The TSE test

                                                                             

 The TSE test

          Test of spoken English (TSE)

Disclaimer: Remember, the facts are generalized and apply in most of the conditions. Sometimes the universities may differ from what is given.

Here are a few FAQ’s on TSE:

What is TSE? : Expanded to, Test of Spoken English, this exam is another one of those innumerable ones taken to pave way for an entry into a University with aid in the USA.

Is it mandatory? : Some of the Universities and Departments require you to have taken the ‘speak’ (as TSE is called) to consider you for financial assistance. In fact, some colleges regard your application packet complete only if you have taken TSE. However, the universities in this category are very few in numbers.

Do we have to take it? : This question requires quite some pondering. Most of us consider TSE as a good way of pocketing $90 by ETS. Coming back to the question, decide on what universities you are going to apply to. These Universities would have stated clearly if TSE were mandatory. Sometimes, inspite of declarations stating that TSE is very important, the universities relax the rules. So research the colleges well and contact your seniors in the respective Universities before deciding on taking the exam.

         

When do we take it? : If you have decided to take the test, go and apply for it straight as soon as possible. However, some people might waver in their decision and wait until they realize everyone else other then themselves have applied. Well, no hassles. Apply for the next earliest date. You can even send your application packet to the universities with a mention that you are going to take your ‘speak’ on a later date. Once the scores arrive you can forward it. This is so because it is required for decisions on financial assistance once you are given your admits.

What is the Format? : This is a 20 minutes exam. The questions include something like:

1.  Giving directions and a few more questions based on a given map

2.  Announcing a change in schedule

3.  Interpreting a graph

4.  A topic to talk about

5.  Picture story telling

6.  A phone conversation

These are only sample questions. For specifics, look at the TSE bulletin.

Any preparation? : Now this is a tricky question. All we’d like to say is, you must have a decent fluency in English. So may be for the week when you have your test scheduled, you can go around talking in English.

          Have a look at the TSE bulletin and have atleast one practice session of the questions. Take the test given in the bulletin and record your voice. You’ll know where you are lacking.

During the Exam? : Nothing much here. The atmosphere is the same as the one in our language lab. In fact, the US consulate has better facilities.

         

Be natural (don’t use an assumed accent or voice). Be loud and clear. (That doesn’t mean you have to shout).

You will be given the question booklet and every question will be read out to you. After this you will be given time to answer (this is restricted to a few seconds).

          You might finish your talk earlier than the stipulated time and hear a buzz as others continue. Concentrate on going over the next question during this time. You might also exceed the time and will be cut off abruptly. Not to worry, as what matters is your fluency in English and thoughts apart from how much you are making yourself understood. The length of the speak is not much of a problem.

What do we term Good Scores? : The test is scored out of 60. A mark of 50 or above is considered ‘pass’. A score of 55 is easily attainable if you are good at speaking but make a few minor mistakes. If you are perfect, you can get 60.

          To sum it up, this is one of the easiest exams of all.

ALL THE BEST!