Pre Masters

ISC PRE-ARRIVAL ENGLISH TEST
Pre-Masters
This test is to be used as an indication of readiness for study on the ISC

International Pre-Masters Programme in terms of English language level. This
test will give an idea of whether the student is ready for direct entry at this
moment, or of how many weeks of English Language Preparation the student
may require in order to reach satisfactory entry level for the Pre-Masters
Programme.
The test is easy to administer, re-usable (students must not write on the
Question Paper) and should take the student around 1 hour and 30 minutes to
complete.
The test assesses Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading and Writing Skills; it does not
test Speaking or Listening
CONTENTS
Administrator Directions and Agreement
Page 2
Selection of essay titles for Administrator

Candidate Agreement
Page 3
Page 4
Pre-arrival Pre-Masters English test
Question Paper (sections 1 3)
Page 5-11
Answer Paper (sections 1 3)
Page 12
Question and Answer Paper (section 4)
Page 13
Page 14
Test result feedback form

Entry requirement guide
Page 15
Page 16
Writing assessment criteria
Academic pre arrival test
ISC Pre-Masters Programme Pre-Arrival English Test: Adminstrator Agreement

1.
The test must be undertaken under strict exam conditions, which is to say that only test candidates
and invigilators/administrators must be present in the room.
2.
The candidate must not be allowed any coat, bag or other equipment than writing equipment with
them for the duration of the test. Tell the student that he/she is not allowed to use a dictionary,
grammar book or any other kind of reference book in paper or electronic form. All mobile phones
must be switched off and placed out of reach of the candidate.
3.
There must be no talking during the test. If the candidate wishes to ask a question or use the toilet
facilities, they must raise their hand and wait for an invigilator to attend them.
4.
Candidates must be accompanied at all times if they leave the room during the exam, and the time
in and out noted on the answer paper at the point where the absence occurred.
5.
If the candidate asks for help in understanding the section instructions, guidance may be offered.
However, no help must be given with items of vocabulary or the meaning of individual questions or
essay titles.
6.
Provide the candidate with a copy of the Candidate Agreement. Ensure that the candidate is able to
understand the content and its importance before signing, explaining the meaning in the
candidates own language where low English level may be an issue.
7.
Provide the candidate with a copy of the Question Paper and Answer Paper.
8.
Tell the candidate to write on the Answer Paper only.
9.
Allow the student 60 minutes to complete parts 1, 2 and 3 of the test. After 60 minutes, stop the
student, even if they have not completed all of these sections.
10.
Provide the student with an essay title from the Pre-Masters or ELPP selection and allow 30 minutes
for the essay (part 4) (total approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.) It is important that the student is
given 30 minutes for the essay section.
11.
Collect ALL question and answer papers from the candidate. Send the completed Answer Papers,
signed Administrator Agreement, signed Candidate Agreement and the completed test result
faxback form to the International Admissions Centre. (Fax +44 1273 339401)
12.
The test will be marked and you will be informed of the result, together with our recommendation
for the most appropriate study plan for the candidate.
Please sign below to confirm that you have understood the directions and that the test has been
administered in line with all of the above. Thank you.
Administrator signature:
Printed name:
Date:
Please address any questions or enquiries to the International Admissions Centre in Brighton.
For Administrator Only:

Selection of essay titles for Part 4 of the pre-arrival test
Pre-Masters
Please assign ONE of these titles per test sitting, at random and without a
regular pattern of rotation, so that a level of validity may be maintained in
terms of students being unable to predict which title they will receive.
What are the most important requirements for successful academic study? Is the
student the only key factor?
OR
An increase in pay is not the only way to motivate workers in times of economic
difficulty.
OR
Describe some of the ways in which a university is important to the town or city
where it is located.
Where a student has applied for ELPP prior to their main academic
programme, one of the following titles should be set as per instructions above.
Discuss the good sides and bad sides to studying in a foreign country. Explain your
opinions.
OR
Describe your home town and people to someone who has not visited your country.
OR
What is the best job in the world? Give reasons to support your answer.
ISC Pre-Masters Pre-Arrival English Test: Candidate Agreement

