools in the world as an indicator of readiness for post-Bachelor courses and for MBA programs related to management.
There is a test of four separate parts, the main format of which is represented by three: verbal, quantitative and analytical written. The time for the exam is 4 hours, but in reality it takes 3.5 hours.
The Analytical Writing Assessment is the first part of the GMAT test, which consists of two tasks: Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue. Each analysis is given for 30 minutes.
The Quantitative Section begins after a short break and includes 37 multiple-answer questions on two topics: problem solving and data evaluation. This section is given 75 minutes.
Verbal Section (verbal section) begins after the next break and consists of 41 questions with variants of answers on three topics: editing, understanding of the text and critical thinking. This part is given 75 minutes.
Computer-Adaptive Format (adapted computer format)
The written analytical section includes written assignments, and the remaining two are multivariate answers to questions compiled in a computer-adapted format. In them, for the preparation of the test questions are actively selected and adjusted to a specific level so that each student's text results become unique.
This became possible due to the fact that in multiple choice questions various levels of complexity are laid. The section starts with a question of medium complexity, and if the testee answers it correctly, the system automatically suggests the next question, which is already more complicated. If the answer to the first question was incorrect, then the next question the system will offer a lighter level. This process continues until the student has completed the section, and the computer will accurately assess the level of knowledge of the test person. On the screen one is displayed questions, and the student can not skip questions, change answers or go back to previous ones, because the computer after the answer itself generates the next question. The result of the test depends on:
- from the correctness of the answers;
- the number of answers,
- the level of complexity of questions and other characteristics of the assignment.
Each test offers test questions to the student, which will later be used for other tests. These questions can be used in any place and are not identified, therefore it is necessary to answer all the questions posed by the system. When summarizing the answers to test tasks are not evaluated.
ESOL
ESOL - group of examinations in English, which are conducted by the division of the examination board of Cambridge. They have more than a century of history. ESOL is held since 1913. Every year, examinations in English, as a foreign language, take more than 3 million people in 130 countries. Get a certificate Cambridge ESOL is not easy, but the effort is worth it.
General Information
Cambridge ESOL is one of the most difficult language exams. But it has a number of advantages. First of all, the certificate Cambridge ESOL speaks about the level of knowledge of its owner. For employers in English-speaking countries, it is a kind of "quality sign", looks like an MBA diploma.
The certificate Cambridge ESOL is unlimited, unlike TOEFL, IELTS. It is one of the most prestigious in the world, quoted in all English-speaking countries.
Cambridge ESOL can be rented by anyone, regardless of level of knowledge, age. For each group of candidates (children, schoolchildren, those who need confirmation of knowledge of general, professional, academic English) there is a certain category of examination. A distinctive feature of Cambridge ESOL is a multi-level structure. The number of attempts to pass the exam is not limited.
How the exam is conducted
Each category of Cambridge ESOL has its own characteristics. Most often, adolescents and adults take KET out of the General English block (in all, it includes 5 categories, including the Preliminary Test, FCE, CAE, CPE). Gradation corresponds to the level of English (from key or basic to free). In particular, for the first exam from the ESOL group, it is sufficient to have English at the pre-intermediate level.
Traditionally, the exam consists of 3 blocks:
Listening, in which the candidate is invited to listen to the recording with a dialogue or a monologue, and then answer questions about the topic. The listening time is half an hour of exam time.
Reading and Writing, where translation of texts into general topics is required (materials are taken from newspapers, magazines) and compilation of short notes on the topic. An hour is assigned to complete the tasks.
Speaking is the most responsible unit with a duration of up to 15 minutes. It involves evaluating the student's ability to communicate in English.
Other ESOL exams are about the same. They differ in the level of complexity, the subjects of the tasks.
Evaluation of the results of the exam
The level of knowledge is estimated on a 100-point scale. Cambridge ESOL is associated with CEFR. The correspondence of the systems is shown in the figure below.
