English Toolkit - Preparation for EBC1
The English Toolkit is a program offered by the Department for English Business Communication and the Language Resource Center, aimed specifically at students preparing for EBC 1. Since EBC 1 requires English at Matura level and proficiency tends to vary, the English Toolkit is intended to help you self-assess and improve your language level. The self-assessment test, however, is not a prerequisite for EBC 1.
Overview
| Self-Assessment Test | The Language Resource Center provides you with a computer-based language test (Oxford Online Placement Test) to determine your language level. A level of B2 or above is required to participate successfully in EBC 1. The test is held at the Language Resource Center and is free of charge. Further information can be found our website (under “Autonomous Language Learning”). |
| Practice Books | If your level is below B2, you are advised to improve your language skills before starting EBC 1. Specifically recommended materials can be found in the section “English Toolkit.” All English Toolkit materials are available in several copies and can be borrowed. |
| Online Materials | Take a look at the EBC 1 page on Learn@WU and click on “General English language support materials,” where the Department of English Business Communication has collected a wide variety of useful exercises (vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension) |
| Tandem Program | You will most likely continue to need English skills throughout your entire career, so it makes sense to practice on a regular basis. Participating in the Tandem Program is an excellent way to practice and fine-tune your language skills. |
Steps to the Self-Assessment Test
| Book a Tandem Room | Five separate rooms (Tandem Rooms) in the Language Resource Center are available for quiet, undisturbed studying and language practice. Please use the online booking tool to reserve one of the rooms for two hours at any time during the Center’s opening hours. Since demand for Tandem Rooms is high during the semester, book your room a few days in advance. The test usually takes 40 to 45 minutes, but must completed after 60 minutes at the latest. |
| Name a Test Date | As soon as you have booked a room, let us know by email when you would like to take the test (at least two days in advance), so that we can set it up for you. Please provide the following information in your email: first and last name, gender, student ID number, date of birth, and whether you prefer British or American English. |
| Take the Test | Please see the help desk staff in the Language Resource Center before your test to pick up your access code (LC building, level +2). |
| Results | Your results are available immediately after completing the test. Please note that you can only take the test once per semester. Only WU students are eligible. |
Preparation and Practice Materials
| Grammar |
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| Vocabulary |
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| Reading |
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| Writing |
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| Interactive Practice |
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