Full name of student...................................................................................................
Date test taken
It is very important that you read carefully the points below which apply to this test, and sign this Agreement
to confirm that you understand and have completed the Test within these conditions. Your test administrator
will help you to understand these two points if you find it difficult.
1.
It is a very serious offence at a British University to submit work under your name which you have not
produced yourself. This includes copying, learning the exact words from a source and reproducing them,
getting someone else to produce the work for you, or asking someone to help you make your work better. If
you are found to have submitted work for any course at the ISC or University which includes one of the above
conditions, you will be subject to serious disciplinary procedure and may even be asked to leave the
Programme.
In terms of this Pre-Arrival Test, it means that the test must be written by you, not a friend or anyone else
sitting the test for you, is the product of your own mind, not learned from previous candidates, not copied
from any other candidate in the same room, and was produced under exam conditions. Copied or false tests
could lead to visa refusal and loss of tuition fees. It is in your own interests at this stage that you are
producing a true example of your current English level.
2.
As there is often a gap of several months between taking this test and arriving in the UK to commence your
academic programme, sometimes this means that your English level may have changed in some way. Perhaps
you have not studied or used English at all for several months, or perhaps you have continued to work or study
in English since you took the Pre-Arrival Test. Therefore, a full level placement test is also taken by all
students on arrival at the ISC, so that accurate and effective placement decisions can be made. In some cases
this may result in slight changes to your study plan in the interests of your success.
I am signing to confirm that I have read and understood points 1 and 2 above. This test was written by me
without help, was written under exam conditions and is my own original work. Also, I understand that in
the interests of successful study at the ISC of my choice, I will be required to undertake a full placement test
on arrival. This may possibly lead to changes to my study plan.
Signed.........................................................................................................
ISC PRE-MASTERS PROGRAMME

Pre-Arrival English Test
QUESTION PAPER
There are four sections to this test
1.
Grammar
part 1
20 questions
part 2
10 questions
2.
Reading
12 questions
3.
Vocabulary
8 questions
4.
Essay
1 question
DO NOT write on the test.

Write ONLY on the Answer Paper
Directions are given at the beginning of each section of the test.
Total time needed = approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes: You have one hour to complete
sections 1-3. The administrator will then give you a title for the essay in section 4, for which you
will have 30 minutes to write.
Please raise your hand if you need to speak to the administrator. Otherwise, no talking is allowed
in the test room.
DO NOT WRITE ON THE TEST PAPER WRITE ONLY ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET
GRAMMAR SECTION - PART 1
Questions 1 20
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Put a cross [r] in the correct box ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET
Choose ONLY ONE LETTER for each question.
EXAMPLE
Students always enjoy their studies ____A____ our International Study Centre.
A. at
1
B. will
C. would
D. do
B. themselves
C. yourself
D. ourselves
B. while
C. as soon as
D. until
B. have thought
C. was thinking
D. used to thinking
B. understood
C. understanding
D. to understand
I have been studying at the ISC ________ last September.
A. until
9
D. at the
My teachers at the ISC help me ________ my mistakes so that I can improve my own work.
A. correcting
8
C. to the
When I was younger, I ________ that studying in the UK was just a dream.
A. used to think
7
B. on the
Ill help you ________ I have finished this assignment.
A. before
6
D. likes
We can make ________ a study plan for the project.
A. myself
5
C. like
B. enjoys
________ you like some more information?
A. are
4
D. within
The teacher was standing ________ middle of the room.
A. in the
3
C. for
She ________ to learn 5 new words every day.
A. is liking
2
B. in
B. for
C. when
D. since
I prefer writing essays ________ giving presentations.
A. than
B. to
C. as
D. with
10 Id rather ________ in the UK than in my country.

A. to study
B. study
C. studying
D. had studied
C. arent they
D. can they
11 The classes start at 9:30 every day, ________?

A. dont they
B. will they
12 If you dont complete all the course work, you ________ the course.
A. would fail
B. will be failing
C. are failing
D. will fail
GRAMMAR SECTION PART 1 (continued)
13 You ________ do homework every night.
A. must to
B. mustnt to
C. cant have
D. dont have to
14 The teacher expects us ________ for class on time.

A. to arrive
B. arriving
C. arrive
D. to be arrived
C. However
D. Unless
15 ________ he worked hard, he got low grades.

A. Even if
B. Although
16 It took her a long time to ________ independent study.

A. used to
B. got used to
C. get used to
D. be used to
17 She failed the exam. She ________ studied very hard.

A. must of
B. must have been
C. cant have
D. cant have been
18 She ________ very surprised when she passed the exam, as she had not worked hard!
A. must have been
B. must be
C. could be
D. should be feeling
19 I felt too tired to go to the party last night, because I ________ all day on my assignment.
A. worked
B. had been working
C. am working
D. have been working
20 By this time next year, I ________ my degree.

