HEALTH SCIENCES
ENGLISH DIAGNOSTIC TEST
The 2012 Health Sciences English Diagnostic Test will be held on THURS 23 February in the St Davids Lecture Theatre.
Please attend the appropriate session:
9:00am - 9:50am = For students with surnames starting with A-J
11:00am - 11:50am = For students with surnames starting with K-S
2:00pm - 2:50pm = For students with surnames starting with T-Z
3:30pm - 4:30pm
= (Open session)
NOTE: Students not attending their given time slot may be turned away.
Results notifications will be sent via Otago university student email only. Please DO NOT FORWARD emails to another account, as this does not always work with the university system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Health Sciences English Diagnostic Test?
Who must take it?
Where is the test held exactly?
What must I bring?
What is the structure of the test?
What is the Pass Mark?
Are there copies of the test available from previous years?
How do we find out our results?
What happens if I do not pass?
Where can I get additional help?
Will I be able to see my script after the results are released?
What kind of feedback can I expect?
What if I have a question or complaint about my test result?
How do I enrol in ENGL 126?
What if I have not passed all of my Semester One papers?
What if I will not be in Dunedin during Semester 2 Course Approval?
Who can I contact if I have not found what I need here?
What is the Health Sciences English Diagnostic Test?
It is designed to identify students who will benefit from added instruction in spoken and written communication skills in order to progress through the demanding Health Sciences professional programmes.
The test reflects what is considered the minimum expectations for reading, writing, and/or comprehension skills at a university level according to the standards set by Health Sciences and the Department of English at the University of Otago.
It is not designed as a gatekeeping exercise to keep people out of the programme. Rather, it is designed to identify a potential need for help early on (please see more on this under What happens if I do not pass?). [^ back]
Who must take it?
The test is required for all first-year students enrolled, enrolling, or planning to enrol in Health Sciences programmes. [^ back]
Where is the test held exactly?
In the St David Lecture Theatre, which is located on the Dunedin Campus. It is number 75 on this map. [^ back]
What must I bring?
You must bring a blue pen and your Student ID. If you do not have your Student ID yet, you must bring some form of photo ID. [^ back]
What is the structure of the test?
There are three sections of the test, each worth 10 points for a total of 30 possible points. The duration of the test is approximately 50 minutes. The content of the sections is as follows:
I. Reading Comprehension. Students will read a short article and write a short answer to 5 questions.
II. Listening Comprehension. Students will listen to 5 short scenarios and answer a question about each one.
III. Written Communication. Students will read a short article then choose one of two essay questions and write a brief essay (approximately 200 words). [^ back]
What is the pass mark?
You must score 18/30 or 60 percent in order to pass. [^ back]
Are there copies of the test available from previous years?
No. But students wishing to prepare should focus on following instructions carefully and being able to respond to written and spoken material clearly and concisely. [^ back]
How do we find out our results?
You will receive an EMAIL NOTIFICATION no later than 3 weeks after you have sat the test advising you of your result and giving you clear instructions on how to proceed if you do not pass. This email will be sent to your university email address, so it is essential that you check this address. [^ back]
What happens if I do not pass?
Students who do not pass the test will have an opportunity to re-sit the test near the end of the first semester (on Thursday 17 May 2012 at 2pm in the St Davids Lecture Theatre). Students who do not pass the second test will be required to enrol in ENGL 126: English for University Purposes.
OR
You can enrol directly in and pass ENGL 126 paper during Semester Two. This paper is designed to provide students with the writing and speaking skills necessary to succeed at a university level. The vast majority of students who enrol in and complete this paper pass it.
Students who do not pass the English Diagnostic Test or ENGL 126 will not be eligible to apply for admission into Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Physiotherapy via the Health Sciences First Year Category.
[^ back]
Where can I get additional help?
We recommend the services of The Student Learning Centre. Phone 479-8801 or go to http://hedc.otago.ac.nz/hedc/sld/About-us.html. [^ back]
Will I be able to see my script after the results are released?
Yes. Students who do not pass the test can view the test script in the English Department Reception area (located in the Arts Building Level One). They must return the script when they are finished viewing it. [^ back]
What kind of feedback can I expect?
Feedback is provided on the Writing Section of the scripts as follows:
SC = general problems with Sentence Construction
P = general problems with Punctuation
VT = general problems with Verb Tenses and Verb Use
SP = general problems with Spelling
S&O = general problems with Structure and Organisation
(and the overall presentation of ideas)
Errors on the other sections will be indicated by the markers. [^ back]
What if I have a question or complaint about my test result?
You must contact Dr Michael Cop via email at michael.cop@otago.ac.nz in the first instance. [^ back]
How do I enrol in ENGL 126?
Enrolment in this course is NOT automatic. Please come along to Semester Two Course Approval in early July in the Union Hall. A staff member will be able to sign you into ENGL 126. Prior to coming to the Union Hall, please collect a Change of Course form from the University Information Centre. [^ back]
What if I have not passed all of my Semester One papers?
If you have not passed all your Semester One papers, staff members at Semester Two Course Approval will be able to discuss your options with you and suggest possible alternative pathways. [^ back]
What if I will not be in Dunedin during Semester 2 Course Approval?
When you return, please collect a Change of Course form from the University Information Centre and bring it to the Health Sciences Admissions Office (4th floor, Physiotherapy Building, 325 Great King Street, Dunedin). A staff member will be able to sign your form as appropriate. Please note that if you do not attend Course Approval you may incur a late fee and you may experience inconvenience while you locate various staff members across campus and then wait for them to become available and sign your form. [^ back]
Who can I contact if I have not found what I need here?
You can contact Dr Michael Cop via email at michael.cop@otago.ac.nz in the first instance if you have further questions about the test. [^ back]