Job Discussion Forums

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

hey guys,

My kids have been stressed out the last couple of weeks about these exams they're supposed to take soon, Ban4 and Ban6 or something that sounds fairly similar.

I have been trying to get practice exams from the university but they look at me all weird when I ask them...So far, I don't even even know what these bloody test.

I feel bad because I know the kids think about them all the time and expect my help but they don't seem to understand that I cannot help them if I don't know more about the tests.

anybody knows something about these?

I have to point out that I am teaching at a Teacher's College so these exams might be specific to them....but then again, I have no clue Confused

Slim Pickens · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 299

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

OK then! I figured it would be something along those lines but I was not completely sure about it. I'll head out to the bookstore this week-end if I can find enough time and try to get one of them books..

It will be beter than waiting for my dean to get me one of those....

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

All students who are not 4yr english major students must take Band 4. So when I was in Zhengzhou the day of the testing, I saw a suspicious number of my former 4 yr english students in town...taking the tests for their friends of course.

I don't think there is much you can do except wish them luck and encouragement. Challenge them to try to pas the test on their own, not cheat. As I think Slim alluded, it is not an english test such as you or me would design.

Wish them luck, and keep teaching them english. I guess Band 6 is a little more realistic, and also much tougher. Beijing now has an oral only test for those who want certain jobs, especially for the upcoming olympics? Thi came out about two years ago. Also three levels, I believe

whitjohn · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 124

My second year English majors must take and pass this exam (band4) later this year. It's absolutely essential for them. I obtained copies of the past years exams and the format from another teacher. There is written and oral. The written is a 150 (no more no less within 5 words) word dissertation on a topic given at the exam table plus a 50-word announcement or invitation. Oral is a 3 minute speech on a topic given at the table with 3 minutes preparation time, a 4 minute conversation between two students on a topic given at the table and finally a (damn I forgot) but I'll look in my desk for the papers if you like... It's a VITAL exam for my students! They MUST pass it!

arioch36 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 3589

Are they 3 year or four year students?

The four year students take the TEM4 (?), but usually not the "CETI" or Band 4, which is the test that every college student, who is not a four year english major, must take

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

All of my kids are 4 year students; they are studying to be teachers.

clomper · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 251 Location: Beijing

I heard about that BAN4 & 6. BAN 6 is tougher. I think most of the exams in China are geared more on Vocabulary rather than orals. I heard of a student who passed BAN 6 twice for her to check if the test changed a lot or what. Weird but she's one of the top students at the univ for the english dept.

As for the reviewer, the university bookstore here sells all types of reviewers for the students.

Steve.. I'm not sure with NCEE.. I have to raid the bookstore as well this weekend.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'll be teaching it to the teachers at our kindergarten starting soon.