5. If you are currently studying at Birkbeck, please give name of the programme you are enrolled on: Qualification Grade Year Module Year

Transkript

1 Department of European Cultures and Languages Birkbeck College, University of London 43 Gordon Square London, WC1H 0PD Tel: Web: GERMAN UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AND LANGUAGE ENTRY TEST This entry test is for applicants who have knowledge of German in varying degrees through formal education, self-study or contact with native speakers. Please complete this section in BLOCK CAPITALS. PERSONAL DETAILS 1. Name 2. Address 3. Telephone (including area code) If you are currently studying at Birkbeck, please give name of the programme you are enrolled on: 6. Please list below any qualifications (e.g. GCSE, etc.) in German (if any). 7. Please list any German language modules recently completed at Birkbeck (if any): Qualification Grade Year Module Year 8. Period spent in a German-speaking country (if any) 9. Mother tongue 10. Other languages that you speak (if any) Level assigned and recommended course(s): FOR USE BY ADMISSIONS TUTOR Language group to which applicant has been assigned: Day:

2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMME APPLICANTS If you intend to start German at beginner s level, please tick here.. and answer only Section I. If you already have some German and intend to join at a higher language level, please answer Section I and also do ONE of the two exercises in Section II. Depending on your level of German, you can either fill in the Language Assessment Test (for intermediate learners) OR write a reviewcommentary in German (for more advanced learners). INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRADUATE DIPLOMA APPLICANTS If you apply for a Graduate Diploma, please work with the German original of the Kafka text (not the English translation) in Section I and write the reviewcommentary in German in Section II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR GERMAN LANGUAGE SHORT COURSES Applicants for German 1 do not complete this test. Applicants with a basic knowledge of German should complete Section II, Part A only (page 5). All other applicants should complete Section II, Parts A, B and C (pages 5-7). Other instructions: All answers need to be written either in GERMAN or in ENGLISH, as instructed for each section. Do not use a dictionary or other reference material. The test should be completed on your own without help from anyone else. Space has been included for your answers, but please feel free to add extra space or to continue on an extra page. For information, please refer to the language competency framework on Page 8. Completed tests should be returned to the postal address on page 1, or by to culturesandlanguages@bbk.ac.uk

3 SECTION I: LITERATURE Write a COMMENTARY in ENGLISH of words on the following passage of Franz Kafka s Metamorphosis (Die Verwandlung). Please concentrate on language, structure, themes and anything else you think might be of interest, bearing in mind that it is the opening section of the story. Depending on the level of your German, please read and comment on either the German version (turn page) or the English translation (below). As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect. He was lying on his hard, as it were armour-plated, back and when he lifted his head a little he could see his domelike brown belly divided into stiff arched segments on top of which the bed-quilt could hardly keep in position and was about to slide off completely. His numerous legs, which were pitifully thin compared to the rest of his bulk, waved helplessly before his eyes. What has happened to me? He thought. It was no dream. His room, a regular human bedroom, only rather too small, lay quiet between the four familiar walls. Above the table on which a collection of cloth samples was unpacked and spread out Samsa was a commercial traveller hung the picture which he had recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and put into a pretty gilt frame. It showed a lady, with a fur cap on and a fur stole, sitting upright and holding out to the spectator a huge fur muff into which the whole of her forearm had vanished. Gregor s eyes turned next to the window, and the overcast sky one could hear raindrops beating on the window gutter hade him quite melancholy. What about sleeping a little longer and forgetting all this nonsense, he thought, but it could not be done, for he was accustomed to sleep on his right side and in his present condition he could not turn himself over. However violently he forced himself towards his right side he always rolled on to his back again. He tried it at least a hundred times, shutting his eyes to keep from seeing his struggling legs, and only desisted when he began to feel in his side a faint dull ache he had never experienced before. O God, he thought, what an exhausting job I ve picked on! Travelling about day in, day out. It s much more irritating work than doing the actual business in the warehouse, and on top of that there s the trouble of constant travelling, of worrying about train connexions, the bed and irregular meals, casual acquaintances that are always new and never become intimate friends. The devil take it all! He felt a slight itching up on his belly; slowly pushed himself on his back nearer to the top of the bed so that he could lift his head more easily; identified the itching place which was surrounded by many small white spots the nature of which he could not understand, and made to touch it with a leg, but drew the leg back immediately, for the contact made a cold shiver run through him. 3 P a g e