TOEFL
The international exam TOEFL allows you to assess the level of English as a foreign language. The results of the test are mandatory provided by applicants for admission to colleges and universities in the US and Canada. TOEFL also recognizes a number of other countries. Without a certificate with the results of this exam, you can not study on programsMBA . The delivery of TOEFL is required from applicants for admission to some scientific, professional certification programs.
General Information
TOEFL, being an international exam in English, differs significantly from the generally recognized IELTS. Its main feature is American vocabulary. For the successful passing of the TOEFL, the examiner must possess American English, understand the grammatical and lexical subtleties.
You can take the test today in one of two forms: PBT or in writing and iBT (via telecommunication means of communication, via the Internet). Many modern universities prefer to accept TOEFL iBT certificates, because the electronic form of testing involves performing complex complex tasks, checking the oral speech of the applicant and determining the level of proficiency in basic language skills (listening, reading, writing).
The TOEFL certificate received by the examiner is valid for 2 years.
How the exam is conducted
Each form of the TOEFL test has its own characteristics.
The PBT (standard written exam) includes 4 modules.
Listening Comprehension involves evaluating the ability to listen to English (North American) speech, record important details. The model provides for the need to answer a number of questions after listening to a mini-dialogue, a long dialogue and a short monologue. The answers are given in the examination sheet. The student only needs to choose the right ones.
The Structure and Written Expression module evaluates the level of grammar, written speech. Testing involves performing two types of tasks. In the first one, in order to form a grammatically correct construction, choose the correct variant from the proposed ones and insert it into the pass in the text. In the second - to exclude the wrong grammatical construction.
The Reading Comprehension module allows you to assess the ability to understand excerpts from texts, by subject, style similar to materials in universities and colleges. For each passage the student answers a number of questions of substantive and lexical nature.
Test of Written English is the most creative unit for testing TOEFL. He suggests writing a composition on the proposed topic. In the text of the work, the student must agree with the statement or refute it, arguing for their opinion.
iBT (online testing) involves an assessment of integrated skills. In particular, the level of knowledge of grammar is determined not by specific tasks and modules, but in the overall testing process.
There is a test of 4 blocks:
Speaking allows you to assess the student's ability to communicate with American English. In this block special attention is paid to literacy of speech. The student is invited to answer 6 questions. Speech is recorded.
Listening is aimed at assessing understanding of speech. The unit provides for listening to lectures and long dialogues, writing answers to the questions posed on the topic.
Reading allows you to evaluate reading skills. Grammar is judged by the ability to recognize complex grammatical structures in a cursory reading.
Writing is aimed at assessing the ability of the examiner to combine and apply practically necessary information. The block assumes also an estimation of knowledge of English grammar. Students are asked to write two essays. One is standard, the second - integrated (written after listening to a short lecture and reading the text on a given topic). The volume of the essay is 150-225 words. The time for writing is 20 minutes.
Evaluation of the results of the exam
Each TOEFL module is evaluated on a 30-point scale. The final score is set at 0-120 (the scores for each module are summed up).
IELTS
The international exam in English is for study, working in English-speaking countries, international companies in Russia, for personal purposes. The level of knowledge is confirmed by an appropriate certificate.IELTS is accepted by most universities in the EU countries, in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the United States. Also the certificate is recognized by employers of practically all states of Eastern Europe. It is valid in Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Denmark.
The listening (listening) module assumes a one-time listening to a voice recording. In the process, the student is asked to read 40 questions, to answer them in writing (in draft form). Questions tend to be more complicated by the end of listening to speech. At the end of the module, an additional 10 minutes are provided to complete the examination sheet. Listening is the same for the Academic and General exam formats.
The reading module takes 1 hour. It involves reading the text, a written response to 40 questions. Tests for Academic and General formats differ. Academic assignment consists of 3 parts of 650-1000 words each. Texts are taken from specialized magazines, newspapers. The General task contains 3 short texts on general topics.
