Chinese Language Placement Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is required to take the placement examination?
(1) All current students who have suspended their study of Chinese for one or more semesters.
(2) All new students seeking exemption from the foreign language requirement.
(3) All new students who have taken Chinese in middle schools, high schools, overseas international schools, or Chinese heritage schools, and who wish to continue studying Chinese at GWU.
(4) All new students who are able to speak some Mandarin Chinese (putonghua, also known as kuoyu) or another Chinese dialect, but have limited knowledge of reading and writing, and who wish to take a Chinese course at GWU.
(5) In addition, students returning from programs of overseas study may be asked to take the placement examination to ensure that they enter the course most appropriate to their level of proficiency. - What is the format of the examination?
The placement examination consists of a written test and a brief oral interview.
(1) The oral interview takes 10-15 minutes and examines for the following:
a. ability to read aloud and demonstrate comprehension of one or more passages.
b. conversational skills
(2) The written test examines for the following:
a. reading comprehension
b. basic knowledge of grammar and sentence structure, as demonstrated in the candidate’s ability to write sentences (Level One), simple paragraphs (Level Two), or an essay of 250 characters (Level Three) in Chinese.
N.B. The written test must be completed by hand in Chinese characters. Word-processed characters will not be accepted. - Which writing system is used in the examination?
Students may choose either the simplified character or the traditional character version of the examination. - How to do I sign up to take the examination?
Send an e-mail message to Professor Alice Cheang at awcheang@gwu.edu. Put "Chinese Placement Test" in the subject line and indicate, in the body of your message, which version of the test (Traditional or Simplified Characters) you wish to take. The last day for registration is August 1, 2008. - Where do I submit the completed examination?
On August 2, a copy of the written test will be sent to all registrants by e-mail attachment. Please print out and complete this test by hand using Chinese characters. Word-processed characters will not be accepted. Send the completed test, postmarked by August 15, via United States mail to:
Chinese Placement Test
Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures
Rome Hall 469
801 22nd Street
George Washington University
Washington, DC 20052.
We strongly recommend arranging for delivery confirmation. - Does the Code of Academic Integrity apply to the examination?
Yes. Candidates must complete all parts of the examination independently. They may NOT consult dictionaries, grammar texts, or any other study aids. It is in every candidate’s best interests to place into the course that is most appropriate to his or her actual level of proficiency. - When will the results of the placement examination be announced?
Candidates will be informed by e-mail before the beginning of the semester.