Pass the exam in English. Exam in English

Increasingly, parents of schoolchildren are turning to our school with a request to prepare future graduates for the Unified State Exam in English 2018. Therefore, we decided to write a detailed article in which we will tell you how to prepare for this exam: we will consider its structure and provide practical tips for successfully passing each part of the Unified State Exam. , and will also present the best textbooks and online resources for preparing for this difficult test.

What is the Unified State Exam in English 2018

The Unified State Examination in English 2018 is a final exam at school, which is counted as an entrance exam to a university, which is why it is so important to pass it with a high score. For now, this exam is not mandatory, but if a graduate is going to enter a specialized university, he needs to pass this test.

In structure and level of difficulty, the Unified State Exam is similar to the international FCE exam. This means that in order to pass successfully, the student must have a level (above average). This is a high level, so we recommend starting to prepare for the Unified State Exam in English from the 10th grade, then in 2 years the student will be able to master the entire required amount of material at a normal pace.

In principle, you can prepare to take the exam in 1 year, but only if at the time of starting preparation the student already speaks English at an (intermediate) level. Don't know what level the graduate has? Then invite him to pass.

How is the Unified State Exam in English held in 2018? The exam consists of written and oral parts, which are held on different days. On one day, schoolchildren take the written part, it includes the following sections: listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. In total, on this day the graduate needs to complete 40 tasks in 180 minutes. A student can receive a maximum of 20 points for each section. Thus, for this day you can score 80 points.

The second part - oral - takes place on another day and available upon request. It lasts only 15 minutes and consists of 4 tasks. On this day, a graduate can earn another 20 points. We strongly advise all graduates to take the oral part: in case of unsuccessful answers you do not lose anything, but in case of successful - earn extra points.

Thus, a graduate can score a maximum of 100 points in the exam. The minimum score to pass the exam is 22 points.

Below we present a table for converting Unified State Exam scores in English into a five-point system.

Unified State Exam results are usually published 14 days after passing the second part of the exam, but in some cases they are known after 12 days. You can find out your results on the official Unified State Exam website by filling out all the required fields. Paper USE certificates were canceled in 2014, so now only electronic certificates are available.

Structure of the Unified State Exam in English 2018 and principles for successfully passing each part

In this chapter, we will tell you in detail about what tasks the graduate will have to complete in each part of the exam. In addition, we will provide advice from our teachers who prepare schoolchildren to take the Unified State Exam. By the way, if you are looking for a teacher who will prepare your child for the exam, pay attention to. They have been doing this for several years now and have developed their own strategy for successful preparation; they know what pitfalls await them in the exam, what typical mistakes schoolchildren make and how to get rid of these mistakes.

As an example, we will present you with a demo version of the Unified State Exam in English, provided by the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements fipi.ru.

Listening

The listening test lasts 30 minutes and consists of three parts. The first two parts are the first and second tasks, respectively, and the third part is tasks No. 3-9 (out of a total list of 40 tasks).

Listening for the Unified State Exam in English in 2018 includes 3 audio fragments combined into one recording. The examiners turn on the recording and do not stop it until the very end, but there are pauses between fragments to read the tasks and transfer the answers to the form. For each correct answer in this and other parts of the exam, the student receives 1 point. Let's see what the graduate will have to do in listening.

Exercise 1: 7 statements are given. The student listens to 6 statements and matches them with statements, one of which is redundant.

6 points.

Example:

Listening task 1

Task 2: 7 statements are given. The student listens to the dialogue and determines which statements correspond to the content of the dialogue (True), which do not correspond (False), and which are not mentioned in it (Not Stated).

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Listening task 2

Task 3: 7 questions are given, each of them has 3 possible answers. The student listens to the audio recording and selects the correct answer to each question.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Listening task 3

Our tips:

1. When preparing for the exam, you need to do as many listening tasks as possible in exam format. This way, the graduate will get used to quickly reading assignments and catching key words in speech that will help them find the correct answer.
2. When choosing an answer, you need to rely not on the words mentioned in the speaker’s speech, but on the meaning of his words. So, for example, in his speech he may in one way or another mention all the answers to the task, but if you delve into what was said, you can understand that there is only one correct answer.

