Unified State Exam training tests in English. Exam in English
control measurement materials of the unified state exam
in ENGLISH LANGUAGE 2017
Explanations to the demo version of the oral part
control measuring materialsUnified State Exam 2017 in English language
When familiarizing yourself with the demonstration version of the oral part of the 2017 Unified State Exam test materials in English, you should keep in mind that the tasks included in it do not reflect all the content issues that will be tested using the CMM options. A complete list of questions that can be tested on the Unified State Exam is given in the codifier of content elements and requirements for the level of training of graduates of educational organizations for the 2017 Unified State Exam in English.
The purpose of the demonstration version is to enable any USE participant and the general public to get an idea of the structure of future CMMs, the number of tasks, their form and level of complexity. The given criteria for assessing the completion of tasks with a detailed answer, included in this option, give an idea of the requirements for the completeness and correctness of a detailed answer in oral form. This information will allow graduates to develop a strategy for preparing for the Unified State Exam.
Instructions for completing tasks
The oral part of the KIM Unified State Examination in English includes 4 tasks.
Exercise 1– reading aloud a short text of a popular science nature.
IN task 2 You are asked to review the advertisement and ask five questions based on keywords.
Preparation time: 1.5 minutes.
IN task 3 You are asked to choose one of three photographs and describe it based on the plan.
Preparation time: 1.5 minutes.
IN task 4 The task is to compare two photographs based on the proposed plan.
Preparation time: 1.5 minutes.
Total response time one examinee (including preparation time) – 15 minutes.
Each subsequent task is issued after the completion of the previous task. The entire response time is audio and video recorded.
Try to fully complete the assigned tasks, try to speak clearly and clearly, stay on topic and follow the proposed answer plan. This way you can score the most points.
English language. Grade 11 Demo version 2017
© 2017 Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science of the Russian Federation
Speaking Part
Task 1
Imagine that you are preparing a project with your friend. You have found some interesting material for the presentation and you want to read this text to your friend. You have 1.5 minutes to read the text silently, then be ready to read it out aloud. You will not have more than 1.5 minutes to read it.
The first maps were drawn by explorers to help them find their way home and show people where they had been. The maps showed the shape of the land, distances between places and special features such as caves and old trees. Nowadays, maps show the towns and villages, and the roads, railways, rivers and mountains. Symbols are used to show all the different things on a map and there is a key to explain what the symbols stand for.
Over the centuries, people explored most of the Earth and put together the map of the world we use today. Maps of the world or large areas are often either “political” or “physical”. The political map shows territorial borders. The purpose of the physical map is to show features of geography such as mountains, soil type or land use including roads, railroads and buildings.
Listen to the audiofile
Audio: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or higher) is required to play this audio. Download latest version. In addition, JavaScript must be enabled in your browser.
Mind your pronunciation!
–k ey, tr ee,betw ee n, f ea ture
[ɜː] – f ir st, w er e,w or ld, p ur pose Ear th
[ θ ] – Ear th , th ings
[ð] – th ey, th em, ei th er, toge th er,
[f]–ph ysical, geogra ph y
Vocabulary
area /ˈeəriə/ – district, place, region
shape - form
cave - cave
feature /ˈfiːtʃə/ – trait, characteristic feature
century /ˈsentʃəri/ – century, century
territorial borders - territorial boundaries
to draw /drɔː/ (drew /druː/, drawn /drɔːn/) – draw
to stand for – decipher, designate
to explore /iks ˈplɔː/ – to explore, study
explorer /ɪkˈsplɔːrə/ – explorer, traveler
either … or /ˈaɪðə/(UK) /ˈiːðə/(US) – or … or
Dear colleagues and owners of educational websites (portals)!
All site materials are freely available to network users. Moreover, the use of site materials is encouraged.
WARNING!
When copying and posting full or partial information on third-party resources, in design works and presentations An active link to the website is required.
Task 2
Study the advertisement.
Make your life easier with our new kitchen unit!
You are considering buying the appliance and now you’d like to get more information. In 1.5 minutes you are to ask five direct questions to find out about the following:
2) if one can buy it online
3) number of functions
4) guarantee period
5) recipe book to go with the unit
You have 20 seconds to ask each question.
