Ege English trial version. Demo versions of the exam in foreign languages. The structure of the oral part

Increasingly, parents of schoolchildren are turning to our school with a request to prepare future graduates for the USE 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 give practical tips for successfully passing each part of the USE , as well as the best tutorials and online resources to prepare for this tough challenge.

What is the USE in English 2018

The USE in English 2018 is a final exam at school, which counts as an entrance exam to a university, which is why it is so important to pass it with a high score. So far, this exam is not mandatory, but if a graduate is going to enter a specialized university, he needs to pass this test.

In terms of structure and level of complexity, the USE is similar to the international FCE exam. This means that in order to successfully pass the student must have a level (above average). This is a high level, so we recommend starting to prepare for the exam in English from the 10th grade, then in 2 years the student will be able to master all the necessary amount of material at a normal pace.

In principle, it is possible to prepare for the exam in 1 year, but only if at the time the preparation begins, the student already speaks English at the level (intermediate). Don't know what level a graduate has? Then invite him to pass.

How is the exam in English in 2018? The exam consists of written and oral parts, which are held on different days. On the same day, students 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. The student can receive a maximum of 20 points for each of the sections. Thus, for this day you can score 80 points.

The second part - oral - takes place on another day and available on request. It lasts only 15 minutes and consists of 4 tasks. On this day, the 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, and in case of successful - earn extra points.

Thus, a graduate in the exam can score a maximum of 100 points. The minimum score to pass the exam is 22 points.

Below we present a table for translating USE scores in English into a five-point system.

The results of the exam are usually published 14 days after the second part of the exam, but in some cases they are already known after 12 days. You can find out your results on the official website of the exam by filling in all the required fields. Paper USE certificates were canceled in 2014, so only electronic certificates are now available.

The structure of the exam in English 2018 and the principles for the successful delivery of 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 give advice from our teachers who prepare students for the 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 more than a year and have developed their own strategy for successful preparation, they know what pitfalls await in the exam, what typical mistakes students make and how to get rid of these mistakes.

As an example, we will present you with a demo version of the exam in English, provided by the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements fipi.ru.

listening

The audition 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 to the 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, however, there are pauses between the 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 has to do in the audition.

Exercise 1: 7 statements are given. The student listens to 6 statements and correlates them with statements, one of which is superfluous.

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: There are 7 questions, each of which has 3 possible answers. The student listens to the audio recording and selects the correct answer for each question.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Listening task 3

Our advice:

1. When preparing for an exam, you must as many listening assignments as possible in the exam format. So the graduate will get used to quickly read assignments and catch key words in speech that will help to find the right answer.
2. When choosing an answer, one should 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 can somehow mention all the answers to the task, but if you delve into what has been said, you can understand that there is only one correct answer.

Reading

Reading lasts 30 minutes and consists of 3 parts (9 tasks). For each part, we advise you to spend no more than 10 minutes to meet the allotted half an hour.

Exercise 1: Given 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 superfluous.

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 to it are given. Each question has 4 possible answers, from which you need to choose 1 correct one.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Reading task 3

Our advice:

1. When completing the first task, you need to look for keywords that will indicate the meaning of the text and help you find the right heading. In addition, often the main point of a paragraph is reflected in the first sentence, and some small details are given in the rest. Therefore, in some cases, you just need to carefully read the first sentence in order to correctly complete the task.
2. To successfully complete the second task, you need to have a good understanding of how complex sentences are built in English. The fact is that the missing part in most cases is part of a complex or complex sentence. For example, if a student understands that in the subordinate clause who is used for people, which for objects, and where for 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.
3. 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 USE in English 2018 tests the knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary of the graduate. The student is given 40 minutes to complete it. Let's see what the student has to do.