The writing module also takes 1 hour. It consists of 2 tasks. For the academic format of the exam this description is an analysis of a table, a drawing or a graphic (minimum 150 words) and an essay of 250 or more words. For general IELTS, students must write a letter and essay with the number of words 150 and 250 respectively.
The spoken language module has an average duration of 11-14 minutes. It takes place in the form of an interview with a teacher. The module includes 3 parts: acquaintance (+ conversation on general topics), a monologue on a given topic (given a small amount of time for preparation), a dialogue on a given topic. During conversations with the examiner and monologue, an audio recording is conducted.
IELTS modules are issued in one day or in stages. At the same time, at another time, the speaking block can be handed over. This is given to the student 7 days after testing on three main modules.
Evaluation of the results of the exam
Each module is evaluated on a scale of 1-9 points. The final estimate is the arithmetic mean. Also, separate points are awarded for the modules.
Scale of assessment:
0. The level of knowledge is impossible to assess, the student did not start testing.
1.Student ability to use English does not, except for individual words.
2. Real communication is impossible, knowledge is at the level of basic (short phrases, individual words, generally accepted language). There are difficulties in understanding spoken language and performing written assignments.
3. There is an understanding of the general meaning of speech. When communicating, frequent failures occur.
4. The management of English is limited to simple situations. Complex language constructs in communication are not used.
5. The student speaks English in part. There is a general understanding of the meaning of phrases in most situations, but in colloquial speech a lot of mistakes are allowed.
6. Essentially effective knowledge of English, but there are misunderstandings, inaccuracies, inconsistencies.
7. Effective language skills, understanding of detailed explanations, rather complex speech.
8. Full knowledge of English with possible non-systematic inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
9. Accurate, adequate, full and rapid understanding, free use of English.
DAF
DAF - exam in German as a foreign language. It gives an opportunity to those who wish to study, work, live in Germany and other countries with a German language environment to confirm their level of knowledge.
DAF can pass any person who has in-depth knowledge of German. For beginners testing is not provided. As a result of the examination, an international certificate is issued, recognized throughout the world.
General Information
DAF is recognized by all without exception the universities of Germany. With the certificate, you can also apply for special programs in Switzerland, a number of other countries. The standard transmission level is TDN 4.
The DAF test provides for the fulfillment of a number of tasks and consideration of topics from higher education, science. Successful passing the exam allows you to talk about the willingness of the applicant to study in the German-speaking environment of higher education. You can re-distribute the DAF to the desired result unlimited number of times. The received certificate is unlimited.
How the exam is conducted
Examination topics reflect different areas of higher education. This is due to the fact that the test is designed primarily for applicants of German universities. The exam lasts 3.1 hours. Breaks are not provided.
The DAF consists of 4 blocks:
Reading (leseverstehen) takes 60 minutes. The purpose of the module is to confirm the ability to understand written texts of academic topics. Students are invited to perform tasks that require analysis of the content of the text, highlighting details. The block provides work with 3 texts and 30 tasks on their basis.
Auditing (horverstehen) takes 40 minutes. At performance of tasks the ability to perceive the text on hearing is estimated. Students listen to 3 audio recordings and perform 25 tasks.
Letter (schriftlicher ausdruck). This block is given an hour of time. The main task of the student is to write a coherent, literate text on the proposed topic. The block provides for the fulfillment of two tasks: the description of the graph or table and the writing of a small essay expressing its point of view on the topic.
Oral speech (mundlicher ausdruck). The unit provides for 7 speaking tasks. Evaluated in this case the ability to communicate in German, purity, fluency of speech.
Evaluation of exam results
The DAF results are evaluated on the TDN scale of 5-3. The levels correspond to B 2.1 - C 1.2 on the pan-European language scale.