Sample answers
- How much is this kitchen unit? / How much does this kitchen unit cost? / What is the price of this kitchen unit?
- Can I buy this kitchen blender online? / Is there any possibility to buy this unit online? / Is online purchase of this unit available? / Is this kitchen unit available for online purchase?
- How many functions does this kitchen tool have?
- How long is the guarantee period of this appliance? / How long is the warranty of this kitchen blender? / How many months is the guarantee period of this kitchen unit? / How many months is the blender guarantee period?
- Does a recipe book go with the unit? / Is there any recipe book to go with the blender?
Enjoy watching!
Please note the updated version of the wording of Task 3, which appeared in 2017!
Task 3
These are photos from your photo album. Choose one photo to describe to your friend.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
You will have to start speaking in 1.5 minutes and will speak for not more than 2 minutes (12–15 sentences). In your talk remember to speak about:
- where and when the photo was taken
- what/who is in the photo
- what is happening
- why you keep the photo in your album
- why you decided to show the picture to your friend
You have to talk continuously, starting with: “I’ve chosen photo number …”
Enjoy watching!
Sample answer
I’ve chosen photo number 1.(Be sure to start your answer with this phrase after selecting the photo number.)
Well, recently I have decided to start a blog about a healthy lifestyle. I write short stories about healthy food. Also, I often take pictures of my friends and relatives to show to my followers (readers) which exercises they do to keep fit. (intro) 3
So, this picture was taken a week ago when my sister and I went jogging in our park near the river. 1
In the foreground of the photo you can see my elder sister Stacy. She is running in the park at the moment. The morning is sunny and quite warm, so Stacy is wearing a nice T-shirt. (I should say that coral is her favorite color.) She looks pretty slim because she does her regular exercises and keeps on a healthy diet (maintains a balanced diet). She says it always helps her to be in a good mood and shape. (6)
In the background of the picture there are lots of green trees. The air is usually fresh in the morning. And I think it’s the best time for doing sports. (3)
I keep this photo in my album because I am going to use it on my blog. (1)
I know that you are trying to lose some weight. So, I show you the photo of my sister to encourage you to take up jogging. Also, to gain the best results, you can follow her eating habits advice. (3)
That's all I wanted to say. (phrase For examiner)
Task 4
Study the two photographs. In 1.5 minutes be ready to compare and contrast the photographs:
- give a brief description of the photos (action, location)
- say what the pictures have in common
- say in what way the pictures are different
- say which of the ways of reading a book presented in the pictures you’d prefer
- explain why
You will speak for not more than 2 minutes (12–15 sentences). You have to talk continuously.
Sample answer
Now I will compare and contrast these two photos.
I’d like to stress out right from the beginning that such hobby as reading gives you an excellent opportunity to learn new things wherever you are: at home, on the bus, at the sunny beach and even in the queue (in the line). And these two photos prove that. (introductory phrase) (2)
So, the theme which relates these photos are a reading activity. (1)
Let me start with the first picture which shows a young girl who is sitting on the sofa. She might be in her flat at the moment. She is absorbed in reading. I cannot say for sure but it seems to me she is holding an e-book in her hands. (4)
As for the second picture you can see a young girl who is traveling by underground (metro). She is standing near the window and is reading a book, too. I really like her clothes. This checkered short-sleeved shirt makes her look pretty stylish. (4)
English can rightfully be called the most popular of the list of languages that can be taken in the selective Unified State Exam category. A foreign language is an indispensable exam for those who wish to become a linguist, translator, or plan to make a career in the diplomatic field. It is worth noting that this exam cannot be called simple, especially after speaking was added to the written part of the exam.
It is not surprising that the Unified State Exam in English will require many hours of labor-intensive preparation and, quite possibly, additional classes in courses or with a tutor. Another important point concerns the structure of the ticket and changes to it. We suggest that you take a closer look at this issue so as not to encounter any unpleasant surprises during the 2017 exam.
The written part of the Unified State Exam 2017 in English will take place on June 15, and the oral part on June 16-17.
Demo version of the Unified State Exam-2017
Unified State Examination dates in English
The national English exam will be held on the following dates:
- Early period. The early exam can be taken on 03/18/2017 and 03/22/2017, and the days 05/3/2017 and 05/5/2017 are designated as reserve days;
- Main stage. The main exam will be held on 06/15/2017 (written part), the oral part is reserved for 06/16/17/2017.
