Second Language Certification Test
The Second Language Certification Test is the final exam for ESL3100 and FLS3500. This test measures four skills listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Listening Test
The listening test consists of four to six recorded listening passages which you will hear twice. The test questions are all multiple-choice and are printed in your test booklet. You will mark your answers on a computer-readable "bubble" sheet. The test includes between 30 and 40 questions and lasts approximately 60-90 minutes.
Reading Test
The reading test has two parts: a reading comprehension component and a cloze test. The reading comprehension test consists of four to six reading passages, which may vary in length from approximately 400 to 800 words. There are approximately 30 to 40 multiple-choice questions on this part of the test. The cloze test consists of a reading passage with blanks where words have been deleted from the text. You must choose, from multiple-choice options, the word that best fits the blank. For both sections of the reading test, you will mark your answers on a computer-readable "bubble" sheet. The entire Reading Test lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Writing Test
The Writing Test consists of a written composition. You will have 50 minutes to write approximately 300 to 400 words on a specified topic of general interest to students. The topic is presented in such a way so as to elicit a written response relating factual information and providing opinions and/or recommendations about this information.
Speaking Test
The Speaking Test consists of an oral interview. After an informal conversation with the interviewer, you are given a short reading passage, and you are asked to discuss some of the issues raised in the passage. The interview, which is tape-recorded, lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. The interview will be scheduled the weekend following the written test.