Формат экзамена BULATS

Экзамен BULATS можно провести в следующих форматах:

• компьютерный тест - быстрое и точное тестирование языковых навыков в аудировании и чтении;

The Computer Test

The BULATS Computer Test provides a fast, versatile and accurate method of testing language ability in the world of work. A highly sophisticated program, the BULATS Computer Test allows on-demand assessment of all levels of language ability in English, French, German or Spanish.

Each language option is available on a separate CD, allowing users to purchase only those languages which are of most relevance to their employees. On-screen instructions are given in all test languages, as well as in Italian and Portuguese.

The BULATS Computer Test is more than just a set of questions, it exploits the latest developments in language testing technology to provide a fast, fully functional, 'stand-alone' method of assessing language ability.

Candidates need no formal preparation in order to take a test, if a 'snapshot' of current ability is required. Questions are presented on-screen, and candidates answer using keyboard and mouse. On-screen help is also available as are practice screens, helping candidates familiarise themselves with the format of the program and the technology used. It is the responsibility of the end user to determine the appropriate level of invigilation for the test.

How does it work?
The Computer Test pinpoints ability quickly and accurately by using 'adaptive' testing techniques. As a candidate progresses through the test the computer selects each question on the basis of the previous answer. As a result, the test becomes progressively easier or more difficult until a consistent level of ability is achieved, usually in about 60 minutes.

What does it test?
The Computer Test assesses listening and reading skills, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. It does not currently test writing or speaking: these are available as separate tests. Candidates are presented with an extensive range of different tasks and question types, such as multiple-choice questions, listening and reading exercises and cloze tests, each geared closely to the world of work.

The program draws on an extensive bank of questions during each test and as a result each test is virtually unique, reducing the risk of cheating.

Why use the BULATS Computer Test?

The BULATS Computer Test is designed to meet the needs of international business - and so delivers a host of invaluable benefits.

• Candidates can be tested at any time resulting in minimal disruption to work
• The test results are immediate allowing instant management decision making
• The BULATS Computer Test is an independent testing method linked only to internationally established levels of achievement and not to any specific language course or school
• Technical support is provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, one of the world's largest test and assessment organisations.

См. образец (демоверсию) компьютерного теста ...

• стандартный тест - бумажная версия компьютерного теста;

The Standard Test

The Standard Test can be used as a pencil and paper alternative to the Computer Test to assess listening and reading skills, and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. It lasts 110 minutes: 50 minutes for listening and 60 minutes for reading and language knowledge. Candidates are presented with an extensive range of different tasks and question types, as outlined below:

Skill	Part or Section	Type of task	Number of questions
Listening	1	Understanding short conversations or monologues.	10
	2	Taking down phone messages, orders, notes, etc.	12
	3	Listening for gist: identifying topic, context or function. Short monologues / dialogues.	10
	4	Listening to extended speech for detail and inference. Monologue / dialogue.	18
Reading and Language Knowledge	1	Understanding notices, messages, timetables, adverts, leaflets, graphs, etc.	7
	2	Grammar and Vocabulary. Gapped sentences with multiple choice task.	6
	3	Long text. Newspaper or magazine articles, adverts, leaflets, etc.	6
	4	Grammar. Medium length text open cloze.	5
	5	Reading for specific information. Four short texts with matching tasks.	7
	6	Grammar and Vocabulary. Medium length text with multiple choice cloze.	5
	7	Grammar. Medium length text open cloze.	5
	8	Grammar and Vocabulary. Gapped sentences with multiple choice task.	6
	9	Reading for gist and specific information. Long text. Newspaper or magazine article, report, etc.	6
	10	Medium length text, error correction task.	7
Total			110

См. образец стандартного теста ...

• тест на говорение  - очное оценивание устных коммуникативных навыков (говорение);

The Speaking Test

The test is conducted for individual candidates by a single examiner. It is recorded on tape and re-assessed by another examiner. The test has 3 parts and lasts a maximum of 12 minutes.

Part 1: Interview (4 mins)
This is a face-to-face interview with the examiner where candidates are expected to answer questions about themselves, their work or their studies, and their interests.

Part 2: Presentation (4 mins)
The candidate is given a choice of three topics and has one minute to prepare a short presentation on one of the topics. This is followed by some questions on the presentation.

Part 3: Information Exchange and Discussion (4 mins)
This part involves a simulated situation, which is presented on a task sheet and the candidate and examiner take on roles to carry out a task. The candidate's role will require him/her to take the initiative in the task. This is followed by a short discussion on a related topic.

Assessment
Candidates are assessed by the examiner conducting the test and by another examiner who listens to a recording of the test. They are assessed on:

• how accurately and appropriately they use the language (grammar and vocabulary)
• how well they develop the conversation and organise their ideas
• how fluently they speak
• how comprehensible their pronunciation is
• how positively they contributed to the conversation.

 См. тест по проверке навыков говорения ... 

• тест на письмо - подробное и глубокое оценивание письменных коммуникативных навыков.

The Writing Test

The Writing Test has two parts and lasts 45 minutes.

Part 1: Short Message/Letter (50-60 words) 15 mins
The candidate is given a short text, such as a letter, memo or advert, and guidelines for writing a reply or follow-up message or letter.

Part 2: Report or Letter (180-200 words) 30 mins
The candidate writes a short report or letter following brief instructions. For this part, candidates choose a task from two alternatives.

Assessment
Candidates are assessed independently by two trained assessors. They are assessed on:

• how accurately and appropriately they use the language (grammar and vocabulary)
• how well they organise their ideas
• how effectively the piece of writing achieves its purpose.

Тестирование в каждом из четырех форматов может проводиться для любого из четырех языков: английский, французский, немецкий, испанский.

Тестирование в любом из четырех форматов может проводиться независимо. Кроме того, можно использовать любые комбинации из четырех форматов тестирования. Это позволяет приспосабливать экзамен BULATS к нуждам той или иной организации.

Все тесты разрнабатывались в расчете на тестирование языковых навыков, необходимых сотрудникам организации в повседневной работе. Они проверяют знания в следующих областях:

• описание штатных обязанностей сотрудников,
• фирмы и их продукция,
• менеджмент и маркетинг,
• работа с клиентами,
• планирование,
• отчеты,
• общение по телефону,
• деловая переписка,
• презентации.

Задания в тестах имеют практический характер: например, прием телефонограммы, проверка письма, проведение презентации, написание короткой заметки или отчета.

Все тесты оценивают навыки испытуемых  на всех шести уровнях шкалы ALTE, т.е. все кандидаты выполняют один и тот же тест, независимо от уровня их языковых навыков.

См. образец теста по проверке навыков письма...