PS test IM I / B2.

1 English

In order to pass Modern Language I / B2.1 you have to:

● complete all the CA activities and obtain a Final CA mark of C+ or above.

● take a PS test. The PS test takes place online.

You can only take the PS if you have got a Final CA mark of C+, B or A.

A Final CA mark of C- or D (under 5) means you cannot take the PS and unfortunately you have
failed the course.

If you get a mark for the PS of below 4, you will fail the course overall.

FAQs

What percentage of the course mark is the PS worth?

30% of the IM I course mark is from the PS.
70% of the IM I course mark is your Final CA mark.

What do I have to do in the PS?

You have to write one essay of 150-200 words. There will be one question which you must
answer. The topic will be related to the topic of one of the CA activities (CAs 1-5) you have done
during the semester. Here is an example question:

Read the essay question and the possible ideas. Then write a discursive essay (150-200
words) about the essay question. Remember to write an introduction for the essay,
develop two points of view and refer to your personal experience in the main body, and
give your opinion in the conclusion.

Essay question: Food TV has a negative influence on how people cook and eat. Do
you agree?

Possible ideas (You can use different ideas if you want):

1. complicated dishes
2. interesting ingredients

Please note that essays that do not sufficiently address the question will
automatically result in a mark of "0".

How long is the PS?

One hour. You should aim to write for about 45 minutes and leave about 15 minutes for
preparing your writing and reviewing your work.
PS test IM I / B2.1 English

Can I use a dictionary?

No, you cannot use a dictionary or any other resources in the PS test.

How will the PS be marked?

The PS will be marked using the same criteria as the writing you have done for CA. It is expected
that your writing under exam conditions will not be the same standard as during the term, but it
should be similar. If there is a significant discrepancy between the level of writing in the PS and
the writing work you submitted for CA, you will be given 0 for the PS and fail the course overall.
If you get a mark below 4 for the PS, you automatically fail the course.
See the Course Plan for more details.

Will I fail if I don’t answer the question properly?

Yes, the Course Plan says that if students do not sufficiently address the question in the PS, the
mark will be 0 for the PS.

Our general advice is to avoid stating the obvious or using too general statements. A paragraph
like the one below may mean your composition will be given a 0 because it does not address
the topic directly and could be applied to any exam question:

“I really like this topic and I want to talk about it. It is very interesting and many people
have different opinions about it. Some opinions are in favour of it and others against…”

How can I prepare for the PS?

● Look at the writing tasks in the materials and writing tasks you’ve done over the course
and plan outlines of responses you could make.
● Practise writing 150-200 words under timed conditions.
● Review any areas that you found especially difficult. That way you will feel more
confident and relaxed during the test.
● Review the comments your teacher gave you on your writing, as well as the Error
Correction exercises, so that you can avoid these mistakes in your writing.

And don’t worry! The important thing is to write just as you have been doing throughout the
course.