LISTENING DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST

(Paper)

In this section of the test, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to
understand conversations and talks in English. There are three parts to this section. Answer
all the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied by the speakers you hear. Do not
take notes or write in your test book at any time. Do not turn the pages until you are told to do
so.

Part A
Directions: In Part A you will hear short conversations between two people. After each
conversation, you will hear a question about the conversation. The conversations and
questions will not be repeated. After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in
your test book and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of
the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have
choosen.

Listen to an example.

On the recording, you hear: Sample Answer

(man) That exam was just awful. A B C D
(woman) Oh, it could have been worse.
(narrator) What does the woman mean?

In your test book, you read: (A) The exam was really awful.
(B) It was the worst exam she had ever seen.
(C) It couldn’t have been more difficult.
(D) It wasn’t that hard.

You learn from the conversation that the man thought the exam was very difficult and that the
woman disagreed with the man. The best answer to the question, “What does the woman
mean?” is (D), “It wasn’t that hard.” Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

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1. (A) Her concerns were expressed.
(B) She wonders if the concert was
good.
(C) The music was fantastic.
(D) She wandered about during the
night.
2. (A) In a bus station.
(B) In a post office.
(C) In an airport.
(D) In a travel agency.
3. (A) He spends half his time with his
daughter.
(B) His daughter’s under a year old.
(C) His daughter will start school in a
year and a half.
(D) His daughter’s eighteen months
old.
4. (A) He’s on the basketball team.
(B) He doesn’t even like to play
basketball.
(C) He’s too short to make the team.
(D) He thinks he’s tall enough.
5. (A) She’s thinking about her grade in
the seminar.
(B) The seminar is quite realistic.
(C) The seminar will take a great deal
of time.
(D) She agrees with the man about the
seminar.
6. (A) The location of the meeting.
(B) The purpose of the meeting.
(C) Who will attend the meeting.
(D) The time the meeting starts.
7. (A) Preparing dinner later.
(B) Going to a restaurant.
(C) Cooking a full dinner.
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(D) Eating dinner outside in the
garden.
8. (A) She is fond of Joe.
(B) Joe is not lost anymore.
(C) She visits Joe regularly.
(D) The call was already made.
9. (A) He was quite fortunate.
(B) He lacked the opportunity to play
the game.
(C) He didn’t actually win the game.
(D) He came sometime after Luke.
10. (A) It’s quite clean.
(B) It doesn’t move.
(C) It’s clearly better.
(D) It’s rather dirty.
11. (A) A bus driver.
(B) An art teacher.
(C) A flight attendant.
(D) A travel agent.
12. (A) His desk is made of metal.
(B) He never meddles with his office
workers.
(C) His desk is on the right side of the
office.
(D) He works in the center of the
office.
13. (A) Learning something about golf.
(B) Taking fewer lessons than he has
in the past.
(C) Letting her play golf instead of
him.
(D) Going to play golf together.
14. (A) He does not live nearby.
(B) They will go later.
(C) It is not time to deliver the paper.
(D) He does not have time to read.
15. (A) She will assign the homework
tomorrow.
(B) The man can do the homework
next week.
(C) She will return the homework next
week.
(D) The assignment must be turned in
tomorrow.

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 Part B

Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear longer conversations. After each
conversation, you will hear several questions. The conversations and questions will not be
repeated.

After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in your test book and choose the
best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the
space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.

Remember, you are not allowed to take notes or write in your test book.

31. (A) A new bicycle.

(B) An inexpensive bicycle.
(C) A fast bicycle.
(D) A stationary bicycle.

32. (A) A half mile.

(B) A mile.
(C) Two miles.
(D) Four miles.

33. (A) He doesn’t like it.

(B) It doesn’t work very well.
(C) It’s broken.
(D) He got a new one.

34. (A) Go see his friend’s bicycle.

(B) See her new apartment.
(C) Walk to school.
(D) Buy a new bicycle.

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 Part C

Directions: In Part C of this section, you will hear several talks. After each talk, you will hear
some questions. The talks and questions will not be repeated.

After you hear a question, you will read the four possible answers in your test book and choose
the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space
that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.

Here is an example.

On the recording, you will hear:

(narrator) Listen to an instructor talk to his class about painting.

(man) Artist Grant Wood was a guiding force in the school of painting known as
American regionalist, a style reflecting the distinctive characteristics of art from rural areas of
the United States. Wood began drawing animals on the family farm at the age of three, and when
he was thirty-eight one of his paintings received a remarkable amount of public notice and
acclaim. This painting, called American Gothic, is a starkly simple depiction of a serious couple
staring directly out at the viewer.

