How Overseas Scholars Perceive the Challenges of Postgraduate Entrance Exam English
When it comes to the postgraduate entrance exam in China, English is a critical component that often leaves international students scratching their heads. Many of them wonder why such a high level of English proficiency is required, especially when the exam focuses more on grammar and vocabulary than on real-life communication skills. This article aims to shed light on the common questions foreigners have about the exam and provide detailed answers to help them better understand the system.
Why Is the English Level So High?
The postgraduate entrance exam in China is designed to assess a candidate's ability to handle academic work at the graduate level. English, being a global language, plays a pivotal role in this assessment. Many overseas students find the exam's English section particularly challenging because it demands a deep understanding of complex grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, and academic vocabulary. The exam is structured to ensure that students can not only read and write but also comprehend nuanced texts, which is essential for postgraduate studies.
One of the reasons the English level is so high is that the exam aims to filter out candidates who may struggle with the rigorous academic demands of Chinese universities. For instance, some students might have passed the TOEFL or IELTS, but the postgraduate exam tests a different set of skills that are more aligned with the Chinese academic environment. This includes the ability to analyze and critique academic papers, which is a cornerstone of postgraduate research. As a result, many foreigners feel that the exam is more about testing linguistic prowess than practical communication abilities.
What Kind of Vocabulary Is Tested?
The vocabulary tested in the postgraduate entrance exam is quite extensive and covers a wide range of topics. Many international students are surprised by the number of specialized terms and academic jargon that appear in the exam. Unlike general English tests like the TOEFL or IELTS, which focus more on everyday language use, the postgraduate exam delves into subjects like literature, history, science, and social studies. This means that candidates need to be familiar with a broad spectrum of words that might not come up in casual conversations.
To prepare for the exam, many students end up memorizing long lists of words, which can be quite daunting. However, it's important to note that the exam doesn't just test the ability to recognize words; it also assesses the ability to use them in context. This means that understanding the nuances of different words and how they fit into sentences is just as important as knowing their definitions. Many foreigners find this aspect particularly challenging because it requires a deeper level of linguistic understanding than they are used to in their own language tests.
How Does the Exam Format Differ from Other Tests?
The format of the postgraduate entrance exam's English section is quite different from other standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. For instance, the exam includes a section on cloze tests, where students must fill in blanks in a passage with the most appropriate words. This type of question is designed to test not only vocabulary but also the ability to understand the context and flow of a text. Many international students find this format confusing because it's not something they are typically exposed to in other English tests.
Another unique aspect of the exam is the emphasis on grammar. While other tests might focus more on reading and listening comprehension, the postgraduate exam places a significant emphasis on grammar rules and sentence structure. This can be particularly challenging for students who are used to a more communicative approach to language learning, where fluency is often prioritized over perfect grammar. As a result, many foreigners feel that they need to spend a lot of time reviewing grammar rules and practicing sentence construction to do well in the exam.