DHS
The DHS exam allows you to check the level of German proficiency for academic and personal purposes. The test is given mainly in universities in Germany. The country has DHS framework rules. And the specifics and subjects of assignments may differ slightly in different educational institutions. The main purpose of the delivery of DHS is to obtain admission to higher education in Germany.
general information
DHS usually surrenders for a month (3 weeks) before the start of the semester at the university. Test dates are determined by each institution. If the DHS failed to pass the first time, the student may be offered to undergo training at the preparatory courses. This will allow not only to update knowledge and improve language skills, but also to adapt to the German educational environment.
Upon successful delivery of DHS, a certificate is issued.
How the exam is conducted
DHS consists of two blocks: oral and written. First a written examination is given. When performing tasks, it is allowed to use an explanatory dictionary. The exam lasts 3-4 hours. In this case, the following are assessed:
- analysis, understanding of audio text;
- analysis, understanding of printed text;
- written speech skills (compilation of text on certain criteria);
- skills of understanding, analysis of the structures of scientific German.
The four DHS written parts can be combined in any combination. That is, the module can actually include 2-4 parts. Each of them has its own characteristics.
When working with audio text, the student's ability to understand the content of abstracts, scientific lectures, ability to outline them is assessed. Audio text usually consists of no more than 100 lines. It is read one or two times. Students are allowed to take notes in parallel with listening to the material. Afterwards, they will complete the tasks in the form of answers to questions about the structure, the content of the text, writing comments, compiling a resume, breaking down the text into meaningful parts. A feature of the block is the priority of the substantive part of the work on the grammatical.
When working with printed text, a material of 30-60 lines is proposed for reading, as well as a drawing (table, graph). Students should answer questions about the structure of the material, write comments, make a description of the graphic part of the assignment. This block, similarly to the first, leaves the content part in priority.
The compilation of the text assumes an assessment of the literacy of written speech. Students need the ability to formulate thoughts, compose grammatical constructions and organically use them in the text. The source material for the work can serve as graphic blocks, abstracts, abstracts, etc. They are invited to compare, comment, explain.
Understanding the structures of the German provides for the implementation of specific tasks related to the text. The block assumes reformulation of language constructions, addition of them, use of scientific lexicon.
The oral part of DHS takes no more than 20 minutes. It requires the student to adequately discuss the given topic. Evaluation of speech, presentation of the subject matter, commenting is assessed. The basis for oral DHS can serve as a text of university subjects.
Evaluation of the results of the examination
The DHS assessment system is different from other language tests. It does not provide a scale, alphabetic scale. Evaluations in the exam are not exhibited, a decision is made whether to surrender or not. The criteria are as follows. An exam is considered an exam if, in his oral and written part, the student has completed two thirds of the assignments. If there are systematic errors in the written block, DHS is considered not delivered.
DELE
The DELE exam allows you to determine the level of knowledge of Spanish as a foreign language. To obtain a certificate, all adverbs of Spanish are considered valid, admissible. The exam can be surrendered in personal (for self-examination), career, academic purposes. The DELE certificate is recognized by many world universities (Hispanic), and is also required when applying for employment in many international companies. The document serves as a guarantee of the linguistic competence of its holder.
General information
DELE, like any of the language exams, has its own characteristics. It is held thrice a year in more than one hundred countries on 5 continents in 700 specialized examination centers. The DELE certificate has an unlimited validity period.
How the exam is conducted
The structure of the exam at all levels of complexity is identical. DELE provides testing of basic language skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking). In addition, special attention is paid to the grammar and vocabulary of the student. Each block of the exam assumes the fulfillment of a certain number of tasks in a limited time.
Evaluation of the results of the examination
The level of knowledge of the Spanish is assessed on a three-tier system.
The initial level corresponds to the test results A1 and A2.
The DELE A1 certificate is the initial certificate. He confirms linguistic knowledge sufficient for an elementary understanding of speech, the use of simple grammatical constructions. Certificate A2 indicates that the student understands and uses in practice the frequently occurring everyday phrases, expressions, can tell about himself, make purchases, see the sights, etc.
The average level of knowledge corresponds to indicators B1 and B2.