Now listen to a sample question. Sample Answer

(narrator) What style of painting is known as American regionalist? A B C

In your test book, you will read:

(A) Art from America’s inner cities.
(B) Art from the central region of the United States.
(C) Art from various urban areas in the United States.
(D) Art from rural sections of America.

The best answer to the question, “What style of painting is known as American regionalist?” is
(D), “Art from rural sections of America.” Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

Now listen to another sample question. Sample Answer

(narrator) What is the name of Woods most successful painting? A B D

In your test book, you will read:

(A) American Regionalist.

(B) The Family Farm in Iowa.
(C) American Gothic.
(D) A Serious Couple.

The best answer to the question, “What is the name of Wood’s most successful painting?”
is (C), American Gothic. Therefore, the correct choice is (C).

Remember, you are not allowed to take notes or write in your test book.

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39. (A) Only three chapters.
(B) Three chemistry books.
(C) Lecture notes and part of the book.
(D) Only class notes from the lectures.

40. (A) Only multiple choice.

(B) Short and long essays.
(C) Three short essays.
(D) Essays and multiple choice.

41. (A) Half an hour.

(B) Fifty minutes.
(C) An hour.
(D) Ninety minutes.

42. (A) Listen to a lecture.

(B) Study for the exam.
(C) Read three chapters.
(D) Take an exam.

This is the end of the Listening Diagnostic Pre-Test.

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 STRUCTURE DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST
(Paper)

SECTION 2
STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION

This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for
standard written English. There are two types of questions in this section, with special
directions for each type.

Structure

Directions: Items in this part are incomplete sentences. Following each of these sentences,
there are four words or phrases. You should select the one word or phrase (A), (B), (C), or
(D) that best completes the sentence. Then fill in the space on your answer sheet that matches
the letter of the answer that you have selected.

Look at the following examples:

Example I Sample Answer

The president ____ the election by a landslide. B C D

(A) won
(B) he won
(C) yesterday
(D) fortunately

The sentence should read, “The president won the election by a landslide.” Therefore, you
should choose (A).

Example II Sample Answer

When ____ the conference? A C D

(A) the doctor attended
(B) did the doctor attend
(C) the doctor will attend
(D) the doctor’s attendance

The sentence should read, “When did the doctor attend the conference?” Therefore, you
should choose (B).

Now begin work on the questions.

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1. In the early 1900s, Eastman _____ 6. ____ in the United States spends
inexpensive Brownie box cameras. 900 hours per hours per year in class and
(A) it developed 1,170 hours in front of the television.
(B) it was developed (A) The average third-grader
(C) developed (B) The third grade is average
(D) developing (C) There are three grades
(D) Three average grades
2. _____ the discovery of the
fossilized remnants of tides in one-billion- 7. Researchers have begun studying
year-old rocks. what ____ is on human circadian rhythms.
(A) Geological reports (A) it is the effect of light
(B) Geologists report (B) the light affects
(C) The reports of geologists (C) in affecting the light
(D) Geologists’ reports (D) the effect of light

3. The Brooklyn Bridge ____ took 8. If calcium oxide remains exposed to

thirteen years to complete. air, ____ to calcium carbonate.
(A) in New York (A) turning
(B) is in New York (B) turns
(C) it is in New York (C) it turns
(D) which New York (D) the turn

4. Genes control all of the physical 9. Some early batteries used

____ we inherit. concentrated nitric acid, ____ gave off
(A) that traits poisonous fumes.
(B) that are traits (A) they
(C) traits that (B) then they
(D) traits are that (C) but they
(D) but they had
5. Indigo can be extracted from a
plant, and then ____ to dye cloth blue. 10. The sound produced by an object
(A) it ____ in a periodic way involves more than
(B) using the simple sine wave.
(C) using it (A) it vibrates
(D) it can be used (B) vibrating
(C) is vibrating
(D) vibrates

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 Written Expression

Directions: In questions 16-40, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The four
underlined parts of the sentence are marked (A), (B), (C), (D). Identify the one underlined
word or phrase that must be changed in order for the sentence to be corrected. Then, on your
answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the
letter of the answer you have chosen.

Look at the following examples.