Reading

The reading lasts 30 minutes and consists of 3 parts (9 tasks). We recommend spending no more than 10 minutes on each part in order to complete the allotted half hour.

Exercise 1: There are 7 short texts (3-6 sentences each) and 8 headings. You need to read the texts and choose the appropriate heading for each of them. In this case, 1 heading will be redundant.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Reading task 1

Task 2: Given a text that has 6 gaps. Below are 7 passages, 6 of which must be inserted in place of the gaps.

Maximum points: 6 points.

Example:

Reading task 2

Task 3: A short text and 7 questions for it are given. For each question there are 4 answer options, from which you need to choose 1 correct one.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Reading task 3

Our tips:

1. When completing the first task, you need to look for keywords that will indicate the meaning of the text and help you find the desired title. In addition, often the main meaning of a paragraph is reflected in the first sentence, and the rest give some minor details. Therefore, in some cases you just need to carefully read the first sentence in order to complete the task correctly.
2. To successfully complete the second task, you need to have a good understanding of how complex sentences are constructed in English. The fact is that the missing part in most cases is part of a compound or complex sentence. For example, if a student understands that in the subordinate clause who is used in relation to people, which - objects, and where - places, he will be able to successfully complete most of the tasks. It also needs to be repeated, for example, that the infinitive is used to express purpose.
3. In the third task, the questions are arranged in the order in which they are answered in the text. That is, the answer to the first question will be at the beginning of the text, and not in the middle or end, the answer to the second question will be after the answer to the first, etc.

Grammar and vocabulary

This section of the Unified State Exam in English 2018 tests the graduate’s knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary. The student is given 40 minutes to complete it. Let's see what the student has to do.

Exercise 1: Given a text in which 7 words are missing. To the right of the text are words that need to be transformed grammatically (for example, put the verb in the right tense) and inserted in place of the gap.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Grammar and vocabulary, task 1

Task 2: Given a text with 6 gaps. On the right are words that need to be transformed both lexically and grammatically - to form a single-root word that matches the meaning of the text.

Maximum points: 6 points.

Example:

Grammar and vocabulary, task 2

Task 3: Given a text with 7 gaps. You need to choose 1 correct answer out of the four proposed for each of them.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Grammar and vocabulary, task 3

Our tips:

1. The transformation of a word in the first part, as a rule, occurs according to the following principle. If you are given a verb, you must either use it in the correct tense, put it in the correct voice (active or passive), or form a participle from it. If an adjective is given, you must put it in the comparative or superlative degree. If you need to change a numeral, most likely you need to make it ordinal.
2. The second part mainly tests knowledge of suffixes and prefixes, including negative ones, and the ability to form different parts of speech from a word with the same root.
3. In the third part, knowledge of word combinations, so-called collocations, is most often tested. In addition, out of 4 words, you will need to choose the most appropriate one in meaning, that is, you need to know the difference between similar words and read the context.

Letter

The graduate is given 80 minutes to write and check 2 written works.

Exercise 1: Given is the text of a short letter from a friend asking questions. The student needs to read it and write a response letter: answer the friend’s questions and ask him questions.

Volume: 100-140 words.

Maximum points: 6 points.

Example:

Letter, task 1

A letter to a friend is written in an informal style. The structure of this work is as follows:

1. Making a “hat”

   In the upper right corner we write the address: on the top line we indicate the city, below it - the country of residence. No need to write the street and house number: This may be considered a disclosure of confidential information, even if the address is fictitious.

   After the address, skip 1 line and write the date the letter was written in the same upper right corner.

   Next, as usual, on the left we write an informal address: Dear Tom/Jim (the name will be given in the task). It is unacceptable to write Hello here. After the address, put a comma and continue writing the text of the letter on a new line.

2. Text of the letter

   We start writing each paragraph with a red line.

