Placement Test
Placement Test Procedures
The goal of our testing procedures is to ensure that the language class you take is at a level appropriate to your initial language proficiency. Students taking courses either above or below their proficiency levels is problematic because it can create imbalances in class participation, skewed grading distributions, and overwhelmed (or bored) students. You will only be permitted to register in a course that is appropriate for your level.
Also, please be aware that, if you are required to take a placement test, you need to complete the test AND RECEIVE YOUR RESULTS before you can register. So don’t leave it to the last minute!
NOTE: Once classes start, if your level is found inappropriate for level in which you are registered, you will be required to drop the course and the School cannot guarantee you a place in another course level.
Attendance in language courses is mandatory. Students who are starting their first language course at Carleton University or who have been placed into the course level by a placement test may jeopardize their registration in the course by not attending/participating in class at the beginning of the term. By the end of the registration period these students must have been assessed by their language instructor and found to be at the correct level for the course they are registered in. Those that are not assessed or who are found to be at a different level will be withdrawn from the course by the Registrar’s Office.
Do I need to take a placement test?
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Students with no previous knowledge of the language … | If you have no previous knowledge of a language, you do not need to complete a placement test and should register in an introductory level course (1010 or 1110). These courses are intended for students with no prior knowledge of the language. Please note: all students wanting to register in ARAB 1110 will require an assessment prior to registration (more Arabic information below). |
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Students who have already taken a course(s) in the language at Carleton… | If you have already successfully completed Carleton University course(s) in the language you want to study, you do not need to complete a placement test and will continue to take classes according to the normal sequence of courses. ** |
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Students with some limited previous knowledge of the language… | If you have had some exposure to the language you would like to study but believe that you would be most appropriately placed at the introductory level, you are still required to take the placement test to finalize your registration in the course. You can register for a 1010 or 1110* class before you receive your placement results but please be aware that, if your proficiency is found to be too high for the course, you will be required to withdraw and the School cannot guarantee you a space in another course level.*Please note: all students wanting to register in ARAB 1110 will require an assessment prior to registration (more Arabic information below). |
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Students with previous knowledge of the language … | If you are entering our program for the first time AND have acquired some proficiency in this language in the past, you must complete a formal placement. You will need the results from this placement BEFORE you can register in upper level courses. |
| ** Students who complete a course with a final grade high enough to move to the next level are not eligible to repeat any course below that level. Some exceptions apply. |
When can I take my placement test?
Placement testing starts in March for the upcoming academic year. Space in language courses is limited so try to complete your placement test as early as possible. This will allow you to receive your test results well in advance of the date on your registration time ticket. A time ticket is your “start time” for registration.
Testing begins 1 March for the Spring/Summer 2013, Fall 2013 and Winter 2014 terms.
Testing time slots for May – August will be Tuesday 9:30 – 10:30* am and Thursday 1:30 – 2:30* pm. *Please note some languages may require an oral interview after the written component is completed.
Scheduled placement tests will be held in 358 St. Patrick’s Building.
| Semester | Placement Testing Period |
| Fall courses | March 1 – September 1 |
| Winter courses | March 1 – December 15 |
| Early/Full Summer courses | March 1 – first week of classes in May |
| Late Summer courses | March 1 – June 15 |
NOTE: Please note that there are a number of policies that may affect you. Be sure to check the Placement Policies section below.
How do I register for a placement test?
Similar testing procedures apply for most languages. These procedures include a written test and, in most cases, an oral interview. Please note that you will need to complete all required test components before you receive a placement and are permitted to register.
Also, you should be aware that some languages have modified test procedures. Before you register for your test, check the language-specific instructions section below to see if there are any particular instructions that you need to be aware of.
NOTE(S):
- Test-takers must sign up in advance. Requests must be received at least 24 hours before the test.
- Also, please be aware that French classes are not taught in SLaLS. All inquiries about French courses should be directed to the Department of French
Placement Test Policies
- Space in language courses is limited so, if you require a placement test, please try to complete it as soon as possible in order to improve your chances of a spot.
- Only placement results given between March and December can be used for registration in the upcoming academic year. Please note: students must also meet all University deadlines for registration (Fall/Winter or Summer).
- Once classes start, if a student’s level of the language is found to be inappropriate for the course level in which they are registered, they will be required to drop the course. The School cannot guarantee them a place in another course level.
- An interview may be required at a later date to confirm a test-taker’s proficiency level.
- Students registered in the prerequisite course in the fall term can register in the next course level in the winter term prior to completing the course. However, if they withdraw from the Fall course or do not receive the required final grade in the Fall prerequisite course needed to continue their studies in the language, they must immediately withdraw from the upper level winter course.
- Only students with some knowledge of the language, who have NOT yet taken a Carleton University course in the language, are permitted to take this test. Students can take this test only ONCE during an academic testing cycle. Some exceptions may be made for students who have acquired more knowledge in the language elsewhere since completing a course at Carleton University.
- Once you have received a final grade high enough to move to the next course level of the language, you are not eligible to repeat any course below that level. The only exception to this rule applies to students who have had a break in studies of 3 or more years. These students must complete a placement test to reassess their proficiency.
