How to Prepare for the Postgraduate Admission Test English Section: A Foreigner's Guide

Are you planning to take the postgraduate entrance exam in China and feeling overwhelmed by the English section? You're not alone! Many international students find the test format and content quite different from what they're used to. This guide aims to demystify the process and provide practical tips to help you succeed. Whether you're struggling with vocabulary, grammar, or the overall structure of the exam, we've got you covered. Let's break down the key areas you need to focus on and make your preparation journey a bit easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of English is used in the postgraduate admission test?

The English section of the postgraduate admission test in China is designed to assess your ability to understand academic English, which is slightly different from everyday conversational English. The language used in the test is more formal and technical, often drawing from topics like science, technology, literature, and social sciences. This means you'll need to be familiar with academic vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and the ability to comprehend lengthy passages.

To prepare effectively, start by reading academic journals, research papers, and books in your field of interest. This will help you get accustomed to the type of language and topics you'll encounter in the exam. Additionally, practice with past papers to understand the format and the kind of questions asked. Pay special attention to reading comprehension sections, as they often include passages with multiple-choice questions that test your ability to infer meaning, understand author's intent, and identify key information.

Another important aspect is to work on your vocabulary. Academic English requires a broader range of words compared to general English. Use flashcards, word lists, and online resources to expand your vocabulary. Focus on words that are commonly used in academic writing, such as "analyze," "evaluate," "synthesize," and "conclusion." Regularly reviewing and testing yourself on these words will help you remember them better. Moreover, try to incorporate these words into your own writing and speaking to make them a part of your active vocabulary.

Grammar is also a crucial component. The test often includes questions that assess your understanding of complex sentence structures, tenses, and punctuation. Make sure to review grammar rules and practice exercises that focus on these areas. Using grammar textbooks or online courses can be beneficial. It's also helpful to read out loud to improve your pronunciation and intonation, as this can indirectly help you understand spoken English better, which might be useful if you're taking the test in a language environment where English is spoken.

Finally, time management is key. The postgraduate admission test is time-bound, so you need to be able to answer questions quickly and accurately. Practice doing timed exercises to get used to the pressure. This will help you develop strategies for tackling different types of questions efficiently. For example, if you find a particular passage difficult, it might be wise to move on and come back to it later to avoid wasting too much time. Practicing with a timer will help you build the discipline needed to perform well under exam conditions.

2. How can I improve my reading comprehension skills for the test?

Improving your reading comprehension skills for the postgraduate admission test is essential, as this section tests your ability to understand and interpret academic texts. The passages can be long and complex, so it's important to develop strategies that help you efficiently extract the necessary information.

One effective method is to practice active reading. This means engaging with the text by asking questions, making predictions, and summarizing paragraphs as you read. This approach helps you stay focused and makes it easier to recall information when answering questions. For example, before reading a passage, try to predict what the main idea might be based on the title or headings. As you read, check if your predictions were accurate and note any key points that support the main idea.

Another useful technique is to identify the main idea and supporting details of each paragraph. This helps you understand the structure of the text and makes it easier to locate specific information when answering questions. Look for topic sentences, which are often found at the beginning of paragraphs, as they provide a summary of the paragraph's content. Also, pay attention to transitions and signaling words, such as "however," "therefore," and "in addition," as they indicate important relationships between ideas.

Practice with a variety of texts, including academic articles, research papers, and essays. This will help you become familiar with different writing styles and types of questions. For instance, some questions might ask you to identify the author's purpose, while others might require you to infer meaning from the text. By practicing with diverse materials, you'll be better prepared to handle whatever the exam throws at you.

Additionally, it's beneficial to take timed practice tests. This helps you get used to the pace required for the actual exam and improves your time management skills. If you find yourself running out of time, it might be a sign that you need to practice skimming and scanning techniques more effectively. Skimming involves quickly reading through a passage to get the general idea, while scanning involves looking for specific information, such as dates, names, or keywords. These skills can save you valuable time during the exam.

Lastly, review your answers and the explanations for incorrect responses. This will help you understand your mistakes and learn from them. If you're unsure about an answer, look up the correct one and make sure you understand why it's correct. This process will reinforce your learning and help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Consider forming a study group with classmates to discuss and review passages together. This can provide additional insights and help you learn from different perspectives.

3. What are some effective strategies for writing the essay section?

The essay section of the postgraduate admission test can be challenging, especially if you're not used to writing academic essays in English. However, with the right strategies and practice, you can improve your writing skills and feel more confident on exam day.

First and foremost, understand the essay prompt thoroughly. Make sure you address all parts of the question and stay on topic. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and create an outline before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay has a clear structure. A typical academic essay consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should present your thesis statement, which is the main argument or point of your essay. The body paragraphs should provide evidence and support for your thesis, while the conclusion should summarize your main points and offer a final thought or reflection.

Next, focus on developing your arguments logically. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis. Provide examples, evidence, or explanations to back up your points. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise, and avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that might confuse the reader. If you're unsure about the meaning of a word, it's better to use simpler language than to risk making a mistake.

Practice writing essays under timed conditions to improve your writing speed and efficiency. This will help you get used to the pressure of the exam and ensure that you can complete your essay within the allotted time. During your practice sessions, try to mimic the format of the actual exam as closely as possible. This includes using the same type of essay prompts and adhering to the same time limits. If you find yourself running out of time, it might be a sign that you need to work on your outlining skills or learn to write more concisely.

Finally, pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay and lower your score. Proofread your work carefully before submitting it. If possible, have someone else review your essay to provide feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement that you might have overlooked. Remember, writing is a skill that improves with practice, so the more you write and receive feedback, the better you'll become.