   In the first paragraph, you need to thank your friend for the letter you received (Thanks a lot for your last letter) and apologize that you didn’t write earlier (Sorry I haven’t been in touch for so long). You can also mention some fact from the letter you received.

   In the fourth paragraph, you need to summarize - inform that you are finishing the letter (I’ve got to go now! It’s time for my favorite TV show), and offer to keep in touch (Take care and keep in touch!).

3. End of the letter

   At the end, you need to write a final cliche phrase, which is always followed by a comma: All the best, Best wishes, etc.

   On the next line, under this phrase, you indicate your name.

Task 2: A statement (usually controversial) is given. The graduate writes an essay in which he discusses this topic, expresses his point of view, and also gives an opposing opinion and explains why he disagrees with it.

Volume: 200-250 words.

Maximum points: 14 points.

Example:

Letter, task 2

The essay is written in a neutral style and consists of 5 paragraphs:

1. Introduction: we formulate the topic-problem and immediately indicate that there are two opposing points of view.
2. Your opinion: we express our point of view (one) on this issue and give 2-3 arguments that confirm it.
3. Opposing opinions: we write 1-2 opposing points of view and give arguments in favor of their existence.
4. We express disagreement: we explain why we do not agree with the above points of view, and provide arguments in defense of our own opinion. However, they should not repeat the arguments from point 2.
5. Conclusion: We draw a conclusion on the topic, point out that there are different points of view, and finally confirm our point of view.

Our tips:

1. Stick to the required volume. It is permissible to deviate by 10% from the specified number of words, that is, you can write from 90 to 154 words in a letter and from 180 to 275 in an essay. If a graduate writes at least 1 word less (89), he will be given 0 points for the assignment. If the limit is exceeded, the examiner will count 140 words in a letter or 250 in an essay and evaluate it, and will deduct points for unfinished work, assignment design, topic disclosure, etc.
2. Avoid paragraphs consisting of one sentence; you need to supplement and justify each of your thoughts. To do this, you can use the constructions In my opinion, I believe, etc.
3. Monitor the style of written work: colloquial expressions like Guess what? or Wish me luck!, but in an essay it is better to stick to a more formal style. It is important not to overdo it with “informality”: all kinds of well, cause and slang expressions are unacceptable.
4. Use linking words, they make the text logical and allow you to complement or contrast sentences.

Oral speech

The oral part of the exam is the shortest, it takes only 15 minutes. The graduate needs to complete as many as 4 tasks, for which he can receive a maximum of 20 points. The student submits assignments in front of the computer, his answers are recorded using a headset, and the time countdown is shown on the screen. There is an organizer in the audience who monitors the progress of the exam.

Exercise 1: Popular scientific text is displayed on the screen. In 1.5 minutes you need to prepare and in the next 1.5 minutes read it out loud expressively.

Lead time: no more than 3 minutes.

Maximum points: 1 point.

Example:

Oral speech, task 1

Lead time: about 3 minutes.

Maximum points: 5 points.

Example:

Oral speech, task 2

Task 3: Show 3 photos. You need to choose 1 and describe it according to the plan proposed right there in the task.

Lead time: about 3.5 minutes.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Oral speech, task 3

Task 4: 2 pictures are given. It is necessary to compare them, describe the similarities and differences, and explain why the chosen topic is close to the graduate.

Lead time: about 3.5 minutes.

Maximum points: 7 points.

Example:

Oral speech, task 4

Our tips:

1. Take advantage online trainer for the oral part of the exam on the website injaz.ege.edu.ru. It completely simulates the exam, so you will become familiar with the format and understand exactly what you need to do, what time to meet, etc.
2. To practice the first part of the exam you need take texts on different topics and learn to read them with the correct expression: speech should have pauses, logical stress, natural intonation. In addition, the graduate must complete it in one and a half minutes, because the score is reduced if the text is not read to the end. However, you can’t rush either, because it’s not the reading speed that is being tested, but the ability to read the text expressively.
3. To successfully complete the second task, you need learn to ask questions to various texts. In principle, the task itself is elementary; most errors are associated with the loss of an auxiliary verb or its incorrect agreement with a noun. This problem can be easily solved by repeating question-writing exercises.
4. In the third task, the examinee needs to select 1 photo from 3 proposed and describe it. Here's our main advice - read the assignment carefully. The point is that it changes a little every year, so learn to answer according to the wording of 2018. In 2018, graduates will have to describe a photograph to a friend, that is, the monologue should address him. In addition, it is necessary answer all questions in the assignment, for example, if it says where and when the photo was taken, you need to answer both questions - where and when. At the beginning, you must definitely indicate which photo we will be talking about (I’ve chosen photo number...). Don't forget also about the introductory one (Would you like to have a look at my picture? / I'd like to show you a picture from my photo album.) and the final one (That's all for now. / I hope you liked my picture.) phrases that make speech logical.
5. In the fourth task you need to do the main focus of the speech is on comparing pictures, and not their description. In this case it is necessary use speech cliches: The first picture depicts... whereas/while the second picture depicts..., The main difference is that..., In comparison to the first picture, this one... etc. More similar speech cliches you learn with our article “Compare and Contrast Phrases”.

Textbooks and websites for preparing for the Unified State Exam in English 2018

Now you are familiar with the structure of the exam and understand that graduates will face a difficult test. However, you can pass the Unified State Exam in English in 2018 easily and successfully if you prepare well for it in advance. And in this the student will be helped, first of all, by a good teacher, as well as resources for preparing for this exam. We would like to introduce you to some textbooks and websites that our teachers use when preparing their students for the Unified State Exam. Take note of at least a few of them.

1. The Macmillan Exam Skills for Russia textbook series includes books on preparation for each part of the Unified State Exam. With authentic texts and exercises, this series is one of the best for exam preparation. These books are quite complex, so we recommend studying them for schoolchildren with at least an Intermediate level.
2. “Standard exam versions of the Unified State Exam edited by Verbitskaya” - exist in various variations and include standard Unified State Exam tasks with answers. Using the book, you can check how well a graduate is prepared to take the exam.
3. fipi.ru is the official website of the Federal Institute of Pedagogical Measurements, which presents a large bank of standard tasks for the Unified State Exam. On the specified page, click on the inscription “English” and in the tab that opens on the left, select the skill that you want to train. Please note: there are no answers to the assignments on the site, therefore, to ensure that the graduate’s efforts are not wasted, we advise you to study with the teacher and submit completed assignments to him for checking.
, talkenglish.com , podcastsinenglish.com - sites with educational podcasts in English. Of course, there are no standard tasks for the Unified State Exam, but you can practice your listening comprehension skills in an interesting way and take a little break from the same type of exam tasks.

Our teacher Natalya has already prepared dozens of excellent students for the Unified State Exam in English; in her article “Exam, be good to me, or How to successfully pass the Unified State Exam in English,” she shares her personal experience and advice for graduates.

So, now you can imagine the amount of work and know the secrets of successfully passing the Unified State Exam in English. We wish all graduates easy exams and high scores! And if you haven’t found a suitable teacher yet, sign up with us at.

Today, English is considered the most popular language when taking the Unified State Exam. A number of changes have been made to the Unified State Examination 2017. Even if you are confident in your abilities, you need to pass the Unified State Exam in English 2016. Online tests this year have four sections consisting of forty tasks. The Unified State Exam test has a maximum completion time. In 2017 it is 3 hours. To overcome the entry barrier, you must successfully pass 17 tasks. Be prepared for listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary and reading questions. Preparation for such a test must be enormous. Every year there is less and less reliance on luck. Without knowledge in a certain area, it is impossible to pass it. This test will help you assess your level for passing the exam.

Unified State Exam test in English

Question 1 of 20

She thinks she…responsible. She has never got on well with her... friends.

Rebecca was used to … because she was very shy and used to … very awkward sometimes.

Mr. Stone, who seemed … about his breakfast, … to Lima in surprise.