- Reserve date. The reserve date for the written part will be 06/21/2017, and for the oral part – 06/22/2017.
Let us remind you that only certain categories of students can take the exam ahead of schedule. For example, these include:
- graduates of previous years;
- evening school students;
- schoolchildren who go to serve in;
- athletes who will be absent due to national or international competitions or training camps;
- participants in olympiads or competitions of federal or international significance;
- eleventh graders who go to live or study abroad;
- students who have been ordered by the medical board to undergo treatment, rehabilitation or prevention that coincides with the dates of the main Unified State Examination.
You must write a statement that you want to take the exam ahead of schedule in advance - before 03/01/2017.
Statistical information
The popularity of this exam is confirmed by statistics. About 9% of 11th grade students take English as a selective Unified State Exam every year. On average, graduates manage to score about 64.8 points in this exam, which is a good result. At the same time, the percentage of those who could not pass English even with a satisfactory grade has fluctuated in recent years from 1.8 to 3.3% - a very gentle figure in comparison with other Unified State Examinations.
96.7% of schoolchildren can score at least in English Changes in the Unified State Exam 2017 in English
The experts did not voice any significant changes in the procedure or layout of the exam. The only thing that can be mentioned is the clarification of the wording in task No. 3 in the oral part: the word “imagine” was removed from the wording.
KIM structure in English
The exam consists of two parts:
- written, which takes 180 minutes;
- oral, which takes place within 15 minutes.
What is included in the written part of the exam?
The ticket structure has several main sections.
- Listening. This part of the exam takes 30 minutes and consists of the following tasks:
- No. 1, in which the student is asked to identify the correspondence between sounding statements and statements. You need to evaluate 6 statements and bring them into line with 7 answers (one of them is incorrect). The correct answer is worth 1 point, a total of 6 points can be scored for the exercise. The listening technique assumes that the student has 20 seconds to read the answer options, then listens to the recording 2 times and fills out the answers on the form;
- No. 2 – listening to a short dialogue. Next, you should familiarize yourself with the judgments and evaluate their accuracy with the words correctly - true, incorrectly - false, did not sound - not stated. The ticket contains seven judgments, each of which can bring 1 point, the maximum score for this exercise is 7;
- No. 3-9 – a high school student must listen to a short interview and choose one correct answer from the three offered on the ticket. This is usually a question that needs an answer or a sentence that needs to be completed. A correct answer earns 1 point; you can score 7 points in total.
- Reading Skills Assessment. To complete the assignments, the student receives half an hour, during which he must complete the following exercises:
- No. 10, in which you need to read 7 short texts and identify their correspondence with 8 proposed headings (one of the options will be incorrect). For the correct answer, 1 point is awarded, the maximum points for this exercise is 7;
- No. 11 - the student will have to work with a text with six missing parts. There are 7 fragments to choose from. A correct answer adds 1 point. Thus, you can earn 6 points here;
- No. 12-18 – you need to familiarize yourself with a fragment of an artistic or journalistic text and work with it. For each of the texts, questions are asked or unfinished sentences are given, to which you need to select answer options from four offered to choose from. Each task can earn 1 point, giving a total of 7 maximum points.
- Vocabulary and grammar. This part is considered the most difficult, therefore it is here that graduates make the maximum number of mistakes in comparison with other parts of the KIM in English. 40 minutes are allotted to complete the work. The section includes the following tasks:
- No. 19-25 - the student needs to read short texts with missing parts. Words should not just be inserted, but subjected to the correct transformation and the correct answer written down. In total, you can earn 1 point per answer, which gives a maximum of 7 points in total;
- No. 26-31 - tasks related to the problems of word formation. In them, you need to familiarize yourself with the text in which there are omissions and identify which parts of speech were missed. Students must change one part of speech into another - for example, a noun into an adjective - and write the changed word on the form. The scoring principle is the same as in previous exercises - 1 point per answer, total point - 6;
- No. 32-38 - tasks testing vocabulary knowledge. Here again you will have to work with texts in which omissions have been made. It's usually a word or a preposition. The correct answer can be selected from the proposed options. The correct answer gives you 1 point, you can score 7 points in total.