A. will complete
B. am going to complete
C. will have completed
D. will have been completing
GRAMMAR SECTION - PART 2

Questions 21 - 31
Choose ONE ANSWER from the list provided on the answer sheet for each of the ten blank spaces. Write the
numbers 22 31 in the correct box ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
Number 21 has been done for you as an example.
EXAMPLE
Toshi, a young Japanese man, arrived ____21____ the UK in May 2010.
He ____22____ looking forward to ___23___ his Pre-Masters course for several months and ___24____
the moment he stepped into the foyer of the ISC, he knew the experience was going to be as good as the
agent had said it _____25____ be, and perhaps even better.
On his first day, everybody at the ISC was _____26_____ friendly and welcoming that Toshi felt very
comfortable there. His teachers were _____27_____ more professional than he had hoped for.
For his entire course, _____28_____ was about 30 weeks, Toshi was very satisfied with his life at the ISC.
On his last day he walked around the campus wondering ____29____ would have happened ____30____
he chosen a different college. He was sure his studies wouldnt ___31___ as successful or as enjoyable as
they had been at the ISC!
READING SECTION
1. Paper and Us
People today use many different kinds of writing and drawing materials, but paper is the most popular. It is in almost
every product that we use: books, newspapers and magazines, containers, catalogues, wallpaper, food packaging, gift
wrap, and many other staples of life. Unknown to many people, paper fibres are in our computers and paper insulation
is in our car doors and floors. Paper is still seen as the safest long-term way to keep records of information.
Question 1
Read Reading Text 1 above and choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
Put a cross [r ] in the correct box 1 ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
1 What does Reading Text 1 NOT talk about?

A.
paper through the years
B.
paper in daily lives
C.
hidden uses of paper
D.
storing data on paper
2. Finding a Writing Surface

Today, paper is readily available. But in earlier times, finding a writing surface was not so easy. Before paper, early
man used a variety of different surfaces. For example, the ancient Egyptians drew pictures with soft rocks on the walls
of caves - but it was impossible to carry these pictures around. The Greeks used to write their ideas in blocks of clay
but the weight of the clay made it quite hard to carry. At one stage, the Chinese wrote on silk fabric, but silk was very
expensive to produce.
Questions 2-4
Read Reading Text 2 above and answer questions 2 4 in the box below.
Match the following questions 2, 3,4 with the correct answer A ,B,C,D,E. Put a cross [r] in the correct
boxes
2 -4 ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS PROBLEMS
In the past, it was difficult to find things to write or

draw on.
2
What problem did the ancient Egyptians
have?
3
What problem did the Greeks have?
What problem did the Chinese have?
The writing surface was too heavy to move.
The writing surface was too hard.
The writing surface cost too much to make.
The writing surface was too hard to find.
The writing surface could not be moved.
READING SECTION (continued)
3. Where Does Paper Come From?

Man has been communicating in writing and with pictures for many thousands of years, but paper-making as we know
it started in China about 2,000 years ago. A man called Tsun Lai experimented for nine years using materials like
wood, rocks and leaves. He had good results with bark from the mulberry tree and bamboo plant fibres. When he
added water, he achieved the best results, which made the paper suitable for artwork and books. It took about one
week to combine the materials and a further day for the paper to dry out. By the 10
th
century, Arabians were
substituting linen fibers for wood and bamboo, which made a superior sheet of paper for predominantly the same
th
purpose as the Chinese. In the 17 century, Europeans began making paper from rag bond (cotton and linen rags),
which created a much more durable surface that didnt tear as easily.
Questions 5 8
Put a cross [r ] in the correct boxes 5-8 ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
5 Tsun Lais most successful paper was made from

A.
bark and bamboo.
B.
the mulberry tree, wood and plant fibres.
C.
bark, water and bamboo.
D.
trees, leaves and plant fibres.
6 How long did it take Tsun Lai to invent paper?

