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CLEP language tests: how does computer work? (Spanish, etc) - pghsebring - 10-16-2011
Have to take a spanish test in 2 days - i'm wondering, what is the computer program like for the CLEP tests?
I'm told they're all computerized now, so i'm looking for the specifics of how the test works so that i'm comfortable beforehand.
I have the REA guide, but obviously this is on paper. So, i'll ask all my questions, referencing what i've already been told.
First of all, what were you allowed in terms of scrap paper, pens, pencils, etc? Was anything given to you?
I'm told the first part is listening comprehension, which asks a question, then gives four answers - this is all listening, nothing written in front of you. How do you "mark" the answer on the computer? Is it with a mouse, do you press the letter "A" on the keyboard, etc? At the end of the time for that question, does it go onto the next one automatically, and if you didn't answer in time, no answer is recorded? Or could you take a second or two after the next question starts to complete your answer? In general, could you tell me how this works? Is there a timer on the screen or anything?
I'm told the second part is listening comprehension where you hear a paragraph, conversation, etc. I'm told that the questions will be written on the screen, along with your answer choices. What does the computer screen look like while the conversation is going on? Is the first question displayed the whole time? Can you see the second, third, fourth question, while the conversation is going on? Can you read the question on the screen, along with the answers while the audio is playing? Is there a time limit on each question, or is it based on the number of questions? Is there a timer? If you have to answer 4 questions based on one section, how do you know how much time you have to answer them? Does it automatically go to the next question? In general, could you tell me how this works?
I'm told the next section is reading, short sentences where you have to pick one answer to fill in the "blank" in the sentence. Is there a time limit on each individual question, or is it based on the whole section? Can you go back and answer a question you skipped? Can you skip questions? In general, could you tell me how this works?
I'm told the next section is reading longer sections, then filling in multiple blanks in that section. How exactly is this displayed on the screen? How is it timed? In general, could you tell me how this works?
Finally i'm told the last section is reading longer passages, then answering multiple questions based on what i've read. Is the passage displayed the whole time you're answer questions, or do you get to read it once, then have to answer from memory? How is this timed? Are you given a certain time for each passage, or each questions, or is the whole section based on one timer? Can you see both the passage and the questions at the same time?
Are all three reading sections based on one timer and you just have to keep moving, or does each of the three sections have a timer, or each question, or? How does the timing work?
How many questions total were there? It looks like 130 based on the practice tests i've seen...does this sound right?
Were you given your raw or scaled score right away? Who gives this to you?
Anything else you could tell me that would prepare me for the schematics of the test?
CLEP language tests: how does computer work? (Spanish, etc) - NAP - 10-16-2011
That is a lot of questions! Hopefully someone with experience can calm your concerns.
Yes, you will get scratch paper. I've read that it is a good idea to take notes quickly during the listening section.
Yes, you will get your score (scaled, not raw) at the end of the exam by choosing "Report Score". I have not seen a good reason to "Cancel Score", so at least find out if you passed.
The info at the official website may answer a few of your questions: Spanish Language | CLEP
Also, try to download and install the CLEP Sampler. (It works for me on one computer but not another.) It will give you a chance to try out the testing software with a sample section of the exam. You will also get to try it before the exam at the test center. Official Resources and Tools - Free-Clep-Prep.com
I have also read that the sound can be of poor quality during the exam, so be aware of that.
Best wishes on your exam!
CLEP language tests: how does computer work? (Spanish, etc) - burbuja0512 - 10-16-2011
Do you have access to the specific feedback forum? There are some really good suggestions and I also included my write-up there as well. Since it's been almost a year since I took it, I don't recall everything, but I do remember the need for scratch paper.
You'll hear very long (at least they feel like it at the time) listening portions. Each monologue or dialogue will seem to contain long lists of facts that there is no way you would likely remember even in English, so TAKE NOTES. For example, you'll hear a list of items such as "Maria likes to eat apples, oranges, mangoes, bananas, and pears." One of the questions might ask you which fruits she likes. This is tough to remember if the dialogue is 3 minutes long and full of other facts, but if you've been furiously jotting down notes.
Also, literally NONE of my listening portion was spoken with Mexican accents. This can be tricky if you've practiced your Spanish with your Mexican-American friends or have been watching Mexican TV to practice. Don't sweat it, but you may want to check on youtube to find something simple with a Spanish, Central American, and South American accent. None of the accents are obnoxious such as an overly pronounced lisp on the Spanish accent (for example the way that people from Spain will say corathon instead of corazon) but they do sound different than what you may be used to.
Other than that, just relax and don't worry. You will have time to complete the test and your comprehension will be better if you're not nervous. Suerte!