This island is known … by …

It is a chance… , so they must make a list of things…

They … very tired if they sat up … late.

Remember... your tickets and passports before you...

She can't help... that he helps her so...

Tom says he would rather…soccer…tennis.

Jerry is not... man to give... secret.

I see that... is wrong with you. But you should pull…together.

They found … in the street full of …

She talked to him… and looked very…

Snow is very … in this place, but once … it won't stop for weeks.

No sooner… on the light, than he saw that the window…

The deepest of all… lakes in the world is Baikal.

… to the law, smoking is forbidden in public places.

…for a short period of time, the family was rather poor.

Italian cuisine… greatly from French cuisine.

This reward is…to obtain.

Continue

To continue the test, select one of the answer options.

You answered correctly
18 questions out of 20

Your result:

Oops!... Two points(((Hurry up and start learning English with the online tutorial Lim English. With it you are guaranteed to get results.

“Satisfactory.” Start learning English with the online tutorial Lim English using the unique method of Oleg Limansky. The result will not be long in coming!

“Okay” Congratulations! You have a good command of English within the chosen level. Start learning English with the online tutorial Lim-English using the unique method of Oleg Limansky. With it you are guaranteed to improve your knowledge.

Congratulations! This is an excellent result. You have excellent command of English within the chosen level. You have a great opportunity to raise your level with the Lim-English online tutorial. You will get daily practice.

Excellent result! You have excellent command of English within the chosen level. There is no limit to perfection, use the Lim-English online tutorial - this is a great way to always be in shape. Test your strengths in our advanced courses.

Incorrect answers:

Question No. (1)
Your answer: (2)
Correct answer: (3)

The Unified State Exam in English is an exam that is not included in the list of mandatory ones, but the popularity of foreign languages ​​is growing every day. There is a possibility that the discipline will be introduced as compulsory, so it is worth paying special attention to the English language during school education. The Unified State Exam is the final test for all schoolchildren, during which the test taker’s level of competence in a number of disciplines is tested. But to prepare for the Unified State Exam in foreign languages, there is little knowledge; you need the ability to apply it in practice, work on tasks of different types and levels of complexity, perceive speech by ear, read, write, and have an excellent knowledge of grammar. Additional success factors are the ability to rationally allocate time to solve different tasks and a strong nervous system.

In 2018, English was taken in 2 stages - written and oral parts. Writing skills and knowledge were tested on one day, and other tasks on another.
The letter is tested with tasks on grammar, vocabulary, listening, and reading. There are 40 tasks in total, for which 180 minutes are allocated. The maximum number of points is 80.
The oral part is not mandatory for examinees - it gives another 20 points. It is recommended not to refuse the opportunity to receive additional points, which may be useful upon admission. This stage of the test is given 15 minutes, during which you need to complete 4 tasks. If the oral portion is failed, writing scores do not suffer.

• Listening - tasks that test students' ability to perceive speech by ear. The subjects are offered several fragments in English, which they must listen to and answer the proposed questions. Fragments include 2 times. The topics within the program are varied: weather, reports, recordings of programs and others. To answer correctly, it is important to understand what you hear! It is also recommended to listen carefully to background sounds when listening. To prepare for this stage, listen to English more often - watching films and programs will help.
• Reading: a text is presented that needs to be successfully perceived, understood, and answered questions. Ideally, about 95-97% of words should be understandable. The preparation is very simple - read more in English and learn new words.
• Grammar is the easiest format option. You need to insert missing words, correct mistakes, change the form of words, according to the rules. Preparation requires repetition of grammar.
• Writing: You are required to write an essay on a given topic. This could be an advertisement, a letter, an essay. Not only literacy is required, but also adherence to the correct structure of the text.

Summary of the book :

Thematic test tasks in English are aimed at preparing secondary school students to successfully pass the Unified State Exam.