A.
9 years
B.
2,000 years
C.
1 week and 1 day
D.
1 week
7 The Arabians made paper from

A.
cotton and linen.
B.
wood and bamboo.
C.
bark and bamboo.
D.
linen fibres and water.
8 Which statement is true?

A
Written communication began with the Chinese.
Chinese paper was better quality than Arabian paper.
Arabian paper was mainly used for art.
Cotton and linen made stronger paper than bark and bamboo.
4. The Problems with Paper

th
Due to an increase in literacy in the 18 century, there was a huge need for paper, which in turn demanded greater
efficiency in production. Efforts were made to step up paper production by inventing machines to do the time
th
consuming jobs previously completed by hand. In the late 18 century, Nicholas Luis Robert invented a machine that
could quickly produce a length of paper from cotton and linen rags on a wire mesh with squeeze rollers at one end. In
Europe and America, the mass-production of paper became a thriving industry supplying huge volumes of paper for a
long list of everyday items. This new industry, however, spelled the beginning of environmental disaster.
The explosion of print meant that there was a rag shortage, which instigated a search for alternative sources of fibre.
The industry turned to trees, which were rather abundant at the time, but this decision has proven to be imprudent
th
because trees are now becoming just as scarce as the cotton and linen rags of the 18 century. Hemp is being touted
as the great environmentally friendly alternative to wood pulp, but it would be a crop raised specifically for paper
production. Growing fibre crops to produce paper may soon become necessary, but right now industry watchdogs
believe that we should start by using some of our residual waste products waste paper and agricultural byproducts.
Another concern, separate from the environmental problems arising from the overuse of trees, is that paper-making
itself is a dirty business. Toxic emissions from paper mills are persistent and tend to accumulate in the environment,
causing illness. Therefore, as well as seeking an alternative to trees, it is vital that the industry looks closely at
decreasing toxic emissions by limiting its use of harmful substances in the manufacturing process. Before this can
happen, more effort must be put into regulating chemical use in the paper-making industry.
Questions 9 11
Put a cross [r ] in the correct boxes 9-11 ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
th
9 The papermaking industry in the 18 century

A.
caused an increase in literacy.
B.
replaced rags with trees.
C.
produced paper made from hemp.
D.
used harmful substances
10 Experts believe that our first step should be to replace trees with
A.
different plant fibres.
B.
less dangerous chemicals.
C.
selected left over rubbish.
D.
specially grown crops.
11 Which statement is true according to the information in Reading Text 4?

A.
The papermaking industry should not be allowed to self-regulate.
B.
Chemical input and output should be monitored in the future.
C.
Roberts machine created better paper at a faster rate than previously managed.
D.
Future paper manufacturers are committed to avoiding harmful chemicals.
10
5. Paper in a Technology Dominated World

In the last decade, major breakthroughs have been made in computer science. Experts now agree that this progress
will dominate the next generation to such an extent that there will be a complete change in our communication
behaviour. Commercially, these changes will cause an even greater amount of data to be generated electronically.
This raises issues of data storage. Some of these issues are already well-known for example, disk durability,
electronic breakdowns etc. It has been suggested, however, that we only have an awareness of an, as yet,
unquantified portion of the problem. Ideas and strategies for dealing with the ever increasing mountain of data are
being sought, but pundits remain circumspect about our ability to successfully deal with these data storage concerns.
However, for now, papers extreme versatility offers the most convenient and durable storage option.
Question 12
Put a cross [r ] in the correct box 12 ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
12 Which point is NOT made in Reading Text 5?
A.
Experts are not confident that we can manage future data storage issues.
B.
Currently, preserving data on paper is our best alternative.
C.
We are ignorant of possible future problems with data storage.
D.
Issues relating to storage of paper and electronic data need to be addressed.
VOCABULARY SECTION
Questions 1 8
Read the definitions below. Find ONE WORD in Reading Texts 4 OR 5 (as indicated) that BEST matches each
definition. Write each word ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.
* answers appear in order in the text; make sure your spelling is correct!
EXAMPLE:
the ability to read and write = literacy
Text 4
1
the quality of being able to complete a task quickly and successfully
the manufacturing of a thing/item in very large quantities
successful, strong, healthy
started; brought about
substitute
ill-advised; ill-considered
collect or gather over a long period of time

