Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta

Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

Dragii mei, acest document contine resurse pentru o pregatire “de ultim
moment” precum si o lista de subiecte pentru examenul scris si cel oral.
Succes! Cristina Felea, Ph.D.

Table of Contents
Structura Testului
Writing topics (short list)
For the oral exam
Topics for the oral exam
Review Your English for the Exam of Linguistic Competence
Assessment and self-assessment
Self-assessment grid (EN) - detailed
Overall spoken interaction Grid (EN)
Interviewing and being interviewed grid (EN)
Mai multe precizari ptr. candidati (competente, programa de studiu)

Structura Testului
● INTELEGERE ASCULTARE (completarea de spatii goale cu informatie din textul
ascultat, adevarat/fals) - pe baza materialelor din semestrul 2
● INTELEGEREA TEXTULUI SCRIS (completarea de spatii goale cu informatie din
text, adevarat/fals, reformularea informatiei din text cu propriile cuvinte) - pe
baza materialelor din semestrul 2
● ESEU ARGUMENTATIV (250 CUVINTE) pe o tema din aria de specializare - a se
vedea lista de subiecte de mai jos
● VORBIRE - prezentare si conversatie - a se vedea lista de subiecte de mai jos
** Un exemplu de test se poate accesa AICI.

Test Structure
● Listening Comprehension (True/False, Fill in the blanks)
● Reading Comprehension (True/False, Fill in the blanks, Rephrase)
● Argumentative essay (250 words)
● Speaking - presentation and interaction (see topics below)
A sample test can be accessed here

Writing topics (short list)

1
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

1. “Cultural awareness is a necessity in today’s world”. Do you agree or

disagree with the quotation above? Use specific reasons and examples
to explain your position.
2. "One's destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things.”
Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use specific
reasons and examples to explain your position.
3. “When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing
to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation
above? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
4. Some people believe that university students should be required to
attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional
for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific
reasons and details to explain your answer.
5. Though texting is a valuable way of communicating, some people
spend too much time sending messages by phone instead of
interacting with others face to face. Addressing an audience of your
peers, explain why you agree or disagree with this observation.
6. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for
example, honesty, intelligence, a sense of humor) that a person can
have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples from
your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer,
you are not limited to the examples listed in the prompt.
7. In this busy world we live in, eating at food stands or restaurants is
more convenient. Do you agree? Use specific reasons and examples to
support your answer.
8. Some people think it is better to live in a small town and others that
it is better to live in a big city. Which do you think is best? Use
specific reasons and details to support your answer.
9. Which is more important for success: the natural ability you are born
with or hard work? Explain your opinion, using specific reasons and
examples.
10.Without digital skills, a person cannot expect to be successful in the
world today. Do you agree or disagree with the quotation above? Use
specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
11.The expression “Never, never give up” means to keep trying and
never stop working for your goals. Do you agree or disagree with this
statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
12.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “People are
never satisfied with what they have; they always want something
more or something different”? Use specific reasons to support your
answer.
13.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “The Internet
has destroyed communication among friends and family”? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your opinion
14.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “The most
important aspect of a job is the money a person earns”? Use specific
reasons and examples to support your answer.
15.“It is better for teenagers/young people to have jobs while they are
still students.” Do you agree with this idea? Support your opinion by

2
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

using specific reasons and details.

16.Learning about the past has no value for those of us living in the
present. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples
to support your answer.
17.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Face-to-face
communication is better than other types of communication, such as
online networking, e-mail, or telephone calls”? Use specific reasons
and details to support your answer.
18.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Modern
technology makes life more convenient”? Use specific reasons and
details to support your answer.
19.Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Life was
better when technology was simpler”? Use specific reasons and
details to support your answer.