Example I Sample Answer

The four string on a violin are tuned in filths. A C D

A B C D

The sentence should read, “The four strings on a violin are tuned in filths.” Therefore, you
should choose (B).

Example II Sample Answer

The research for the book Roots taking a A B D

A B C
Alex Haley twelve years.
D

The sentence should read, “The research for the book Roots took Alex Haley twelve years.”
Therefore, you should choose (C).

Now begin work on the questions.

11. In 1732, coach travelers could got from New York to Philadelphia in about two days.
A B C D

12. Some of the District of Coulumbia are on low-lying, marshy ground.

A B C D

13. Georgia’s economy is based main on agriculture.

A B C D

14. The Paul Revere House was built in 1676, and today its the oldest wooden building in
A B C D
Boston.

15. Conifers such as cedars, firs, and pines they bear their seeds in cones.
A B C D

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16. A dome is a semispherical structure on top of a build.
A B C D

17. Succulents suck up water in just a few hour, but they can store it in their stems for
A B C D
months.

18. Flying buttresses enabled builders to put up tall but thinnest stone walls.
A B C D

19. Weather forecasters monitor barometric pressures and record they on charts as isobars.
A B C D

20. In many languages, the forms of a word varies to express such contrasts as number,
A B C
gender, and tense.
D

21. A Milky Way object that erupted in the constellation Scorpius has provides information
A B
to astronomers since July.
C D

22. Much fossils are found in coal-bearing rocks.

A B C D

23. When salt is added to ice, this mixture becomes coldly enough to freeze ice cream.
A B C D

24. During the eighteenth centuries, Long Island was chiefly an agricultural region with
A B C
fishing, whaling, and build ships as the important industries.
D

25. No one who has studied the Battle of Little Bighorn know the exact route that Custer and
A B
his detachment took.
C D

This is the end of the Structure and Written Expression Pre-Test.

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 READING DIAGNOSTIC PRE-TEST (Paper)
SECTION 3
READING COMPREHENSION

This section is designed to measure your ability to read and understand short passages similar
in topic and style to those that students are likely to encounter in North American universities
and colleges.

Directions: In this section you will read several passages. Each one is followed by a number
of questions about it. You are to choose the one best answer; (A), (B), (C) or (D) to each
question. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space
that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.

Answer all questions about the information in a passage on the basis of what is stated or
implied in that passage.

Read the following passage:

John Quincy Adams , who served as the sixth president of the United States
from 1825 to 1929, is today recognized for his masterful statesmanship and
diplomacy. He dedicated his life to public service, both in the presidency and in the
Line various other political offices that he held. Throughout his political career he
(5) demonstrated his unswerving belief in freedom of speech, the antislavery cause,
and the right of Americans to be free European and Asian domination.

Example I
To what did John Quincy Adams devote his life? Sample Answer
A B C D
(A) Improving his personal life
(B) Serving the public
(C) Increasing his fortune
(D) Working on his private business
According to the passage, John Quincy Adams” dedicated his life to public service.
”Therefore , you should choose (B)
Example II
In line 5, the word” unswerving” is closest in meaning to Sample Answer
A B C D
(A) moveable
(B) insignificant
(C) unchanging
(D) diplomatic
The passage states that John Quincy Adams demonstrated his unswerving his belief
”throughout career”. This implies that the belief did not change. Therefore, you should
choose (C).

Now begin work on the questions.

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Questions 1-5: The passage below is for questions numbers 1 up to 5. Choose the answer
based on the passage.
Determining the success of a small business can be tricky. A
business may show a good profit, but consistently run into cash flow
problems, sometimes severe ones. The idea of profit refers to a sum of
money earned at a fixed (but sometimes imaginary) point in time. As a
Line (5) reference point for a business’ success, it is the standard. However,
using cash flow as a reference point gives a dynamic picture of a
business’ success based on a constant comparison of available cash to
expenses. A business owner’s understanding of his own success can
Line (10) depend on which of these models he works from.
The outlook on a business’ financial situation can similarly
depend on whether the business follows a cash method or an accrual
method of accounting. In a cash method of accounting, income is
reported only as payment is received, while the accrual method of
Line (15) accounting records income as soon as the sale is made. So, using the
accrual method, if it takes a buyer three months to send a check for the
goods and services provided, then a business may have trouble meeting
its cash flow needs in the interim, while still showing a profit. For this
reason, may small business prefer to use the cash method. The cash
method is simpler and offers a more realistic picture of a business’
finances at any given moment in time. The accrual system, however,
allows for more sophisticated analysis, which can consolidate several
facets of business management into a single operation.