The DELE B1 certificate is a confirmation of linguistic knowledge sufficient for understanding simple texts on familiar topics, communication in everyday situations (learning, work, leisure), writing skills using simple grammatical constructions. Certificate B2 is issued to students who are able to communicate naturally and spontaneously in a Hispanic environment, clearly and in detail, write down various topics, justify their opinions on general issues, understand the main ideas of complex texts that are within their competence.
Superior to Superior are the indicators C1 and C2.
DELE C1 shows significant progress in the field of Spanish. The certificate confirms an advanced level of language proficiency, sufficient for easy communication in any environment (at work, studying, traveling, etc.). Diploma C2 is given to students who are proficient in Spanish professionally, able to discuss any topic, freely conduct simple and complex (grammatical, stylistic) correspondence, spontaneously adapt to the context.
CILS
The Italian exam CILS is reminiscent of the international DELE (in Spanish), DALF (in French). They are similar in structure, tasks, and the system of assessing achievements. The exam is most often taken by applicants who wish to enroll in Italian universities and teachers who want to work in Italy. It is also possible to test for personal, career purposes.
General Information
The CILS exam is awarded at accredited centers around the world. The certificate is issued only by the University of Siena. Test dates are pre-allocated for a calendar year. The exam is offered in six levels. Each of them includes two categories. Level A corresponds to the initial, B - confident, C - expert or professional knowledge of the Italian language.
How the exam is conducted
Each level is tested according to the standard scheme. It involves checking the skills of oral speech, writing, reading, listening. It also provides an assessment of knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
The duration of the exam varies depending on the level of its complexity. The average testing time at A1 level is 2 hours. The exam takes about 5 hours to receive the C2 certificate.
Evaluation of exam results
The higher the level of the certificate, the more the holder has more academic, career opportunities.
DELF / DALF
In France, like any other country in the world, it is necessary to have the state language at a level sufficient to achieve specific goals for studying at a university, working or obtaining a residence permit. The official exams in French are DELF / DALF. They are recognized all over the world. Exams are given in more than 120 states.
General Information
DELF / DALF - exams, differing from each other by the level of complexity. The first is general language. It is taken to confirm the basic level of French ownership. The second is more complex. For its successful delivery, an advanced level of French ownership is required.
DELF / DALF have been surrendered since 1985. The quality of examinations is controlled by the Center for International Education in the French capital. DELF / DALF is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of the country and the Council of Foreign Languages ​​of Europe.
How the exam is conducted
It is conducted DELF / DALF similarly to other international language exams. It involves checking knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. The exam is divided into 6 modules. Each consists of standard blocks. The modules differ in the level of complexity of tasks.
Evaluation of the results of the exam
The results of the examination are evaluated on the scale A-C.
DELF A1 assumes the ability to understand the slow clear French speech, to speak, using familiar simple phrases, common expressions.
DELF A2 confirms understanding of speech (common everyday topics), the ability to exchange information in simple typical situations. In communication and correspondence, students who receive a certificate use simple phrases and grammatical constructions.
DELF B1 involves understanding the basic meaning of literary phrases, the ability to communicate on most known topics (work, study, rest, etc.). Students who receive a certificate can compose a coherent story on a simple topic, write a letter, an essay, an essay on a familiar literary theme. Also, the level of language proficiency involves commenting on projects, justifying their opinions.
DELF B2 is a certificate that confirms students' understanding of complex texts, the ability to compose and use complex grammatical constructions, to communicate freely with French speakers with minimal preparation for the process. The level of language proficiency also assumes the argumentation of judgments and conclusions, a clear presentation of the point of view on a number of general and special issues.
DALF C1 confirms the level of fluency in French. Students who receive the certificate, fluent and without preparation communicate on any topic, effectively apply knowledge in the social, academic, professional sphere.
DALF C2 is a certificate of the highest level of French ownership. Its owners easily understand everything that they read and hear in the language environment. They are explained in French quickly, clearly, logically. This applies to both oral and written speech.