For the oral exam

be ready to
● Give a short description of yourself (1-2 minutes): introduce
yourself, speak mostly about your academic and professional
interests, recent academic experience, plans for the future (working,
enrolling in an MA programme, etc). You may also add information on
other aspects such as hobbies and family if they are relevant.
● Speak about one of the topics in the list below (3-4 minutes): make
sure you present it by respecting the basic structure of an argument:
○ Introduction (presentation of the topic, thesis statement),
○ Body (2 arguments + reasons & examples to support your
thesis; 1 counterargument;
○ Conclusions (brief summary of the previous).

Topics for the oral exam

Note: you will be given 1-2 minutes to think about your answers.

1. It is better for people to stay in their own countries rather than to

migrate to other ones. Do you agree?
2. The television is often blamed for children's bad behaviour or for
generating violence in society. What is your opinion on this?
3. What do you think makes people choose one profession over another?
Vocation? Academic results? Family influence? Market needs?
4. Some people follow their parents' lead in choosing a profession. Are
there any professions in which you think this is more frequent? Do you
know of any cases?
5. Lifelong learning is aimed at encouraging people to continue studying
beyond the traditional primary, secondary and higher education
levels. Many people learn to drive and study English - what other
examples can you think of where you might study after leaving
school/university?
6. What does the education system do to prepare people for work or to

3
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

assist them to find jobs? Is it efficient?

7. Decide what are the three most important qualities of an ideal
parent. Are there any other qualities that you would like to add to
your list?
8. How would you rate the way that your parents brought you up?
9. Who is mainly responsible for a child’s academic success - the parents
or the teachers?
10.Do you think that there are any jobs which only men or only women
can or should do?
11.In your country, how do the roles of men and women differ in the
family?
12.Boys and girls frequently have different toys. Girls often have dolls
and boys often have toy guns. Is that because they prefer different
toys or because we give them different toys? Does this matter? Should
it be encouraged or discouraged?
13.Why do people go to university? To obtain job skills? To get a degree?
To have a good time? To find a husband/wife? To put off having to go
out into the "real life" and find a job?
14.The dictionary defines "leisure" as the absence of duties or work
activities.How much free time do you have to yourself? Do you spend
your free time actively or "just" resting?
15.How much free time do you spend on the net? Would you like to
spend more or less?
16. What do you think of people who eat mostly junk food? Does junk
food or good quality healthy food make you happier?
17. Have you done any voluntary work? What did you learn from that? For
example: I learned to be caring and compassionate, and to look after
those less fortunate than myself. I learned responsibility and
leadership, for example...
18.Comment on the following statement: Animals should be treated with
the same respect as humans. Bring arguments and examples to
sustain your ideas.
19.Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life
better when technology was simpler? Give reasons for your answers
20.Argue for or against the following statement: Face-to-face
communication is better than other types of communication, such as
online networking, e-mail, or telephone calls. Use relevant arguments
and examples to support your ideas.
21.Argue for or against the following statement: Self-confidence is the
most important factor for success in school or at work. Use relevant
arguments and examples to support your ideas.
22.What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the European
Union? Refer to at least three of the possible aspects with relevant
arguments.
23.Should a city try to preserve its old, historic buildings or destroy them
and replace them with modern buildings? Bring arguments and
examples to sustain your ideas.
24.Comment on the following statement: Personal experience is the best
way of learning about life. Bring arguments and examples to sustain
your ideas.