1. What best states what this article is mostly about?

(A) how business can use different methods of accounting to look less profitable for tax
purposes.
(B) how the accrual method compares to the cash method of accounting.
(C) how understandings of profitability and methods of accounting can alter perceptions
of success.
(D) how the idea of profit compares with the idea of cash flow.

2. What is the major difference between the accrual method and cash method of
accounting?
(A) what kinds of sales are recorded
(B) when a sale is recorded
(C) whether a business uses mostly cash or credit.
(D) how many times a month sales are recorded

3. According to the article, what is the advantage of using an accrual system of accounting?
(A) It gives a more dynamic picture of a business’ success.
(B) It is simpler
(C) It reduces cash flow discrepancies.
(D) It allows for more sophisticated financial analysis

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4. According to the article, what problems can arise from looking strictly at profit?
(A) cash flow problems
(B) accrual problems
(C) accounting errors
(D) imaginary problems

5. The word “ operation” in the financial sentence is nearest in meaning to . . .

(A) a functioning state
(B) a medical procedure
(C) a controlled activity
(D) a military action.

Questions 6 – 10: The passage below is for questions numbers 6 up to 10. Choose the answer
based on the passage.
Radio frequently identification, or RFID, technology is not new,
but as it becomes cheaper, it promises to change retail business
significantly. Using RFID, a company can store vast amounts of
information about a product on a microchip that attaches to the product
Line (5) itself like a barcode. Unlike a barcode, however, the RFID tag offers
access to a database of information about the product. It can give an up-
to-date history of where a product has traveled, and a real- time
inventory information, such as the sizes and colors currently available in
Line (10) any location. This technology may one day eliminate the necessity of
having employees check inventory or track shipments. It also has the
potential for numerous security and safety applications.
As a major retailers begin to adopt this technology, concerns are
rising about how RFID may affect the privacy of consumers and
Line (15) employees alike. Detractors worry about the implications of a business
being able to track the movements of employees and customers in their
stores and warehouses using the new technology. They fear that
technology might give businesses the ability to track customers’
movements to determine their preferences. The potential for abuse,
however, does not seem to be slowing down the demand and overall
outlook for RFID.

6. Which of the following best states the purpose of the article?

(A) The article warns of the dangerous applications of RFID technology in various sectors
of society.
(B) The article explains how RFID technology has replaced the bar code entirely.
(C) The article examines the promises and dangers of using RFID technology in the retail
sector.
(D) The article illustrates how RFID favors major retailers over local retailers.

7. According to the article, how is an RFID tag superior to a barcode?

(A) It makes it necessary for employees to keep a closer watch on inventory.
(B) It protects consumer privacy.
(C) It contains more information about the product.
(D) It can be deactivated.

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8. As used in the first sentence of the second paragraph, the word “adopt” means . . .
(A) to take custody of a child
(B) to change in order to meet the needs of a situation
(C) to care for
(D) to choose and decide to use

9. According to the article, what ethical concerns does the rise of RFID technology raise?
(A) concerns about the loss of human jobs to machines
(B) concerns about consumer privacy
(C) concerns about outsourcing
(D) concerns about employee productivity

10. According to the article, what change in RFID technology has made it viable for use in
retail application?
(A) a change in speed
(B) a change in size
(C) a change in price
(D) a change in security standards

Questions 11 – 15: The passage below is for questions numbers 11 up to 15. Choose the
answer based on the passage.
Online books are digital versions of printed books. There are
several advantages this format offers over traditional books. Online
books can be viewed with a web browser at any time from any computer
connected to internet. This means that they are available as needed;
Line (5) there is no need to be on campus or wait until an item is returned to a
library to borrow it. Online books generally include the full text along
with the graphics, illustrations, charts, and photographs of the print
counterpart. Online book collections can be searched by title, topic, or
Line (10) keyword with results displayed in order of relevance. Like print books,
online books are protected by copyright and other laws. Use does not
permit unauthorized reproduction, republishing, or transfer. Systemic or
programmatic copying or downloading is not allowed.

