Penn State College of the Liberal Arts Department of Applied Linquistics

Academic Programs

ITA Program

Sample AEOCPT Test

SECTION ONE

In this section of the test, you will be expected to explain a common term from your field of study. You will have one minute to prepare. If you cannot think of a term, the evaluators will provide you with a list of terms from which you can choose.

The evaluators may interrupt you if they have questions or may ask questions at the end of your explanation. Consider the following questions in order to help you prepare your explanation:

  1. Can you give a formal definition of this term?
  2. Why is this term important in your field?
  3. How will you begin your explanation and be sure that your audience understands what the term is?
  4. Can you make the definition clearer or simpler by using examples, analogies, or drawings?
SECTION TWO

In this section of the test, you will be given a card that describes a role-play. Imagine the situation and perform the task indicated on the card. Speak as naturally and as accurately as you can. Remember, the evaluators will be interested in the way you express your ideas, not the actual ideas.

Situation: You are meeting a Penn State student who is interested in the culture of your home country. Have a conversation informing him/her about some historic site that you believe is particularly impressive.

You will have one minute to prepare. When you are ready, the evaluator will begin the role play. You can think about the following points:

  1. What historic site do you believe is impressive
  2. What makes this site so impressive

In the actual test, the role play will NOT be printed in the test book. You will receive a card with the instructions.

SECTION THREE

In this section of the test, you will be asked to give your opinion on topics of general interest. You will be asked two questions. Say as much as you can when answering each question.

Remember that this is a test of spoken English. Your score will be based on the way you express your ideas, not the actual ideas.

You will have 30 seconds after each question to prepare your answer.

  1. In what ways does watching television or movies help you learn English? Why or why not?
  2. Why do you think it is beneficial to study in the United States?

In the actual test, the questions in Section Three will NOT be printed in the test book. You will hear them from the evaluator.

SECTION FOUR

Directions: In this section of the test, you are to imagine that you have been asked to give a class of undergraduates some information to encourage them to attend a meeting sponsored by your department. Be sure to include all important information in your presentation. You do not have to memorize this information but can refer to the information in the test booklet.

You will have one minute to prepare to present the information listed below. Please note that where it says Your Field of Study, you should say the name of your department.

Speaker Series
Majors in Your Field of Study
Purpose: You are reading this information to inform students about and encourage them to attend a talk given by an important researcher in your field. You should decide the topic of the talk before you begin your presentation of information.
Date: Tuesday of next week
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Place: Room 116, Smith Building
Coffee and cake will be served.
The talk will last 45 minutes and will be followed by a question and answer period.

In the actual test, you may refer to this information. Please do not simply read it.