At the beginning of each section, step-by-step instructions are given on how to effectively complete this USE test task. The instructions are accompanied by training tasks to practice the techniques necessary to successfully pass the Unified State Exam in the sections “Listening”, “Reading”, “Grammar and Vocabulary” and “Writing”. In the Writing section, teachers and students will also find parameters and criteria for assessing both parts of written work, which will help them better understand what to pay attention to when preparing and writing personal letters and essays.

In addition to training tasks, the manual offers two complete versions of a trial exam and sample forms for entering answers, which allows you to simulate the situation of a real exam.

Audio files contain texts for listening tasks, reproduced by professional native speakers.

1. Download the book for free - a collection of tasks “Unified State Exam 2016. English language. Typical test tasks" in PDF format :

2. Download free audio files for the book - a collection of tasks “Unified State Exam 2016. English language. Typical test tasks" in MP3 format (RAR archive) :

You can find others in the section of our parents club of the same name.

All books are stored on our Yandex.Disk and there is no charge for downloading them, as well as viruses and other nasty things.

Unified State Exam 2016. English language. Typical test tasks (PDF+MP3) was last modified: March 9th, 2016 by Koskin

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This page contains demo versions of the Unified State Examination in English for 2003 - 2019.

Since 2015, Unified State Examination in English comprises two parts: written and oral, including five sections: “listening”, “reading”, “grammar and vocabulary”, “writing” (written part) and “speaking” (oral part).

Answers to the tasks of the first three sections are given in demonstration versions, and evaluation criteria are given for the tasks of the fourth and fifth sections.

In comparison, the criteria for assessing the performance of task 40 of the “Writing” section in the written part of the exam, as well as the wording of task 40, in which the exam participant is offered a choice of two topics of a detailed written statement with elements of reasoning “My opinion,” have been clarified.

Demo versions of the Unified State Examination in English

Note that demo options are presented in pdf format, and to view them you must have, for example, the free Adobe Reader software package installed on your computer.

Changes in demo versions of the Unified State Exam in English

Demonstration versions of the Unified State Exam in English for grade 11 for 2004 - 2008 included five sections: “listening”, “reading”, “grammar and vocabulary”, “writing”, “speaking”. Answers were given to the tasks of the first three sections in demonstration versions, and evaluation criteria were given for the tasks of the fourth and fifth sections.

Demonstration versions of the Unified State Exam in English for grade 11 for 2009 - 2014 already consisted of four sections: “listening”, “reading”, “grammar and vocabulary”, “writing”. Answers were given to the tasks of the first three sections in demonstration versions, and evaluation criteria were given for the tasks of the fourth section.

Thus, from demo versions of the Unified State Exam 2009 - 2014 the “speaking” section was excluded.

IN 2015 Unified State Examination in English began to consist of two parts: written and oral. Demonstration version of the written part of the Unified State Exam 2015 in English Compared to the demo version of the Unified State Exam 2014, it had the following differences:

• Numbering there were assignments through throughout the entire version without letter designations A, B, C.
• Was The form of recording the answer in tasks with a choice of answers has been changed: The answer now needs to be written down in a number with the number of the correct answer (rather than marked with a cross).
• Listening tasks A1-A7 demo version of 2014 were transformed into task 2 written part of the 2015 demo.

IN 2015 V Unified State Examination in English again the “speaking” section is back, now in the form oral part of the Unified State Exam.

IN demo versions of the Unified State Exam 2016 - 2018 in English compared with demo version 2015 in Englishthere were no significant changes: The wording of the tasks for the oral part of the exam and the criteria for their evaluation were clarified.

IN demo version of the 2019 Unified State Examination in English compared with demo version 2018 in English The criteria for assessing the performance of task 40 of the “Writing” section in the written part of the exam were clarified, as well as the wording of task 40, in which the exam participant was offered a choice of two topics for a detailed written statement with elements of reasoning “My opinion”.

On our website you can also get acquainted with educational materials for preparing for the Unified State Exam in mathematics prepared by teachers of our training center "Resolventa".

For schoolchildren in grades 10 and 11 who want to prepare well and pass Unified State Examination in mathematics or Russian language for a high score, the Resolventa training center conducts

We also organize for schoolchildren