4
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

25.Express your opinion on the following: “You can judge a person by his
or her appearance.” Bring arguments and examples to sustain your
ideas.
26.Animals can make our lives better.Do you agree? Bring arguments and
examples to sustain your opinion.
27.Argue for or against the following statement: “The groups we belong
to influence our opinions about the world, our interactions with
others, and the decisions we make”.Illustrate with examples.
28.Do you believe that technology helps us to understand the world
better than we used to? Why or why not? Discuss and give examples.
29.Argue for or against the following statement: “Human companionship
can be more important than comfort, safety, or money in determining
the quality of a person’s life”.
30.Argue for or against the following statement: “The Internet gives you
information, and information gives you power. Therefore, people
without computers are at a big disadvantage.” Illustrate with
examples.
31.Argue for or against the following statement: Books are silent
teachers. Illustrate with examples.
32.Do you agree that “travelling broadens the mind”? Discuss and
illustrate with examples.
33.What do you expect life to be like in the future? What things will
improve, what things will get worse?
34.What do you prefer, living in the city centre or living in the suburbs?
Why? Illustrate with examples.
35.What do you prefer, living with your family or living alone? Why?
36. Society should help young people to avoid becoming addicted to
certain substances and activities. Do you agree? Illustrate with
examples.
37.How can addictions affect people’s lives? Discuss and illustrate with
examples.
38.Do you agree with the following statement: “Reading is to the mind
what exercise is to the body”?
39.The principal goal of education is to create people who are capable
of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations
have done. Do you agree? Bring arguments and examples to sustain
your opinion.
40.We are becoming extremely dependent on computers. Is this a good
thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits? Support your
decision with arguments and illustrate it with examples.

Review Your English for the Exam of Linguistic Competence

by practising
● listening :
○ Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab with listening comprehension
exercises for all levels
○ British Council TeenLearn - listening skills:
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/listening-skills-practice

5
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

○ English Online France http://eolf.univ-fcomte.fr/index.php?

page=listening-to-english for dictations etc. and
http://www.ted.com/talks with subtitles in English and Romanian
● reading:
○ ESL Bits - practice various reading activities http://esl-
bits.net/main2.htm,
○ British Council TeenLearn - reading skills:
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading-skills-practice
○ http://www.cdlponline.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=homepage
● writing:
○ http://writefix.com/ ;
○ see also list of argumentative essays here: http://writefix.com/?
page_id=399 and TOEFL topics here http://writefix.com/?
page_id=1903
○ British Council TeenLearn - writing skills:
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing-skills-practice
● speaking:
○ Talk about yourself - video and interactive practice from British Council
○ expressing opinion: handout on Expressing opinion - Useful phrases
○ discussing and presenting an argument: Scroll down the page to find
useful phrases - http://www.uefap.com/writing/function/argue.htm
○ developing arguments WriteFix
○ How to Improve Your Conversation Skills: Learn how to start a
conversation with a native speaker and improve your ability to speak
English fluently.
○ How to Keep A Conversation Going: Improve your ability to have a
conversation with ANYONE — even complete strangers! This English
class will show you how to talk to anyone — even that boy/girl you
have a crush on!
○ Speak With Confidence: Don’t be shy! Use your English ability to talk
to anyone! If you make a mistake, don’t worry…just keep talking and
you’ll improve your conversation skills!
○ Conversation Skills - Hesitation Devices, Uh..., Hm...:This one simple
technique will improve your communication and English conversation
abilities – no matter what your level is!
○ Improve Your Conversation Skills with Three Expressions: Improve
your conversation skills in English immediately with these three easy
expressions: as I was saying, speaking of, and if you ask me

Assessment and self-assessment

Below you can access self-assessment grids to get familiar with the requirements for
each linguistic level. Your performance at the exam will be evaluated according to
these standards.

6
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

The self-assessment grid - global (RO) (Common European Framework for

Languages) will be used to assess your answers. Check the Romanian version at
this link.

Self-assessment grid (EN) - detailed

RECEPTION INTERACTION PRODUCTION

Listening Reading Spoken Interaction Written Spoken Written

Interaction Production Production

C2 I have no difficulty I can read with ease I can take part I can express I can present a I can write clear,
in understanding virtually all forms effortlessly in any myself with clear, smoothly- smoothly flowing
any kind of spoken of the written conversation or clarity and flowing description text in an
language, whether language, including discussion and have a precision, or argument in a appropriate style.
live or broadcast, abstract, good familiarity with relating to the style appropriate to I can write
even when structurally or idiomatic expressions addressee the context and complex letters,
delivered at fast linguistically and colloquialisms. I flexibly and with an effective reports or articles,
native speed, complex texts such can express myself effectively in logical structure which present a
provided I have as manuals, fluently and convey an assured, which helps the case with an
some time to get specialised articles finer shades of personal, recipient to notice effective logical
familiar with the and literary works. meaning precisely. If I style. and remember structure, which
accent. do have a problem I significant points. helps the recipient
can backtrack and to notice and
restructure around the remember
difficulty so smoothly significant points.
that other people are I can write
hardly aware of it. summaries and
reviews of
professional or
literary works.