4 Als Gregor Samsa eines Morgens aus unruhigen Träumen erwachte, fand er sich in seinem Bett zu einem ungeheueren Ungeziefer verwandelt. Er lag auf seinem panzerartig harten Rücken und sah, wenn er den Kopf ein wenig hob, seinen gewölbten, braunen, von bogenförmigen Versteifungen geteilten Bauch, auf dessen Höhe sich die Bettdecke, zum gänzlichen Niedergleiten bereit, kaum noch erhalten konnte. Seine vielen, im Vergleich zu seinem sonstigen Umfang kläglich dünnen Beine flimmerten ihm hilflos vor den Augen.»Was ist mit mir geschehen?«, dachte er. Es war kein Traum. Sein Zimmer, ein richtiges, nur etwas zu kleines Menschenzimmer, lag ruhig zwischen den vier wohlbekannten Wänden. Über dem Tisch, auf dem eine auseinandergepackte Musterkollektion von Tuchwaren ausgebreitet war - Samsa war Reisender - hing das Bild, das er vor kurzem aus einer illustrierten Zeitschrift ausgeschnitten und in einem hübschen, vergoldeten Rahmen untergebracht hatte. Es stellte eine Dame dar, die mit einem Pelzhut und einer Pelzboa versehen, aufrecht dasaß und einen schweren Pelzmuff, in dem ihr ganzer Unterarm verschwunden war, dem Beschauer entgegenhob. Gregors Blick richtete sich dann zum Fenster, und das trübe Wetter - man hörte Regentropfen auf das Fensterblech aufschlagen - machte ihn ganz melancholisch.»wie wäre es, wenn ich noch ein wenig weiterschliefe und alle Narrheiten vergäße«, dachte er, aber das war gänzlich undurchführbar, denn er war gewöhnt, auf der rechten Seite zu schlafen, konnte sich aber in seinem gegenwärtigen Zustand nicht in diese Lage bringen. Mit welcher Kraft er sich auch auf die rechte Seite warf, immer wieder schaukelte er in die Rückenlage zurück. Er versuchte es wohl hundertmal, schloß die Augen, um die zappelnden Beine nicht sehen zu müssen, und ließ erst ab, als er in der Seite einen noch nie gefühlten, leichten, dumpfen Schmerz zu fühlen begann.»ach Gott«, dachte er,»was für einen anstrengenden Beruf habe ich gewählt! Tag aus, Tag ein auf der Reise. Die geschäftlichen Aufregungen sind viel größer, als im eigentlichen Geschäft zu Hause, und außerdem ist mir noch diese Plage des Reisens auferlegt, die Sorgen um die Zuganschlüsse, das unregelmäßige, schlechte Essen, ein immer wechselnder, nie andauernder, nie herzlich werdender menschlicher Verkehr. Der Teufel soll das alles holen!«er fühlte ein leichtes Jucken oben auf dem Bauch; schob sich auf dem Rücken langsam näher zum Bettpfosten, um den Kopf besser heben zu können; fand die juckende Stelle, die mit lauter kleinen weißen Pünktchen besetzt war, die er nicht zu beurteilen verstand; und wollte mit einem Bein die Stelle betasten, zog es aber gleich zurück, denn bei der Berührung umwehten ihn Kälteschauer. 4 P a g e

5 SECTION II: LANGUAGE 1. Write a REVIEWCOMMENTARY of 300 to 500 words in GERMAN on a film, an exhibition or a book you have recently seen or read. OR 2. LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT TEST: Please fill in with words which make sense in the context and are grammatically correct. Part A Guten Tag. Wie heißen Sie, bitte? Ich heiße Ian McArthur. Und. wohnen Sie bitte? Ich. in London, aber ich komme Schottland.. Eltern leben in Ullapool, direkt. Meer. Und warum. Sie Deutsch lernen? Weil Vor zwei Jahren. ich schon einmal in Deutschland. Ich.Berlin gesehen und.freund in München besucht. Er hat. die Stadt gezeigt. Dann. wir nach Salzburg.. Und was hat. in München am besten gefallen? Natürlich das Oktoberfest.. Sie denn gerne Bier? Ja, ich...das dunkle Bier. Hier ist. Stuhl. Sie können sich setzen und gleich mit. Test beginnen. A: 20 5 P a g e

6 Part B Kennst du das Buch Wilhelm Meister? Das ist ein Roman,.Goethe. (schreiben) Nein, ich hasse Romane. Ich gehe. ins Konzert.. ich letztes Jahr in Deutschland war,. ich ein Konzert... deutschen Band. Vielleicht Kraftwerk? Sie. auch im Ausland.. Nein, es war Rammstein. Aber. (erzählen) mehr von Kraftwerk! Kraftwerk ist die international...deutsche Eletronikrockgruppe in Düsseldorf... Ihr Musikstil... damals... In Großbritannien... man diese Art von Musik Krautrock. Ihr großer kommerzieller Erfolg mit dem Stück Autobahn. Sie Das ist ja sehr interessant. Jetzt habe ich wirklich Lust,. B: 20 6 P a g e

7 Part C Im Jahre in Deutschland die Fußballweltmeisterschaft statt. Sie...ein großer Erfolg,...die deutsche Mannschaft nur den dritten Platz... *** Wir damals die Gelegenheit, um eine große Deutschlandreise zu unternehmen. Wir im Vorhinein Eintrittskarten...und...so Spiele in Hamburg, Kaiserslautern und Berlin... ***. wir noch nicht perfekt Deutsch sprachen,...wir vorher einen Deutsch-Intensivkurs in London... Dabei.wir insbesondere die Fachbegriffe aus dem Fussball, z. B. Torwart oder Stürmer. Doch das ist lange her,...wir Vieles...haben. ***. Ihr seit 2006 nochmals in Deutschland...? Nein, leider nicht. Aber es hat..., dass wir sicherlich nicht warten, bis einmal wieder eine Weltmeisterschaft in Deutschland... C: 20 FOR USE BY ADMISSIONS TUTOR Part A Part B Part C Results 7 P a g e

8 Language competences by the end of each stage Understanding Production Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 CEFR* A1 (Beginner) A2 (Elementary) B1 (Intermediate) B2 (Upper intermediate) C1 (Advanced) C2 (Proficiency) Exit level GCSE* AS level* A-level+ * Post A-level Degree level Listening I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly. I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect. I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort. I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided. I have some time to get familiar with the accent. Reading I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters. I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field. I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works. Spoken Interaction I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events). I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views. I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it. Spoken Production I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know. I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job. I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating subthemes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. Writing I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something. I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences. I can express myself in clear, wellstructured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind. I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works. Entry Complete beginner GCSE (or equivalent) AS LevelA-level (or equivalent) A-level + (or equivalent) Post A-level 8 P a g e

9 9 P a g e