- Assessment of writing skills. You have 80 minutes to complete the tasks. In this part you need to do the following exercises:
- #39 is writing a personal letter of 100 to 140 words. You will have to do it in about 20 minutes (the time is recommended, but, as practice shows, whether you have time to complete all the tasks on the ticket depends on the proper distribution of time resources). In total, you can get 6 points for writing;
- No. 40 - task in which you need to write an essay of 200 to 250 words according to the proposed plan and topic. The outline of the essay is standard and includes an introductory part, a statement of one’s own opinion supported by arguments, a counter-opinion and counter-arguments, and a final part. It is proposed to complete this task in an hour. You can get 14 points for it.
When passing English, you will not only have tests and essays, but also speaking! What is included in the oral part of the exam?
Let us remind you that a separate day and time are allocated for passing the oral part. The oral exam takes only 15 minutes, but you will have to wait in line until you get into the classroom. The oral part includes the following tasks:
- The student is asked to read a short text aloud. You will be given one and a half minutes to familiarize yourself with the passage, and the same amount to voice it. You can get 1 point for this;
- The student needs to read a short text (usually of an advertising nature) for one and a half minutes, and then formulate 5 questions about it. No more than 20 seconds are allowed per question. The task is worth 5 maximum points;
- The high school student is offered three photographs, from which he chooses one. The task is to describe the photo according to the proposed plan. Let’s make a reservation right away: you shouldn’t think that here you can turn on your imagination and weave whatever your heart desires. Members of the commission do not welcome it when something is described that is not indicated in the figure, and they really do not like assumptions. One and a half minutes are allotted for preparation, another two are given for the story. Here you can earn 7 points;
- The student is asked to compare two photos, describing their similarities and pointing out the differences, as well as expressing his own opinion. Preparation takes the standard one and a half minutes, and the answer takes no more than 2 minutes. The maximum that can be obtained is 7 points.
Unified State Examination in English
The latest news suggests that the exam score is going to be transferred to the usual five-point system, and the results will be taken into account when marking the final certificate. This way, you can improve your school grades. According to the points transfer reference system, in previous years they were distributed as follows.
Perhaps in 2017, the results of the Unified State Exam will affect your school certificate - 0-21 points mean unsatisfactory knowledge, that is, the mark “2”;
- 22-58 points are translated into a mark of “3” - your command of English is satisfactory;
- 59-83 points mean that your level of foreign language is not bad, and the score is “4”;
- Those who know English perfectly (score “5”) earn 84 points and above.
To pass the exam, you need to try to score 22 points or higher. In total you can get 100 points. Let us also remind you that the procedure for conducting a foreign language exam does not provide for the presence of any additional materials - dictionaries, audio equipment, smartphones and other items that may cause your removal from the classroom.
Preparation for the Unified State Exam in English
To properly prepare for the exam, it is worth working through the demo versions of the 2017 tickets (they can be downloaded directly from our website - see the beginning of the article). This will help you better understand the structure and content of real KIMs, as well as prepare mentally for the Unified State Exam, so as not to waste precious time in the classroom. Almost all the wording contained in the task description is given in English, so it is worth translating in advance to avoid fatal mistakes during the exam itself.
To come to the exam fully prepared, solve the demo versions in advance Remember to spend enough time listening. Not all schools teach students the ability to perceive information by ear. Regularly listen to audio books read by native speakers - such training will help you cope with this difficult task. It is also considered good practice to watch films or TV series with original dubbing.
Another problem is speaking. Among graduates, there are often those who do an excellent job with grammar, but score few points in the oral part. To practice this skill, experts recommend describing everything you see on the way to school, as well as collecting a large number of different pictures and describing one per day.
Today, English is considered the most popular language when taking the Unified State Exam. A number of changes have been made to the Unified State Examination 2017. Even if you are confident in your abilities, you need to pass the Unified State Exam in English 2016. Online tests this year have four sections consisting of forty tasks. The Unified State Exam test has a maximum completion time. In 2017 it is 3 hours. To overcome the entry barrier, you must successfully pass 17 tasks. Be prepared for listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and reading questions. Preparation for such a test must be enormous. Every year there is less and less reliance on luck. Without knowledge in a certain area, it is impossible to pass it. This test will help you assess your level for passing the exam.