C1 I can understand I can understand I can express myself I can present clear, I can express
extended speech long and complex fluently and detailed myself in clear,
even when it is not factual and spontaneously without descriptions of well-structured
clearly structured literary texts, much obvious complex subjects text, expressing
and when appreciating searching for integrating sub- points of view at
relationships are distinctions of expressions. I can use themes, developing some length. I can
only implied and style. I can language flexibly and particular points write detailed
not signalled understand effectively for social and rounding off expositions of
explicitly. I can specialised articles and professional with an complex subjects
understand and longer purposes. I can appropriate in an essay or a
television technical formulate ideas and conclusion report,
programmes and instructions, even opinions with underlining what
films without too when they do not precision and relate I consider to be
much effort. relate to my field. my contribution the salient issues.
skilfully to those of I can write
other speakers different kinds of
texts in a style
appropriate to the
reader in mind.

B2 I can understand I can read articles I can interact with a I can write I can present clear, I can write clear,
extended speech and reports degree of fluency and letters detailed detailed text on a
and lectures and concerned with spontaneity that highlighting descriptions on a wide range of
follow even contemporary makes regular the personal wide range of subjects related to
complex lines of problems in which interaction with native significance of subjects related to my interests. I can
argument provided the writers adopt speakers quite events and my field of interest. write an essay or
the topic is particular stances possible. I can take an experiences. I can explain a report, passing on
reasonably or viewpoints. I active part in viewpoint on a information or
familiar. I can can understand discussion in familiar topical issue giving giving reasons in
understand most contemporary contexts, accounting the advantages and support of or
TV news and literary prose. for and sustaining my disadvantages of against a particular
current affairs views. various options. point of view.
programmes. I can

7
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

understand the
majority of films in
standard dialect.

B1 I can understand the I can understand I can deal with most I can write I can connect I can write
main points of clear texts that consist situations likely to arise personal phrases in a simple straightforward
standard speech on mainly of high whilst travelling in an letters way in order to connected text on
familiar matters frequency everyday area where the language describing describe topics, which are
regularly or job-related is spoken. I can enter experiences experiences and familiar, or of
encountered in language. I can unprepared into and events, my dreams, personal interest.
work, school, leisure, understand the conversation on topics impressions. hopes & ambitions.
etc. I can understand description of that are familiar, of I can briefly give
the main point of events, feelings and personal interest or reasons and
many radio or TV wishes in personal pertinent to everyday explanations for
programmes on letters life (e.g. family, hobbies, opinions and plans.
current affairs or work, travel and I can narrate a
topics of personal or current events). story or relate the
professional interest plot of a book or
when the delivery is film and describe
relatively slow and my reactions.
clear.

A2 I can understand I can read very I can communicate in I can write I can use a series of I can write a series
phrases and the short, simple simple and routine short, simple phrases and of simple phrases
highest frequency texts. I can find tasks requiring a notes and sentences to and sentences
vocabulary related specific, simple and direct messages describe in simple linked with simple
to areas of most predictable exchange of relating to terms my family connectors like
immediate information in information on matters in and other people, „and", „but“ and
personal relevance simple everyday familiar topics and areas of living conditions, „because“.
(e.g. very basic material such as activities. I can immediate my educational
personal and advertisements, handle very short need. I can background and my
family information, prospectuses, social exchanges, even write a very present or most
shopping, local menus and though I can't usually simple recent job
geography, timetables and I understand enough to personal
employment). I can can understand keep the conversation letter, for
catch the main short simple going myself. example
point in short, personal letters thanking
clear, simple someone for
messages and something.
announcements