Exercise 1: Given a text with 7 words missing. To the right of the text are the words that need to be grammatically transformed (for example, put the verb at the right time) and inserted in the gap.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Grammar and vocabulary, task 1

Task 2: Given a text with 6 gaps. On the right are the 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 for each of them 1 correct answer out of the four proposed.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Grammar and vocabulary, task 3

Our advice:

1. The transformation of the 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, or put it in the correct voice form (active or passive), or form a participle from it. If an adjective is given, it is necessary to put it in a comparative or superlative degree. If you need to change a numeral, most likely, you need to make it ordinal.
2. In the second part, knowledge of suffixes and prefixes, including negative ones, is mainly checked, the ability to form different parts of speech from a single-root word.
3. In the third part, knowledge of word compatibility, the so-called collocations, is most often checked. In addition, out of 4 words, you will need to choose the most appropriate in meaning, that is, you need to know the difference between similar words, read the context.

Letter

The graduate is given 80 minutes to write and check 2 written papers.

Exercise 1: The text of a short letter from a friend asking questions is given. The student needs to read it and write a response letter: answer the friend's questions and ask questions to him.

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:

1. 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 regarded as disclosure of confidential information, even if the address is fictitious.

   After the address, skip 1 line and write the date of writing the letter in the same upper right corner.

   Further, as usual, on the left we write an informal appeal: Dear Tom / Jim (name will be given in the task). Hello is not allowed here. After the appeal, put a comma and continue to write the text of the letter from a new line.

2. 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 did not write earlier (Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long). You can also mention some fact from the received letter.

   In the fourth paragraph, you need to sum up - say 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!).

3. End of letter

   At the end, you need to write a final cliche phrase, after which a comma is always placed: All the best, Best wishes, etc.

   On the next line, below this phrase, you enter 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 the opposite opinion and explains why he does not agree 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:

1. Introduction: we formulate the topic-problem and immediately indicate that there are two opposing points of view.
2. Your opinion: we express our point of view (one) on this issue and give 2-3 arguments that confirm it.
3. Contrasting opinions: we write 1-2 opposite points of view and give arguments in favor of their existence.
4. We express disagreement: we explain why we do not agree with the above points of view, and we give arguments in defense of our own opinion. However, they should not repeat the arguments from paragraph 2.
5. Conclusion: we draw a conclusion on this topic, indicate that there are different points of view, and finally confirm our point of view.

Our advice:

1. 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 the 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 will evaluate it, moreover, they will deduct points for work in progress, assignment design, topic disclosure, etc.
2. Avoid paragraphs consisting of one sentence, you need to supplement and argue your every thought. To do this, you can use the constructions In my opinion, I believe, etc.
3. Follow the style of written work: colloquial expressions like Guess what? or Wish me luck!, and in an essay it is better to stick to a more formal style. It is important not to overdo it with "informality": all sorts of well, cause and slang expressions are unacceptable.
4. Use linking words, they make the text logical, allow you to complement or contrast sentences.

Oral speech

The oral part of the exam is the shortest, taking only 15 minutes. The graduate needs to have time to complete as many as 4 tasks, for which you can get a maximum of 20 points. The student submits assignments in front of the computer, his answers are recorded using a headset, and the countdown is shown on the screen. At the same time, there is an organizer in the audience who monitors the course of the exam.

Exercise 1: The text of a popular science character is displayed on the screen. In 1.5 minutes you need to prepare and in the next 1.5 minutes expressively read it aloud.

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 pictures. 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: Given 2 pictures. It is necessary to compare them, describe similarities and differences, 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 advice:

1. Take advantage online simulator of the oral part of the exam on the website injaz.ege.edu.ru. It completely simulates the exam, so you get familiar with the format and understand what exactly you need to do, what time to meet, etc.
2. To complete the first part of the exam, you need take texts of different subjects and learn to read them with the correct expression: there should be pauses in speech, logical stresses, natural intonation. In addition, the graduate must fit in one and a half minutes, because the score is reduced if the text is not read to the end. However, it is also impossible to rush, because it is not the speed of reading that is checked, but the ability to expressively read the text.
3. To successfully complete the second task, you need learn to ask questions to different texts. In principle, the task itself is elementary, most of the errors are due to the loss of the auxiliary verb or its incorrect agreement with the noun. This problem is easily solved by doing multiple question-writing exercises.
4. In the third task, the examinee needs to choose 1 photo from 3 offered and describe it. Here's our top tip - read the task carefully. The fact is that it changes a little every year, so learn to respond accordingly to the wording of 2018. In 2018, graduates will have to describe a photo to a friend, that is, the monologue should contain an appeal to him. In addition, it is necessary answer all the 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, it is necessary to indicate which photo will be discussed (I’ve chosen photo number...). Don't forget about the opening (Would you like to have a look at my picture? / I'd like to show you a picture from my photo album.) and closing (That's all for now. / I hope you liked my picture.) phrases that make speech logical.
5. In the fourth task, you need to do the main emphasis in speech on comparing pictures and not their description. At the same time, it is necessary use speech clichés: The first picture depicts... whereas/while the second picture depicts..., The main difference is that..., In comparison to the first picture, this one... etc. learn with the help of our article " Phrases for comparison and contrast".

Textbooks and sites for preparing for the exam in English 2018

Now you are familiar with the structure of the exam and understand that graduates will face a difficult test. However, the exam in English in 2018 can be passed 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 want to introduce you to some of the textbooks and websites that our teachers use when preparing their students for the exam. Take note of at least a few of them.

1. A series of textbooks Macmillan Exam Skills for Russia includes books on preparation for each part of the exam. With authentic texts and assignments, this series is one of the best for exam preparation. These books are quite difficult, so we recommend studying them for students with a level not lower than Intermediate.
2. "Typical exam options for the USE edited by Verbitskaya" - exist in various variations, include standard USE tasks with answers. With the help of the book, you can check how well the graduate is ready for the exam.
3. fipi.ru - the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements, which presents a large bank of standard tasks for the exam. On the indicated page, click on the inscription "English" and in the tab that opens on the left, select the skill you want to train. Please note: there are no answers to assignments on the site, therefore, so that the efforts of the graduate are not in vain, we advise you to study with the teacher and send the completed assignments to him for verification.
, talkenglish.com , podcastsinenglish.com - sites with educational podcasts in English. They, of course, do not have standard tasks for the exam, but you can train the skill of listening to speech in an interesting way and get a little distracted from the same type of tasks for the exam.

Our teacher Natalya has already prepared more than a dozen excellent students for the exam in English, in her article “Exam, be good to me, or How to successfully pass the exam in English”, she shares her personal experience and advice for graduates.

So, now you imagine the amount of work and know the secrets of successfully passing the exam in English. We wish all graduates easy exams and high scores! And if you have not found a suitable teacher yet, sign up with us at.

The USE in English is an exam that is not included in the list of mandatory ones, but the popularity of foreign languages ​​is growing every day. It is likely that the discipline will be introduced as compulsory, so it is worth paying special attention to English in the process of schooling. The Unified State Examination is a final test for all schoolchildren, during which the level of competence of the examinee in a number of disciplines is checked. But to prepare for the exam in foreign languages, there is little knowledge, it requires the ability to put them into practice, work on tasks of different types and levels of complexity, perceive speech by ear, read, write, and know grammar well. Additional success factors are the ability to rationally allocate time for solving various tasks and a strong nervous system.

In 2018, English was taken in 2 stages - written and oral parts. Skills and knowledge in the letter were checked on one day, the rest of the tasks on the other.
The letter is checked by tasks for grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading. There are 40 tasks in total, for which 180 minutes are allocated. The maximum number of points is 80.
The oral part is not mandatory for the examinees - it gives another 20 points. It is recommended not to refuse the opportunity to receive additional points that may be useful for admission. At this stage of the test, they give 15 minutes, during which 4 tasks must be completed. If the oral part fails, the points for writing do not suffer.