Unified State Exam test in English
Question 1 of 20
She thinks she…responsible. She has never got on well with her... friends.
Rebecca was used to … because she was very shy and used to … very awkward sometimes.
Mr. Stone, who seemed … about his breakfast, … to Lima in surprise.
This island is known … by …
It is a chance… , so they must make a list of things…
They … very tired if they sat up … late.
Remember... your tickets and passports before you...
She can't help... that he helps her so...
Tom says he would rather…soccer…tennis.
Jerry is not... man to give... secret.
I see that... is wrong with you. But you should pull…together.
They found … in the street full of …
She talked to him… and looked very…
Snow is very … in this place, but once … it won't stop for weeks.
No sooner… on the light, than he saw that the window…
The deepest of all… lakes in the world is Baikal.
… to the law, smoking is forbidden in public places.
…for a short period of time, the family was rather poor.
Italian cuisine… greatly from French cuisine.
This reward is…to obtain.
Continue
To continue the test, select one of the answer options.
You answered correctly
18 questions out of 20
Your result:
Oops!... Two points(((Hurry up and start learning English with the online tutorial Lim English. With it you are guaranteed to get results.
“Satisfactory.” Start learning English with the online tutorial Lim English using the unique method of Oleg Limansky. The result will not be long in coming!
“Okay” Congratulations! You have a good command of English within the chosen level. Start learning English with the online tutorial Lim-English using the unique method of Oleg Limansky. With it you are guaranteed to improve your knowledge.
Congratulations! This is an excellent result. You have excellent command of English within the chosen level. You have a great opportunity to raise your level with the Lim-English online tutorial. You will get daily practice.
Excellent result! You have excellent command of English within the chosen level. There is no limit to perfection, use the Lim-English online tutorial - it's a great way to always be in shape. Test your strengths in our advanced courses.
Incorrect answers:
Question No. (1)
Your answer: (2)
Correct answer: (3)
Increasingly, parents of schoolchildren are turning to our school with a request to prepare future graduates for the Unified State Exam in English 2018. Therefore, we decided to write a detailed article in which we will tell you how to prepare for this exam: we will consider its structure and provide practical tips for successfully passing each part of the Unified State Exam. , and will also present the best textbooks and online resources for preparing for this difficult test.
What is the Unified State Exam in English 2018
The Unified State Examination in English 2018 is a final exam at school, which is counted as an entrance exam to a university, which is why it is so important to pass it with a high score. For now, this exam is not mandatory, but if a graduate is going to enter a specialized university, he needs to pass this test.
In structure and level of difficulty, the Unified State Exam is similar to the international FCE exam. This means that in order to pass successfully, the student must have a level (above average). This is a high level, so we recommend starting to prepare for the Unified State Exam in English from the 10th grade, then in 2 years the student will be able to master the entire required amount of material at a normal pace.
In principle, you can prepare to take the exam in 1 year, but only if at the time of starting preparation the student already speaks English at an (intermediate) level. Don't know what level the graduate has? Then invite him to pass.
How is the Unified State Exam in English held in 2018? The exam consists of written and oral parts, which are held on different days. On one day, schoolchildren take the written part, it includes the following sections: listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. In total, on this day the graduate needs to complete 40 tasks in 180 minutes. A student can receive a maximum of 20 points for each section. Thus, for this day you can score 80 points.
The second part - oral - takes place on another day and available upon request. It lasts only 15 minutes and consists of 4 tasks. On this day, a graduate can earn another 20 points. We strongly advise all graduates to take the oral part: in case of unsuccessful answers you do not lose anything, but in case of successful - earn extra points.
Thus, a graduate can score a maximum of 100 points in the exam. The minimum score to pass the exam is 22 points.
Below we present a table for converting Unified State Exam scores in English into a five-point system.
Unified State Exam results are usually published 14 days after passing the second part of the exam, but in some cases they are known after 12 days. You can find out your results on the official Unified State Exam website by filling out all the required fields. Paper USE certificates were canceled in 2014, so now only electronic certificates are available.
