The Comprehensive Guide to English I Test Scoring in the Postgraduate Admission Exam

The English I section of the postgraduate admission exam is a critical component for candidates aiming to secure a spot in their desired program. With a total of 100 marks, this section is meticulously designed to assess a wide range of language skills, including reading comprehension, writing, translation, and listening. Understanding how the scoring works can help students better prepare and maximize their performance. This guide provides detailed insights into the scoring system, common questions, and strategies to excel in each part of the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About English I Scoring

1. How is the Reading Comprehension Section Scored?

The Reading Comprehension section accounts for 40 marks and consists of multiple-choice questions based on passages. Each question typically has four options, and candidates earn one mark for each correct answer. The scoring is straightforward: there is no partial credit for incorrect or unanswered questions. To excel in this section, it's essential to practice skimming and scanning techniques, understand the author's tone, and be able to infer meanings from context. Many students find that familiarizing themselves with common question types, such as main idea identification, inference, and vocabulary in context, significantly boosts their confidence and accuracy.

2. What is the Scoring Criteria for the Writing Section?

The Writing section, worth 30 marks, includes two tasks: an integrated writing task and an independent writing task. The integrated task, which tests summarizing and paraphrasing skills, is worth 15 marks, while the independent task, requiring argumentative or descriptive writing, is worth 15 marks as well. Scoring is based on criteria such as content development, organization, language use, and grammatical accuracy. For the integrated task, candidates must accurately convey the main points of a given passage in their own words. The independent task evaluates the ability to present a clear thesis, support it with logical arguments, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Practice essays on various topics and receiving feedback from teachers or peers can greatly improve performance in this section.

3. How Does the Translation Section Contribute to the Total Score?

The Translation section, worth 15 marks, typically involves translating a paragraph from Chinese to English or vice versa. The scoring focuses on accuracy, fluency, and adherence to the original meaning. Translators must not only convey the literal meaning but also capture the nuances and intent of the source text. Common pitfalls include over-translating, missing key details, or using overly complex language. To prepare, students should practice translating various types of texts, such as literature, news articles, or technical documents, and pay attention to sentence structure, idiomatic expressions, and cultural context. Reviewing model translations and analyzing their strengths can also provide valuable insights into what examiners look for in this section.