Understanding the Weighting of Question Types in the Postgraduate Admission English Exam (Part 2)

The Postgraduate Admission English Exam, specifically for candidates aiming for Part 2, features a well-structured question distribution that assesses various language skills. This exam is designed to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with each section carrying a specific weight in the overall score. Understanding how these sections are scored is crucial for effective preparation and strategy development.

Common Queries About the Exam's Question Weighting

Many students preparing for the exam have specific questions about how the scoring works for each section. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions along with detailed answers to help clarify any doubts.

Question 1: What is the exact distribution of marks across the different sections of the exam?

The Postgraduate Admission English Exam (Part 2) typically consists of four main sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each section is allocated a specific percentage of the total marks, which helps in determining the overall score. As of the latest guidelines, the distribution is as follows:

• Reading Section: This section accounts for 30% of the total marks. It includes multiple-choice questions, sentence completion, and matching tasks, all designed to test comprehension skills.
• Writing Section: The writing section makes up 25% of the total score. It consists of two tasks: an essay and a report or letter, assessing the candidate's ability to express ideas coherently and appropriately.
• Listening Section: This part constitutes 25% of the marks. It includes various types of listening exercises, such as dialogues, monologues, and lectures, designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to understand spoken English in different contexts.
• Speaking Section: The speaking section is worth 20% of the total marks. It involves interactive tasks where candidates are assessed on their fluency, pronunciation, and ability to communicate effectively in English.

Understanding this distribution helps students prioritize their preparation. For instance, since the reading and writing sections carry the highest weight, dedicating more time to improving reading comprehension and writing skills can have a significant impact on the overall score.

Question 2: How are the marks allocated within each section?

Within each section, marks are distributed based on the type of questions asked and the criteria for evaluation. Here’s a closer look at how marks are allocated in each section:

• Reading Section: Marks are typically awarded on a scale of 0 to 5 for each question or task. For example, multiple-choice questions might be worth 1 mark each, while sentence completion tasks could be worth 2 marks. The total marks for the reading section are usually 40, making the section worth 30% of the total score.
• Writing Section: The writing section is evaluated based on criteria such as task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and punctuation. Each task is usually worth a certain number of marks, and these are combined to determine the final score for the writing section, which contributes 25% to the total.
• Listening Section: Marks are allocated based on the accuracy of answers to listening tasks. Each question might be worth 1 or 2 marks, depending on its complexity. The total marks for the listening section are typically 30, accounting for 25% of the overall score.
• Speaking Section: The speaking section is evaluated through a combination of scores from different tasks, such as fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Each task is assigned a certain number of marks, and these are aggregated to determine the final score, which makes up 20% of the total.

It’s important for candidates to familiarize themselves with the specific marking schemes for each section to tailor their preparation effectively. For example, in the writing section, focusing on structuring essays clearly and using a wide range of vocabulary can help maximize marks.

Question 3: Can you provide examples of how marks are deducted for incorrect answers or errors?

In the Postgraduate Admission English Exam (Part 2), marks are deducted or not awarded based on the correctness of answers and the presence of errors. Here’s how it works for each section:

• Reading Section: Incorrect answers in multiple-choice questions typically result in zero marks. For sentence completion tasks, partial correctness might earn partial marks, but incorrect answers usually score nothing. This means that careful consideration and elimination of obviously wrong options are crucial to avoid losing marks.
• Writing Section: In the writing section, marks are deducted for grammatical errors, poor organization, and lack of clarity. For instance, a poorly structured essay might receive lower marks, even if the content is relevant. Similarly, repeated grammatical mistakes can significantly reduce the score. The marking is holistic, meaning that errors are considered in the context of the overall performance.
• Listening Section: Incorrect answers in the listening section usually result in zero marks. Since the answers are often very specific, it’s important to listen carefully and avoid guessing. Partial correctness is not rewarded, so candidates should aim for accuracy to maximize their score.
• Speaking Section: In the speaking section, marks are deducted for pronunciation errors, hesitations, and lack of fluency. For example, frequent pauses or incorrect pronunciation can lower the score. The evaluation is based on the overall performance, so even minor errors can impact the final score.

Understanding these marking schemes can help candidates avoid common pitfalls and improve their performance. For instance, practicing active listening techniques can be beneficial for the listening section, while focusing on clear and concise writing can help in the writing section.