Structure of the Unified State Exam in English 2018 and principles for successfully passing each part
In this chapter, we will tell you in detail about what tasks the graduate will have to complete in each part of the exam. In addition, we will provide advice from our teachers who prepare schoolchildren to take the Unified State Exam. By the way, if you are looking for a teacher who will prepare your child for the exam, pay attention to. They have been doing this for several years now and have developed their own strategy for successful preparation; they know what pitfalls await them in the exam, what typical mistakes schoolchildren make and how to get rid of these mistakes.
As an example, we will present you with a demo version of the Unified State Exam in English, provided by the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements fipi.ru.
Listening
The listening test lasts 30 minutes and consists of three parts. The first two parts are the first and second tasks, respectively, and the third part is tasks No. 3-9 (out of a total list of 40 tasks).
Listening for the Unified State Exam in English in 2018 includes 3 audio fragments combined into one recording. The examiners turn on the recording and do not stop it until the very end, but there are pauses between fragments to read the tasks and transfer the answers to the form. For each correct answer in this and other parts of the exam, the student receives 1 point. Let's see what the graduate will have to do in listening.
Exercise 1: 7 statements are given. The student listens to 6 statements and matches them with statements, one of which is redundant.
6 points.
Example:
Listening task 1
Task 2: 7 statements are given. The student listens to the dialogue and determines which statements correspond to the content of the dialogue (True), which do not correspond (False), and which are not mentioned in it (Not Stated).
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Listening task 2
Task 3: 7 questions are given, each of them has 3 possible answers. The student listens to the audio recording and selects the correct answer to each question.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Listening task 3
Our tips:
- When preparing for the exam, you need to do as many listening tasks as possible in exam format. This way, the graduate will get used to quickly reading assignments and catching key words in speech that will help them find the correct answer.
- When choosing an answer, you need to rely not on the words mentioned in the speaker’s speech, but on the meaning of his words. So, for example, in his speech he may in one way or another mention all the answers to the task, but if you delve into what was said, you can understand that there is only one correct answer.
Reading
The reading lasts 30 minutes and consists of 3 parts (9 tasks). We recommend spending no more than 10 minutes on each part in order to complete the allotted half hour.
Exercise 1: There are 7 short texts (3-6 sentences each) and 8 headings. You need to read the texts and choose the appropriate heading for each of them. In this case, 1 heading will be redundant.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Reading task 1
Task 2: Given a text that has 6 gaps. Below are 7 passages, 6 of which must be inserted in place of the gaps.
Maximum points: 6 points.
Example:
Reading task 2
Task 3: A short text and 7 questions for it are given. For each question there are 4 answer options, from which you need to choose 1 correct one.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Reading task 3
Our tips:
- When completing the first task, you need to look for keywords that will indicate the meaning of the text and help you find the desired title. In addition, often the main meaning of a paragraph is reflected in the first sentence, and the rest give some minor details. Therefore, in some cases you just need to carefully read the first sentence in order to complete the task correctly.
- To successfully complete the second task, you need to have a good understanding of how complex sentences are constructed in English. The fact is that the missing part in most cases is part of a compound or complex sentence. For example, if a student understands that in the subordinate clause who is used in relation to people, which - objects, and where - places, he will be able to successfully complete most of the tasks. It also needs to be repeated, for example, that the infinitive is used to express purpose.
- In the third task, the questions are arranged in the order in which they are answered in the text. That is, the answer to the first question will be at the beginning of the text, and not in the middle or end, the answer to the second question will be after the answer to the first, etc.
Grammar and vocabulary
This section of the Unified State Exam in English 2018 tests the graduate’s knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary. The student is given 40 minutes to complete it. Let's see what the student has to do.
Exercise 1: Given a text in which 7 words are missing. To the right of the text are words that need to be transformed grammatically (for example, put the verb in the right tense) and inserted in place of the gap.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Grammar and vocabulary, task 1
Task 2: Given a text with 6 gaps. On the right are words that need to be transformed both lexically and grammatically - to form a single-root word that matches the meaning of the text.
Maximum points: 6 points.
Example:
Grammar and vocabulary, task 2
Task 3: Given a text with 7 gaps. You need to choose 1 correct answer out of the four proposed for each of them.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Grammar and vocabulary, task 3
Our tips:
- The transformation of a word in the first part, as a rule, occurs according to the following principle. If you are given a verb, you must either use it in the correct tense, put it in the correct voice (active or passive), or form a participle from it. If an adjective is given, you must put it in the comparative or superlative degree. If you need to change a numeral, most likely you need to make it ordinal.