A1 I can recognise I can understand I can interact in a I can write a I can use simple I can write simple
familiar words and familiar names, simple way provided short, simple phrases and isolated phrases
very basic phrases words and very the other person is postcard, for sentences to and sentences.
concerning myself, simple sentences, prepared to repeat or examples describe where I
my family and for example on rephrase things at a sending holiday live and people I
immediate concrete notices and slower rate of speech greetings. I can know.
surroundings when posters or in and help me formulate fill in forms
people speak catalogues. what I'm trying to say. with personal
slowly and clearly. I can ask and answer details, for
simple questions in example
areas of immediate entering my
need or on very name,
familiar topics. nationality and
address on a
hotel
registration
form.

Overall spoken interaction Grid (EN)

C2 Has a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with awareness of connotative

8
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

levels of meaning. Can convey finer shades of meaning precisely by using, with reasonable
accuracy, a wide range of modification devices. Can backtrack and restructure around a difficulty
so smoothly the interlocutor is hardly aware of it.

C1 Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Has a good command of
a broad lexical repertoire allowing gaps to be readily overcome with circumlocutions. There is
little obvious searching for expressions or avoidance strategies; only a conceptually difficult
subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

B2 Can use the language fluently, accurately and effectively on a wide range of general, academic,
vocational or leisure topics, marking clearly the relationships between ideas. Can communicate
spontaneously with good grammatical control without much sign of having to restrict what
he/she wants to say, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances.

Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and
sustained relationships with native speakers quite possible without imposing strain on either
party. Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain
views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.

B1 Can communicate with some confidence on familiar routine and non-routine matters related to
his/her interests and professional field. Can exchange, check and confirm information, deal with
less routine situations and explain why something is a problem. Can express thoughts on more
abstract, cultural topics such as films, books, music etc.

Can exploit a wide range of simple language to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst
travelling. Can enter unprepared into conversation of familiar topics, express personal opinions
and exchange information on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to
everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).

Can interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the
A2 other person helps if necessary. Can manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort;
can ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in
predictable everyday situations.

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time. Can handle very
short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going of
his/her own accord.

A1 Can interact in a simple way but communication is totally dependent on repetition at a slower
rate of speech, rephrasing and repair. Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond
to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Interviewing and being interviewed grid (EN)

C2 Can keep up his/her side of the dialogue extremely well, structuring the talk and

9
Universitatea Babes-Bolyai, Facultatea de Litere Examen acces licenta
Departamentul de Limbi Straine Specializate [DLSS] 2017-2018

interacting authoritatively with complete fluency as interviewer or interviewee,

at no disadvantage to a native speaker.

C1 Can participate fully in an interview, as either interviewer or interviewee,

expanding and developing the point being discussed fluently without any
support, and handling interjections well.

B2 Can carry out an effective, fluent interview, departing spontaneously from

prepared questions, following up and probing interesting replies.

Can take initiatives in an interview, expand and develop ideas with little help or
prodding from an interviewer.

B1 Can provide concrete information required in an interview/consultation (e.g.

describe symptoms to a doctor) but does so with limited precision.
Can carry out a prepared interview, checking and confirming information, though
he/she may occasionally have to ask for repetition if the other person's response
is rapid or extended.

Can take some initiatives in an interview/consultation (e.g. to bring up a new

subject) but is very dependent on interviewer in the interaction.
Can use a prepared questionnaire to carry out a structured interview, with some
spontaneous follow up questions.

A2 Can make him/herself understood in an interview and communicating ideas and

information on familiar topics, provided he/she can ask for clarification
occasionally, and is given some help to express what he/she wants to.

Can answer simple questions and respond to simple statements in an interview.

A1 Can reply in an interview to simple direct questions spoken very slowly and
clearly in direct non-idiomatic speech about personal details.

Mai multe precizari ptr. candidati (competente, programa de studiu)

Faceti clic pe acest document.

10