Examinations
You will be evaluated twice a semester (at mid-term and at the end) by an outside examiner, i.e. a qualified instructor of the language in an established university level program. This person will test you aurally and grade you on the following criteria:
• Utterance formulation time: How long does it take you to express yourself? Are you consciously constructing utterances word by word and applying one rule after another, or can you express yourself smoothly and automatically?
• Fluency: Once formulated, is the utterance fluent, or jerky and hesitant?
• Pronunciation: Can you approximate the pronunciation of a native-speaker and be understood by him or her?
• Comprehension: How many times do you have to ask for repetitions? How long does it take for you to understand?
• Usage: Do you know the appropriate thing to say, depending on the communication?
• Vocabulary: Can you use and understand the vocabulary studied?
The best way to prepare for these exams is to keep up with regular, daily practice on your own and to actively engage in weekly sessions with your tutor. Your examiner’s role is to determine your level of mastery and to offer valuable professional feedback on areas that need improvement. He or she will not use grammar or vocabulary that you have not studied and will make the exams as natural and communicative as possible. The Director will also take into account your work throughout the term (based on your tutor’s reports) when assigning a final grade.