- The second part mainly tests knowledge of suffixes and prefixes, including negative ones, and the ability to form different parts of speech from a word with the same root.
- In the third part, knowledge of word combinations, so-called collocations, is most often tested. In addition, out of 4 words, you will need to choose the most appropriate one in meaning, that is, you need to know the difference between similar words and read the context.
Letter
The graduate is given 80 minutes to write and check 2 written works.
Exercise 1: Given is the text of a short letter from a friend asking questions. The student needs to read it and write a response letter: answer the friend’s questions and ask him questions.
Volume: 100-140 words.
Maximum points: 6 points.
Example:
Letter, task 1
A letter to a friend is written in an informal style. The structure of this work is as follows:
- Making a “hat”
In the upper right corner we write the address: on the top line we indicate the city, below it - the country of residence. No need to write the street and house number: This may be considered a disclosure of confidential information, even if the address is fictitious.
After the address, skip 1 line and write the date the letter was written in the same upper right corner.
Next, as usual, on the left we write an informal address: Dear Tom/Jim (the name will be given in the task). It is unacceptable to write Hello here. After the address, put a comma and continue writing the text of the letter on a new line.
- Text of the letter
We start writing each paragraph with a red line.
In the first paragraph, you need to thank your friend for the letter you received (Thanks a lot for your last letter) and apologize that you didn’t write earlier (Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long). You can also mention some fact from the letter you received.
In the fourth paragraph, you need to summarize - inform that you are finishing the letter (I’ve got to go now! It’s time for my favorite TV show), and offer to keep in touch (Take care and keep in touch!).
- End of the letter
At the end, you need to write a final cliche phrase, which is always followed by a comma: All the best, Best wishes, etc.
On the next line, under this phrase, you indicate your name.
Task 2: A statement (usually controversial) is given. The graduate writes an essay in which he discusses this topic, expresses his point of view, and also gives an opposing opinion and explains why he disagrees with it.
Volume: 200-250 words.
Maximum points: 14 points.
Example:
Letter, task 2
The essay is written in a neutral style and consists of 5 paragraphs:
- Introduction: we formulate the topic-problem and immediately indicate that there are two opposing points of view.
- Your opinion: we express our point of view (one) on this issue and give 2-3 arguments that confirm it.
- Opposing opinions: we write 1-2 opposing points of view and give arguments in favor of their existence.
- We express disagreement: we explain why we do not agree with the above points of view, and provide arguments in defense of our own opinion. However, they should not repeat the arguments from point 2.
- Conclusion: We draw a conclusion on the topic, point out that there are different points of view, and finally confirm our point of view.
Our tips:
- Stick to the required volume. It is permissible to deviate by 10% from the specified number of words, that is, you can write from 90 to 154 words in a letter and from 180 to 275 in an essay. If a graduate writes at least 1 word less (89), he will be given 0 points for the assignment. If the limit is exceeded, the examiner will count 140 words in a letter or 250 in an essay and evaluate it, and will deduct points for unfinished work, assignment design, topic disclosure, etc.
- Avoid paragraphs consisting of one sentence; you need to supplement and justify each of your thoughts. To do this, you can use the constructions In my opinion, I believe, etc.
- Monitor the style of written work: colloquial expressions like Guess what? or Wish me luck!, but in an essay it is better to stick to a more formal style. It is important not to overdo it with “informality”: all kinds of well, cause and slang expressions are unacceptable.
- Use linking words, they make the text logical and allow you to complement or contrast sentences.
Oral speech
The oral part of the exam is the shortest, it takes only 15 minutes. The graduate needs to complete as many as 4 tasks, for which he can receive a maximum of 20 points. The student submits assignments in front of the computer, his answers are recorded using a headset, and the time countdown is shown on the screen. There is an organizer in the audience who monitors the progress of the exam.
Exercise 1: Popular scientific text is displayed on the screen. In 1.5 minutes you need to prepare and in the next 1.5 minutes read it out loud expressively.
Lead time: no more than 3 minutes.
