Préparation à l'épreuve unique (Getting ready for the ministerial exams)
ANGLAIs
Épreuve unique 5 CORE
The following is a general overview of what should be done to be ready for the English as a Second Language CORE Ministerial exam. The exam is in two parts: the first part is to discuss about a topic, and the second part is to write an opinion piece.
2 competencies will be evaluated:
- Competency 1: Interacts orally in English
- Competency 3: Writes and produces texts
The evaluation grids for the Ministerial exam give detailed information about what is evaluated and how it is evaluated.
Evaluation grid for oral interaction (C1)
Evaluation grid for the opinion piece (C3)
Preparing for the evaluations
The oral interaction (C1) evaluation and the written (C3) evaluation are both prepared using the preparation booklet. It will be distributed to students a few weeks before the C1 evaluation. Students must read texts and answer questions found in the document to get familiar with the topic.
The preparation booklet can be used during the oral interaction evaluation, but not during the written evaluation.
The oral interaction (C1) evaluation
This evaluation is done in teams of 4. It is a 15-minute discussion on the topic students have been reading and discussing about.
Students are required to interact. Saying one or two sentences here and there is not interaction.
To do well, students must participate, be on topic, keep the conversation going by reacting to others' comments (ex. agreeing/disagreeing with them, adding to what they just said, asking questions etc.).
Things to remember...
... on the day of the oral interaction (C1) evaluation:
1. Be sure to stay on topic.
2. Be sure to add to the discussion.
3. Be sure to ask questions.
4. Be sure to express and explain opinions.
... on the day of the day of the written (C3) evaluation:
1. Be sure to answer the question in the booklet.
2. Be sure the text is on topic.
3. Be sure the opinion piece has all the necessary components:
- An introduction with a firm position;
- Convincing and logical arguments;
- A conclusion related to the topic and question selected.
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Épreuve unique 5 EESL
The following is a general overview of what should be done to be ready for the Enriched English as a Second Language (EESL) Ministerial exam. The task will be to write a feature article.
2 competencies will be evaluated:
- Competency 2: Reinvests understanding of texts;
- Competency 3: Writes and produces texts
A feature article gives an in-depth overview of a topic or issue from a specific angle. It is thought-provoking. It presents many sides of an issue from a specific perspective. A feature article writer must focus in on a particular aspect of an issue in order to inform the audience. This is done to give enough in-depth information for the audience to be able to reflect on the issue and make up their own minds about the issue. The information is presented in a way that evokes emotion. This is often done by giving details and description.
A feature article is NOT an opinion essay. It does not try to convince or persuade the audience of an opinion or position held regarding the issue.
For information on the components of a feature article, click on the following links:
Preparing for the Exam
About a week before the exam, the preparation booklet will be handed out. It contains various texts about a specific topic. It must be read before exam day.
A guiding question can also be found in this booklet. Its only purpose is to give direction to the note-taking process. It is there to help select important information. It is not the angle. The angle is given on exam day.
A few days after receiving the booklet, an audio recording will be played in class. Keeping the guiding question in mind, notes should be taken while listening. Following this, students will be able to discuss what they have heard and read.
Reading the booklet, listening to the audio recording, and taking notes ensure good comprehension of the topic.
On Exam Day
Students must bring the preparation booklet to the exam. It is necessary to have it when writing the exam, as it contains the information needed to write the feature article. The writing booklet and final copy booklet will be handed out on the day of the exam. The audio recording will also be heard one last time.
The angle is found in the writing booklet. It is prescribed, which means students must write their article from this angle.
The feature article must be written based on the information that was seen and heard in the reading booklet and audio recording.
3 hours will be allotted to write the feature article.
A few things to remember on the day of the exam:
1. Be sure to write from the prescribed angle and tailor the article to the purpose and audience.
2. Be sure to provide a critical overview of the topic. Many sides of an issue are presented in order for the audience to be informed as completely as possible.
3. Be sure the feature article has all the necessary components:
- A catchy headline that hints at the topic;
- A secondary headline that presents the angle and controlling idea;
- An interesting lead that keeps the audience's interest, and gives the angle and controlling idea;
- A close that leaves a lasting impression;
- At least one direct or indirect quotation;
- 2 additional components (image, pull-quote, or sidebar) that enhance the article.