English Language Proficiency
Test for New Students (Undergrad)
Guidelines | About the Test | Sample Test | View Test Results here
ALL applicants to the University are required to take a Proficiency Test in English. The application for the test may be obtained at the same time as the normal application form from the Student Affairs Section at Cave Hill, Mona or St. Augustine, or from Resident Tutors or University Representatives in Non-Campus Countries.
Exemptions from the Test
Possession of one of the following will exempt you from taking the test:
- Grade I in CXC General Proficiency in English A
- Grade I in CAPE Communications Studies Examination
- Grade A in the Cambridge GCE 'O' Level examination
- Grade A or B in the Alternative/Ordinary General Paper
- Entrants to the Faculty of Law, who already hold a degree or a pass in English Literature at Advanced Level.
Those who pass, or are exempted from the test, do two of the Level I Foundation Language courses: 1. FOUN1001 AND 2. either FOUN1002 or FOUN1003.
Failure in the Test
Those who fail or did not take the test or are not exempted are required to pass the remedial course FOUN0100: Fundamentals of Written English BEFORE registering for the two Level I Foundation Courses. FOUN0100 Fundamentals of Written English is coordinated by the Language Learning Centre of the Faculty of Humanities and Education and is offered in both semesters for a fee of Bds $500 as well as in the Summer School for the regular Summer School fee.
The test lasts for two hours and covers the following areas:
- Grammar
Candidates are required to answer alternative/ multiple choice items on any or all of the following :
- Grammar of the simple sentence
- Grammar of complex/compound sentences
- Idiomatic usage
- Mechanics of writing and spelling
The focus is on the candidate’s ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect structures rather than on their knowledge of formal grammar.
- Meaning
- Candidates should be able to detect differences in meaning based on punctuation and should also be able to recognise ambiguous sentences and be able to rewrite them in a way that disambiguates their meanings.
- Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of idiomatic English (idioms, proverbs, figurative expressions)
- Reading
Candidates will be required to read three or four passages and to critically analyse the passages to summarise the main ideas.
- Writing
Candidates are required to write a 750-800 word essay in which they have to demonstrate satisfactory performance in the following areas:
- Structure and organisation
o Clear coherent thesis
o Clear introduction, body and conclusion
o Good paragraphing skills
o Adequate use of connective devices
- Content
o Adequate number of points to address the issue
o Coverage of all parts of the question
o Originality of ideas or treatment of the topic
- Style
o Fluency
o Appropriate variety and level of formality
o Good grammar (few errors)