Language Specific Information
If you have some previous knowledge of the language or culture of deaf people and would like to study an ASLA course, please email Celia Posner, celia_posner@carleton.ca, with a brief description of your background in the language as soon as possible.
Schedule for Placement Test & Interview (if required): Available on Thursdays only.
June: 27 July: 4, 11, 18, 25 August: 1, 8, 22, 29.
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Writing & Reading: approx. 30 min. Interview: approx. 10 mins.
If you’re planning to take an Arabic course (all levels), there are a few steps you need to take before you can register.
Before registration for the placement test, please contact the Instructor* by email: george_chouchani@carleton.ca
*Include your Student # and use your MyCarleton email account
Include in your message:
- A brief description of your background in Arabic. If you have ‘zero’ backgound (i.e. no knowledge at all), mention it;
- Your reasons for taking this course.
After you receive the instructor’s reply, if necessary register for a placement test using the online contact form. When registering for a test online, please indicate what time you will be arriving. The placement test includes an interview, oral reading and some writing.
ARAB 1110 is for learners with no previous knowledge of the language (‘zero’ beginners). It focuses on learning the script (writing) and basic oral communication.
ARAB 2110 is a continuation of 1110 with a focus on reading/writing and grammar basics.
Your level would be too high for 1110 and/or 2110 if your background in Arabic includes:
- Regular exposure to and communication in Arabic (at home, socially with friends/ community)
- Previous residence in an Arabic-speaking country
- General understanding of text (newspaper, magazine)
- General understanding of films, TV, Internet, media news, etc.
- Attendance at ‘heritage/community language programs’ (Saturday school, high school credits) or attendance at a primary school in Arabic.
You may be eligible for ARAB 2110 if you have a basic background in Arabic:
- Familiarity with script and basic grammar rules
- Familiarity with spoken Arabic
Please include the following in the Comments section of the request form:
- level you are applying for
- brief description of your background in Arabic. If you have ‘zero’ backgound (i.e. no knowledge at all), mention it.
- your reasons for taking this course.
All German classes with the exception of GERM 2000 follow the standard written/oral procedures (above). GERM 2000, Reading in German I requires no previous knowledge of German and therefore no placement is required prior to registration.
Inuktitut Language Studies (LANG)
First year Inuktitut is intended for students with little or no knowledge of Inuktitut. An assessment of your language proficiency will take place in the first class of the semester. This assessment will measure: (a) your exposure to the language, (b) your knowledge of it, and (c) your comfort level when speaking it. Students whose level is determined to be too high for 1010 may be required to withdraw from the course but will be permitted to register in LANG 1020. Assessment will involve answering the following questions:
- How would you describe your strengths in Inuktitut?
- What would you be hoping to improve on?
- Describe how you learned Inuktitut or if it is your first language, describe how you lost touch.
- What dialect or region?
- Explain some kinds of situations where you understand conversation and dialogue by fluent speakers.
- Explain some kinds of situations where you are lost in the conversation or feel uneasy around fluent speakers.
- Please write two paragraphs or so in Roman or Syllabics telling me anything you choose to share about yourself (school, work, family, goals).
NOTE:Test dates and times for Portuguese placement tests may vary from the schedule. Please submit a request to take the test and a test date/time will be determined based on your and the instructors availability.
If you have some previous knowledge of the language and would like to study a RUSS course, email Dr. Iryna Kozlova, with the answers to the following questions (courses not open to heritage and/or native speakers):
- Where and when did you learn Russian before Carleton University?
- How many academic hours of instruction did you have in your previous studies of Russian?
The following are self-placement guidelines. This is only a guide. Your final level will be determined by formal placement:
- Complete beginners and students with previous number of hours of instruction of up to 30 – would be at the RUSS 1010 course level.
- Students with previous number of hours of instruction of 50-80 – would likely be placed at the RUSS 1020 course level.
- Students with previous number of hours of instruction of 100-130 – would likely be placed at the RUSS 2010 course level.
- Students with previous number of hours of instruction of 150-180 – would likely be placed at the RUSS 2020 course level.
- Students with previous number of hours of instruction of 200-230 - would likely be placed at the RUSS 3010 course level.
- Students with previous number of hours of instruction of 250-280 - would likely be placed at the RUSS 3020 course level.
- Please note that in 2010-2011 academic year we do not offer courses for students who have more than 300 hours of instruction.
- Students (excluding native and heritage speakers) who have some knowledge of Russian without formal training will need to be assessed.
How to prepare for the placement test
In order to complete this test to the best of your ability, we recommend that you spend some time refreshing your skills prior to the test. Good preparation will make it easier for instructors to accurately place you. You don’t have to study for weeks, but you might consider one or more of the following activities:
- read online articles that interest you
- watch subtitled films or listen to music, preferably with the lyrics (again, the web helps)
- look through any old texts or other material you may have
- look for local community newspapers and radio or TV programs in the language
- seek out speaking opportunities with others who speak the target language