Objective
The objective of this test is to evaluate the English level of the candidate in the area of scientific English. The test is designed to assess skills in Reading, Comprehension, Writing, Science Vocabulary and Oral Communication.
The test has a specific and unique format that has been created to assess the above mentioned criteria in a timely and efficient way. You are not expected to do an extensive amount of preparation for this test. What we are trying to assess cannot be learned overnight or over a month. The review materials we have provided for you, see the “How to Prepare for the Test” section below, are intended to assist you with the testing format - to help you be more at ease with a testing format that may be new to you.
Format of the Test
The test will consist of 4 parts. The parts are timed, so it is important that each candidate be aware that once a part has concluded they will have to move on to the next part of the test.
Part 1 (60 minutes): Reading , Preparation of Talking Points and of Oral Presentation
The candidate will arrive at a specified time and will receive an article that has been carefully chosen base on content and level of sophistication of the contained English. The candidate will have 45 minutes to read the article and prepare a minimum of 10 talking points. Each talking point must be carefully and fully written out in a complete sentence using proper grammar. Then you will choose 3 of your talking points and write out a more complete explanation of them. Collectively, the 3 explanations will be about 200 words. While the candidates can allocate their own time for these two activities (reading the article and writing the talking points), we recommend the following time allocation: Reading – 15 minutes, Writing the Talking Points and Explanations – 30 minutes. At the end of this time period, the candidate’s talking points and explanations will be photocopied and supplied to each of the examiners for evaluation. The candidate will then have 15 minutes to mentally prepare their presentation. No matter how you allocate your time, you have to complete Part 1 of the test within 60 minutes.
Part 2 (5 minutes): Introduction of Candidate
The candidate will have 5 minutes to introduce him or her self to the examiners. The introduction should consist of the type of information you would normally include in a CV. There should be special emphasis placed on your current projects or research.
Part 3 (15 – 20 minutes): Instructional Presentation
The candidate is to present a 15-minute lecture over the article they read in a typical classroom instructional style. The candidate will begin their presentation using their talking points as a guide. Within the lecture, the candidate should touch on each of the talking points they have prepared. They should assume that the examiners have little or no understanding of the topic and should approach the lecture with the intent of educating the examiners on the topic. You will have the use of a white board with colored markers and you are welcome to use it as part of your presentation. It is very important that you do not exceed the scope of the article during your lecture. You are not being evaluated on the extent of your knowledge on the subject, but your ability to communicate the information in your talking points in English.
Part 4 (5 – 10 minutes): Question and Answer Period
The examiners will ask questions regarding the topic, in much the same way that students would ask questions following a lecture. The candidate is NOT expected to be able to answer every question, but should answer to the best of their ability.
Evaluation
Postgraduate students at the 3 rd Faculty of Medicine are expected to know English on the level enabling them:
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to understand long and complex factual texts (specialised articles, manuals, monographs etc.), even when they do not relate exactly to their field;
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to understand spoken language, even when delivered at native speed;
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to express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions in any conversation or discussion for social or professional purposes;
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to formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate their contribution skilfully to those of other speakers/writers;
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to present clear, detailed description of complex subjects with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points both in speech and in writing.
Therefore, the examiners will evaluate the following:
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How well did the candidate understand the text?
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What was the quality of the talking points?
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How well written were the talking points?
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How carefully did their presentation follow their talking points?
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How clear was the presentation?
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How fluent was the presentation?
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How effective was the examinee's interaction during the question and answer period?
How to Prepare for the Test
It is highly recommended that prospective candidates prepare for the test by using the supplied review materials. In preparation for the test, prospective candidates should read the example article carefully and take note of the 17 talking points and 2 expanded talking points that have been prepared for you. Next you should carefully read the sample test article and try to create at least 10 talking points of your own. After you have prepared your talking points you should pick 3 and write out a more complete discussion of each. Finally, it might be helpful to practice with a colleague and make a 15-minute presentation based on your talking points.
VERY IMPORTANT
The sample and example articles do not reflect or even suggest the topic you will receive during the test. They are JUST samples that have a similar level of English usage to the one you will be tested over. The content of the test article is considered general science and should be understandable by anyone at the graduate level in a university. You are not expected to be an expert on the topic you receive and more importantly, you are not expected to become an expert while you read the article – this is first and foremost an English test, not a science test. Nor is it a test of your presentation ability. The presentation format is used only as a vehicle through which you can effectively demonstrate your reading comprehension and oral communication proficiency