Line (15) Welcome to the Zither University Library Help Page

Many of your questions can be answered using the online

information tools available. Help is just a mouse click away. Follow the
links below or contact a librarian to get help accessing our extensive
collection of print and online materials.
 User guide
 Login help
 Introductory tour
 Frequently asked questions
 Tips for searching the online catalogue

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11. How can a student at Zither university get access to an online book?
(A) by downloading it from the internet.
(B) by using a printer available at the library building.
(C) by getting login help from a Zither University librarian
(D) by clicking the User Guide link on the Library Help Page

12. What is one of the disadvantages of a traditional book compared to an online book?
(A) It cannot be copied without permission from the publisher.
(B) It does not contain all the graphics available in the online book
(C) Librarians are not available to help you search for them in the catalogue.
(D) You have to wait for it to be returned if someone else has checked it out

13. How do online books differ from traditional print books?

(A) They are not protected by copyright laws.
(B) They do not contain charts, tables, or other graphics.
(C) There is no need to go to a physical location to retrieve them.
(D) They can be duplicated without permission from the publisher.

14. Which of those links should students follow if they are not sure how to search an online
book collection using a keyword search?
(A) user guide
(B) introductory tour
(C) frequently asked question
(D) tips for searching the online catalogue

15. Which of these links would NOT contain further information about online books?
(A) Login Help
(B) User Guide
(C) Introductory Tour
(D) Frequently Asked Questions

Questions 16 – 20: The passage below is for questions numbers 16 up to 20. Choose the
answer based on the passage.
The concepts of analogy and homology are probably easier to
exemplify than to define. When different species are structurally
compared, certain features can be described as either analogous or
homologous. For example, flight requires certain rigid aeronautical
Line (5) principles of design, yet, birds, bats and insects have all conquered the
air. The wings of all three types of animals derive from different
embryological structures, but they perform the same functions. In this
case, the flight organs of these creatures can be said to be analogous. In
contrast, features that arise from the same structures in the embryo but
are used in different functions are said to be homologous. The pectoral
fins of a fish, the wings of a bird, and the forelimbs of a mammal are all
homologous structures. They are genetically related in the sense that
both the forelimb and the wing evolved from the fin.

15
16. Which of the following best describe the organization of the passage?
(A) a contrast is drawn between two concepts by means of examples.
(B) a general concept is introduced, examples are given, and a conclusion is offered.
(C) two definitions of the same concepts are compared.
(D) two proposals are suggested and support for both is offered.

17. According to the passage, the concepts of analogy and homology are
(A) difficult to understand
(B) easier to understand through examples than through definitions
(C) impossible to explain
(D) simple to define but hard to apply

18. The word “rigid” in line 4 closest in meaning to. . .

(A) inflexible
(B) ideal
(C) unnatural
(D) steep

19. According to the information provided in the passage, which of the following would
most probably be considered analogous?
(A) a shark’s fin and a tiger’s claws.
(B) a man’s arms and a bird’s wings
(C) a monkey ‘s tail and an elephant’s tail.
(D) a spider’s legs and a horse’s legs

20. The word ”sense” in line 11 is closest in meaning to

(A) feeling
(B) logic
(C) meaning
(D) perception

Questions 21 – 25: The passage below is for questions numbers 21 up to 25. Choose the
answer based on the passage.
The locations of stars in the sky relative to one another do not
appear to the naked eye to change, and as a result stars are often
considered to be fixed in position. Many unaware stargazers falsely
assume that each star has its own permanent home in the nighttime sky.
Line (5) In reality, though, stars to Earth, the changes are barely
perceptible here. An example of a rather fast-moving star demonstrates
why this misconception prevails; it takes approximately 200 years for a
relatively rapid star like Bernard’s star to move a distance in the skies
equal to the diameter of the earth’s moon. When the apparently
negligible movement of the stars is contrasted with the movement of the
planets, the stars are seemingly unmoving.

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21. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
(A) What the Eye Can See in the sky
(B) Bernard’s Star
(C) Planetary Movement
(D) The Evermoving Stars

22. This passage would most probably be assigned in which course?

(A) Astrology
(B) Geophysics
(C) Astronomy
(D) Geography

23. In line 6, a ”misconception” is closest in meaning to a(n)

(A) idea
(B) proven fact
(C) erroneous belief
(D) theory

24. The passage states that in 200 years Bernard’s star can move
(A) around Earth’s moon
(B) next to Earth’s moon
(C) a distance equal to the distance from Earth to the Moon
(D) a distance seemingly equal to the diameter of the Moon.

25. The word “negligible” in line 9 could most easily be replaced by

(A) negative
(B) insignificant
(C) rapid
(D) distant

This is the end of the Reading Diagnostic Pre-Test.

17