Maximum points: 1 point.
Example:
Oral speech, task 1
Lead time: about 3 minutes.
Maximum points: 5 points.
Example:
Oral speech, task 2
Task 3: Show 3 photos. You need to choose 1 and describe it according to the plan proposed right there in the task.
Lead time: about 3.5 minutes.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Oral speech, task 3
Task 4: 2 pictures are given. It is necessary to compare them, describe the similarities and differences, and explain why the chosen topic is close to the graduate.
Lead time: about 3.5 minutes.
Maximum points: 7 points.
Example:
Oral speech, task 4
Our tips:
- Take advantage online trainer for the oral part of the exam on the website injaz.ege.edu.ru. It completely simulates the exam, so you will become familiar with the format and understand exactly what you need to do, what time to meet, etc.
- To practice the first part of the exam you need take texts on different topics and learn to read them with the correct expression: speech should have pauses, logical stress, natural intonation. In addition, the graduate must complete it in one and a half minutes, because the score is reduced if the text is not read to the end. However, you can’t rush either, because it’s not the reading speed that is being tested, but the ability to read the text expressively.
- To successfully complete the second task, you need learn to ask questions to various texts. In principle, the task itself is elementary; most errors are associated with the loss of an auxiliary verb or its incorrect agreement with a noun. This problem can be easily solved by repeating question-writing exercises.
- In the third task, the examinee needs to select 1 photo from 3 proposed and describe it. Here's our main advice - read the assignment carefully. The point is that it changes a little every year, so learn to answer according to the wording of 2018. In 2018, graduates will have to describe a photograph to a friend, that is, the monologue should address him. In addition, it is necessary answer all questions in the assignment, for example, if it says where and when the photo was taken, you need to answer both questions - where and when. At the beginning, you must definitely indicate which photo we will be talking about (I’ve chosen photo number...). Don't forget also about the introductory one (Would you like to have a look at my picture? / I'd like to show you a picture from my photo album.) and the final one (That's all for now. / I hope you liked my picture.) phrases that make speech logical.
- In the fourth task you need to do the main focus of the speech is on comparing pictures, and not their description. In this case it is necessary use speech cliches: The first picture depicts... whereas/while the second picture depicts..., The main difference is that..., In comparison to the first picture, this one... etc. More similar speech cliches you learn with our article “Compare and Contrast Phrases”.
Textbooks and websites for preparing for the Unified State Exam in English 2018
Now you are familiar with the structure of the exam and understand that graduates will face a difficult test. However, you can pass the Unified State Exam in English in 2018 easily and successfully if you prepare well for it in advance. And in this the student will be helped, first of all, by a good teacher, as well as resources for preparing for this exam. We would like to introduce you to some textbooks and websites that our teachers use when preparing their students for the Unified State Exam. Take note of at least a few of them.
- The Macmillan Exam Skills for Russia textbook series includes books on preparation for each part of the Unified State Exam. With authentic texts and exercises, this series is one of the best for exam preparation. These books are quite complex, so we recommend that students with at least an Intermediate level study using them.
- “Standard exam versions of the Unified State Exam edited by Verbitskaya” - exist in various variations and include standard Unified State Exam tasks with answers. Using the book, you can check how well a graduate is prepared to take the exam.
- fipi.ru is the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements, which presents a large bank of standard tasks for the Unified State Exam. On the specified page, click on the inscription “English” and in the tab that opens on the left, select the skill that you want to train. Please note: there are no answers to the assignments on the site, therefore, to ensure that the graduate’s efforts are not wasted, we advise you to study with the teacher and submit completed assignments to him for checking. , talkenglish.com , podcastsinenglish.com - sites with educational podcasts in English. Of course, there are no standard tasks for the Unified State Exam, but you can practice your listening comprehension skills in an interesting way and take a little break from the same type of exam tasks.
Our teacher Natalya has already prepared dozens of excellent students for the Unified State Exam in English; in her article “Exam, be good to me, or How to successfully pass the Unified State Exam in English,” she shares her personal experience and advice for graduates.
So, now you can imagine the amount of work and know the secrets of successfully passing the Unified State Exam in English. We wish all graduates easy exams and high scores! And if you haven’t found a suitable teacher yet, sign up with us at.
