MODERN LANGUAGES

SPANISH PLACEMENT TEST 2008

**UPDATED**
**CHECK TIMES CAREFULLY**

27 & 28 August 2008

1. Who needs to take the Test?

Anyone who wishes to take a level-one Spanish-language course above the level of SPAN0001 Basic Spanish , that is, anyone who wishes to enroll for semester-one course SPAN1001 Spanish Language IA or SPAN0102 Beginners Spanish II unless they are exempted as per no. 2 below. This includes Spanish Majors, Minors and anyone else wishing to take these courses, regardless of prior qualifications.

2. Who doesn’t need to take the Test?

a) Total beginners who simply wish to enroll for SPAN 0001 Basic Spanish (this course is taught in both semesters and may be used to fulfill the Faculty Language Requirement).
b) Those who have previously failed and are repeating SPAN 0102 or SPAN 1001.
c) Those who have previously gained a B or better in SPAN 0102; these students automatically qualify for SPAN1001 and may register without taking the Test.
3. What does the Test consist of?

The Test is taken on a computer and consists of:

a) THE WRITTEN COMPONENT: a a listening comprehension test (30 minutes), followed by a reading comprehension test (one hour). You will take these two tests in a single ninety-minute sitting (see 4, below, for dates and times). When you go to this written part of the test, you will be asked to sign up for:-

b) THE ORAL COMPONENT: A five-minute interview in Spanish.

4. When and where does the Test take place?

a) You may take the WRITTEN COMPONENT at ANY ONE of the following three sittings:

i) Wednesday August 27th 2008 at 10-11.30am
ii) Wednesday August 27th 2008 at 6-7.30pm (if you are in employment)
iii) Thursday August 28th 2008, at 10-11.30am

The venue for the WRITTEN COMPONENT is the Language Laboratory (ask at the Front Desk, it is very close by).

****TO DO: SEND AN E-MAIL TO ian.craig@cavehill.uwi.edu stating which sitting you wish to attend (numbers in the lab are limited)****

b) When you go for the written test, you will be given a list to sign up for the ORAL COMPONENT (five-minute interview). The oral times will be during the rest of the week of the test (Wed 27-Fri 29 August)

5. How can I prepare for the Test?

Get back in the swing: read in Spanish, listen to any oral source (Spanish-speaking friends, cable TV, podcasts, internet radio or learning resources). Be sure you are well-rested the night before and try to remain as relaxed as possible during the test. Remember that all students are not expected to answer all items correctly. Intelligent guessing will most likely help you achieve a higher score.

6. What if I miss the Test sittings on the dates above?

Don’t panic. Simply send an e-mail to Dr. Craig at the address in 4, above, explaining your position.

7. Where can I get further information?

***TO DO: Check this web page for up-to-the-minute information on the test. Make sure you check it in the week of the test in case anything has changed!***

ENTRY QUESTIONNAIRE

**Also to do for Spanish Majors and Minors: Download entry questionnaire
and return to Dr. Craig at ian.craig@cavehill.uwi.edu **

Dr. Ian Craig
Tel: 417 4393
E-mail: ian.craig@cavehill.uwi.edu