Mastering English Postgraduate Entrance Exam (Part 2): Top FAQs

The English Postgraduate Entrance Exam (Part 2) is a critical step for aspiring graduate students in China. This exam tests candidates' abilities in reading comprehension, translation, writing, and cloze tests. To excel, understanding common challenges and effective strategies is essential. Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare better.

What Are the Key Differences Between the Reading Comprehension and Translation Sections?

The reading comprehension section assesses your ability to understand and analyze academic texts, while the translation section focuses on your skill in converting English passages into Chinese. Unlike reading, translation requires not only linguistic accuracy but also cultural nuance. For reading, it’s crucial to practice skimming and scanning techniques to identify main ideas and supporting details. For translation, memorizing common phrases and practicing sentence structure is vital. Many candidates find translation more challenging because it demands a deep understanding of both languages. To improve, try pairing each reading passage with a translation exercise to see how your comprehension skills translate into writing. Remember, consistency is key—regular practice will build both your reading speed and translation precision.

How Can I Improve My Writing Score in the Essay Section?

Improving your writing score involves a mix of vocabulary expansion, logical structuring, and practice. The essay section typically requires argumentative or descriptive writing, so familiarize yourself with common topics like education, technology, or social issues. Start by outlining your essays: an introduction with a clear thesis, body paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes your points. To enhance vocabulary, read academic articles and note down new words, then incorporate them into your practice essays. Grammar is also critical—pay attention to tense consistency, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation. Many candidates struggle with generating ideas, so brainstorming before writing can help. Additionally, get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement. Remember, the more you write, the more natural it will feel under exam pressure.

What’s the Best Strategy for the Cloze Test?

The cloze test evaluates your ability to infer meanings and fill in gaps in a passage. A common mistake is relying solely on vocabulary knowledge, but the test often requires understanding context. Start by reading the entire passage to grasp the overall theme. Then, for each blank, consider the surrounding words—look for synonyms, antonyms, or logical connectors. Pay attention to verb tenses and sentence structures, as these often provide clues. Some candidates find it helpful to mark key phrases or idioms that repeat in the passage. Practice with timed exercises to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy. Also, review your mistakes to understand where you went wrong—was it vocabulary, context, or both? Over time, you’ll develop a knack for quickly identifying the correct answers by combining linguistic and contextual clues.