• Listening - tasks that test the ability of students to perceive speech by ear. The subjects are offered several fragments in English, which they need to listen to and answer the proposed questions. Fragments include 2 times. The topics are varied, within the framework of the program: weather, reports, broadcast recordings and others. To answer correctly, it is important to understand what you hear! Also, when listening, it is recommended to carefully listen to background sounds. To prepare for this stage, listen to English more often - watching movies and programs will help.
• Reading: a text is offered that you need to successfully perceive, understand the meaning and answer questions. Ideally, about 95-97% of the words should be understandable. The preparation is very simple - read more in English and learn new words.
• Grammar is the easiest option in terms of format. It is necessary to insert missing words, correct mistakes, change the form of words, according to the rules. Preparation requires repetition of grammar.
• Writing: You are required to write an essay on a given topic. It could be an ad, a letter, an essay. It requires not only literacy, but also compliance with the correct structure of the text.

English is the most popular of the four languages ​​that are taken as part of the exam. From testing in 2015, the current one is almost the same, with the exception of some improvements in the wording of the task of the oral part and the fact that the passing score for the entire exam has grown to 22 points against last year's 20. Passing English is no more difficult and no easier than German, French or Spanish . The structure of the USE in English also does not differ from the USE in other foreign languages.

Testing is spread over two days. On the first day, the student takes the compulsory written part, which consists of four sections:

1. listening;
2. reading;
3. grammar and vocabulary;
4. letter.

In total, there are 40 tasks in the written part, and 180 minutes are allotted for them. If desired, students can come to the second day of the exam and take the oral part, consisting of four tasks (to test speaking skills). You have 15 minutes to complete the oral exam.

It is worth noting that only for the written part you can get no more than 80 points.

The conditions for passing the test in 2019 do not differ from the conditions of the previous year. But before you start taking practice tasks and online tests, study the general information about the exam.

EGE assessment

To pass the exam, you need to correctly solve at least 17 tasks from section 3 or 2 and 3. This way you score 17 primary points, which, when translated into tests, give 22. Use our table to reflect your results in a convenient five-point assessment.

Structure of the USE written test

In 2019, the written part of the test consists of four sections, including 40 tasks.

• Section 1: Listening (1-9), the answers to the tasks are a number or a sequence of numbers.
• Section 2: Reading (10-18), the answers to the tasks are a number or a sequence of numbers.
• Section 3: Grammar and Vocabulary (19–38), the answer to the task is a number, a word or several words, written without spaces and punctuation marks.
• Section 4: Writing (39-40), consists of two tasks - writing a personal letter and a statement with elements of reasoning.

Preparation for the exam

• Pass the USE tests online for free without registration and SMS. The presented tests are identical in their complexity and structure to the real exams held in the corresponding years.

• Download demo versions of the exam in English, which will allow you to better prepare for the exam and make it easier to pass it. All proposed tests were developed and approved for preparation for the Unified State Examination by the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements (FIPI). In the same FIPI, all official versions of the exam are being developed.
  The tasks that you will see, most likely, will not be found on the exam, but there will be tasks similar to the demo ones on the same topic.

General USE numbers

All graduates are constantly concerned about the question of whether the USE in English will be a compulsory subject in the 2018-2019 academic year, whether the date of the foreign language exam is already known and what changes will occur in the structure of KIMs.

The secret to successfully passing the exam is thorough and properly planned preparation! That is why we offer to find out all the news regarding innovations in KIMs in English and listen to the advice of experts.

English as a compulsory subject?

Talk about the fact that English should be included in the list of mandatory for delivery has been going on for several years. It is quite possible that this will happen in the near future. But most likely not this school year.

For graduates of the 2018-2019 academic year, the USE in English will remain an exam of choice.

Knowledge of a foreign language today plays an important role in many industries, so a high score on the Unified State Examination in English will help you enter universities in such areas as:

• world economy and international relations;
• Foreign philology;
• journalism;
• sociology and political science;
• pedagogy;
• regional studies;
• hotel business.