Text 5
the quality of being able to be used for many different purposes.
11
ANSWER SHEET
FIRST NAME (S)
FAMILY NAME
GRAMMAR SECTION PART 1
20 MARKS
Questions 1 20 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Put a cross [ r ] in the correct box
EXAMPLE
Students always enjoy their studies ________ the International Study Centre.
A. at
Eg
B. in
A
r
C. for
D. within
11
16
12
17
13
18
14
19
10
15
20
GRAMMAR SECTION PART 2
10 MARKS
Questions 21 - 31 Choose ONE ANSWER for each of the ten blank spaces. Write the numbers 22 31 in the box
underneath. There are more words than you will need.
Number 21 has been done for you as an example.
EXAMPLE
Toshi, a young Japanese man, arrived ____21_____ the UK in May 2010.
at
was
which
starting
had been
could
in
even
it
begin
so
what
if
had
would
very
have been
from
always
be
READING SECTION
21
12 MARKS
Questions 1 - 12 Choose the correct letter. Put a cross [r ] in the correct box
10
11
VOCABULARY SECTION
8 MARKS
Questions 1 8 Write your words below.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
12
12
QUESTION AND ANSWER PAPER SECTION 4

ESSAY
FAMILY NAME
FIRST NAME(S)
The administrator will give you a title for this essay. Please think about grammar,
vocabulary, structure and helpful information to develop your answer. Explain your
opinions fully.
Write your essay below. Write 200 250 words. Time: 30 minutes
13
TEST RESULT FAXBACK FORM

Complete this section and fax together with the Answer Papers (sections 1-3 and section 4) and
signed Administrator and Candidate Agreements to the International Admissions Centre .
Fax number: +44 1273 208527
To:
From:
Date:
No. of pages (including cover)
STUDENT INFORMATION:
Family name:
First name(s):
Proposed academic programme:
Proposed academic programme start
date:
Proposed International Study Centre:
PRE - ARRIVAL TEST RESULTS:

The test will be marked and you will be informed of the result, together with our recommendation for
the most appropriate study plan for the candidate.
For completion by the International Admissions Centre.
Part 1
/30
Part 2
/12
Part 3
/8
Part 4
/50
Overall result
ISC band _____________

Recommended Study Plan
_________________________
Comments
14

Pre Masters

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Pre Masters

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ISC PRE-ARRIVAL ENGLISH TEST

This test is to be used as an indication of readiness for study on the ISC

Administrator Directions and Agreement

Selection of essay titles for Administrator

Pre-arrival Pre-Masters English test

Question Paper (sections 1 3)

Answer Paper (sections 1 3)

Question and Answer Paper (section 4)

Test result feedback form

Writing assessment criteria

Academic pre arrival test

ISC Pre-Masters Programme Pre-Arrival English Test: Adminstrator Agreement

Tell the candidate to write on the Answer Paper only.

Academic pre arrival test

For Administrator Only:

Academic pre arrival test

ISC Pre-Masters Pre-Arrival English Test: Candidate Agreement

Academic pre arrival test

ISC PRE-MASTERS PROGRAMME

DO NOT write on the test.

Academic pre arrival test

I have been studying at the ISC ________ last September.

Ill help you ________ I have finished this assignment.

We can make ________ a study plan for the project.

________ you like some more information?

The teacher was standing ________ middle of the room.

She ________ to learn 5 new words every day.

I prefer writing essays ________ giving presentations.

10 Id rather ________ in the UK than in my country.

11 The classes start at 9:30 every day, ________?

Academic pre arrival test

14 The teacher expects us ________ for class on time.

15 ________ he worked hard, he got low grades.

16 It took her a long time to ________ independent study.

17 She failed the exam. She ________ studied very hard.

B. must have been

D. cant have been

B. had been working

D. have been working

20 By this time next year, I ________ my degree.

C. will have completed

D. will have been completing

GRAMMAR SECTION - PART 2

Toshi, a young Japanese man, arrived ____21____ the UK in May 2010.

Academic pre arrival test

1 What does Reading Text 1 NOT talk about?

paper through the years

paper in daily lives

hidden uses of paper

storing data on paper

2. Finding a Writing Surface

In the past, it was difficult to find things to write or

What problem did the ancient Egyptians

What problem did the Greeks have?

What problem did the Chinese have?

Academic pre arrival test

The writing surface was too heavy to move.

The writing surface was too hard.

The writing surface cost too much to make.

The writing surface was too hard to find.

The writing surface could not be moved.

3. Where Does Paper Come From?

century, Arabians were

5 Tsun Lais most successful paper was made from

Toshi, a young Japanese man, arrived 21 the UK in May 2010.

Toshi, a young Japanese man, arrived 21_ the UK in May 2010.