Also, many universities accept English as an alternative to physics for applicants for engineering specialties.

USE schedule in a foreign language

The preliminary draft of the USE schedule for 2019 will be approved at the end of autumn, but the approximate dates for the exams are already known today, because the FIPI presented a preliminary draft, which indicates all the important dates of the GIA.

In 2019, foreign language tests will be held on the following days:

Innovations 2019

After large-scale reforms, the ministry announced that they had set a course for maximum stability, because everyone, both graduates and teachers, was already tired of regular changes in requirements and annual innovations. This negatively affects the quality of preparation for final exams and leads to additional unnecessary stress.

The only minor change in the tickets for 2019 will be the revision of one or two tasks of the written part, which caused the maximum number of comments at the previous year's session.

Structure of KIMs

In general, the structure of KIMs developed by FIPI for the Unified State Examination in English will not undergo significant changes in 2019. The exam will be held in two stages:

1. oral part;
2. written part.

speaking

The oral part of the English tests, as in the previous academic year, will be held on a separate day. Each examinee will have 15 minutes to prepare and answer. During this time, the graduate will:

• expressively read the proposed text aloud;
• take part in a short dialogue;
• compose a thematic monologue statement (description of the picture);
• compose a monologue with elements of reasoning (comparison of two photographs or pictures).

Having completed all 4 tasks of the oral part, an 11th grader will be able to score a maximum of 20 points.

Written part

For the majority of graduates who choose English as the subject of the USE, the main difficulty is precisely checking the level of knowledge in the field of written literacy. Accordingly, in preparation, the main emphasis should be on this area.

You will have 3 hours to complete the written part. During this time, USE participants will have to complete 40 tasks:

The maximum number of points for the written part is 80 (20 for each of the 4 blocks).

To successfully pass the exam in English, a graduate must at least speak the language at the Upper-Intermediate level, which corresponds to the level A2 + (closer to B1) according to the documents of the Council of Europe.

The distribution of tasks by difficulty levels corresponds to the following levels:

USE assessment 2019 in English

Having completed all 44 tasks (40 from the written part and 4 from the oral part), the graduate can score a maximum of 100 test points. The USE in English in 2019 will be assessed both electronically and by involving experts who will count points for tasks of an increased level of complexity with a detailed answer.

The table of correspondence between the school grade and the USE result will look like this:

This means that in order to receive a document on education, graduates of the 11th grade must score 22 points based on the results of the oral and written parts.

Important! This result will not allow you to fight for a place at the university, but will only be sufficient for the presentation of a certificate. For most universities, the minimum passing score is more than 60-65 points, while in order to enter the best universities in the country, you need to get at least 98 points on the Unified State Examination in English.

Secrets of preparation

English is one of those subjects for which it is impossible to prepare from scratch in a couple of months. That is why it is so important to decide on the subjects that the graduate will take for the exam as early as possible (ideally at the beginning of the 10th grade).

Where to begin?

• Familiarize yourself with the codifier and specifications developed by FIPI for the USE in English in 2019.
• Check your level of language proficiency by taking a trial version of the exam of this or past years.
• Identify topics that require special attention.
• Fill gaps in knowledge.
• To consolidate the achieved result by performing a large number of practical tasks of an oral and written nature.

Depending on the existing level of knowledge and the required result of the exam, different formats of preparation are possible:

• group courses (least effective);
• self-training (suitable for people with a good basic level);
• individual lessons with a tutor (expensive, but effective option).

Important! As a tutor, you need to look for a person who has real experience in preparing for the exam.

Having opted for self-study, it is important to organize regular classes and draw up a step-by-step plan for completing the necessary topics. Numerous recommendations from experienced teachers available on the network, as well as online lessons and analyzes of various types of tasks from current USE tickets, will help you achieve success.

We bring to your attention some of these useful video tutorials.