A full summary on what to expect and how to prepare for the NUS Qualifying English Test (QET)

I was not able to find much information regarding the NUS QET when I was prepping for my July 2021 test, so I am here to share my experience on this test (while it is still fresh in my head)!

To get you started, you can toggle through the table of contents, which will be useful to answering your specific questions. As you read this post, my tips are indicated with the ⭐ emoji and summarised at the end!

📑Table of Contents

1. What is the NUS QET? (+ Timeline)
2. What will I be tested on?
3. How is the QET being conducted?
4. Is there a sample paper/ past year paper?
5. How do I prepare for the QET?
6. When will I know my results?
7. Pro-tips Summary ⭐
8. Credits and More Information

This post was made in July 2021, please check the official NUS website for the latest information and FAQ.

The QET, which stands for Qualifying English Test, is an English Language test set by the Centre for English Language Communication. It must be taken by students who do not possess the necessary English Language qualifications when they enter the university.

In my case, I scored an E for GP 😢in the A Level 2020, despite studying hard for it. You would have to sit for this QET if you have scored D or lower for GP (I am guessing you need to, since you are reading this!)

After sitting for the QET, your results will determine if you need to take any English modules.

• Band 1 students will have to take ES1000 followed by ES1103.
• Band 2 students will have to take ES1103.
• Band 3 students are exempted from these English modules.

Timeline for QET ⏲

[14 June 2021] Registration of QET July 2021

[18 to 24 June 2021] Briefing Session (Choose 1 date)

[6 July 2021] QET Day

[21 July 2021] Results Day

The QET will require you to write a 500 word argumentative essay after reading 2 texts given, within 1 hour 45 mins. It is the longer version of Application Question (AQ) in Paper 2 of GP. If you need a place to start, you can start by doing some AQ questions (Time to dig up those GP notes!).

You need to use the information in the texts, knowledge and experience to support your arguments. If you are going to be using the examples, writing them in APA style is highly recommended as your marker is a university lecturer.

Due to COVID-19, the QET was conducted in a digital format on Examplify, an examination software. During the examination, you are not allowed:

• Use Wi-fi
• Use the Copy-And-Paste functions
• Use any notes/rough paper

Based on my experience, wireless and wired connections to my laptop were limited during the examination. I was able to use my wireless keyboard using Bluetooth, but not my extended monitor using HDMI cable.

Fret not, you would be briefed on the logistics during the briefing session where you will be able to sit for a "Mock QET" paper. Also, the Mock QET paper is accessible till the day before the examination.

⭐It is important that you practise the question and figure out your devices' compatibility with the software when you sit for this mock paper!

Now, you are reading this post to know where to get the sample paper/ past year papers right?

After scouring through the internet, I was able to get my hands on the 2015 paper, which is available for download, here.

In many societies, excellent sports persons are viewed as heroes in their society and are regarded as role models for youths. Other people are of the view that such sports figures should not be held up as role models. Which view do you agree with?

For the 2021 July QET question,

Others believe that the body positivity movement promotes acceptance of all body types. While some believe that it is harmful as encourages health issues like obesity. What is your view?  

I don't remember the exact phrasing of the QET question, but you get the gist of it!

For the 2021 July Mock QET question,

Some believe that the university ranking plays an increasingly important role in shaping the opinions about the quality of tertiary education institutions, while others argue that the over-reliance on rankings has caused reasonable concerns for their misinterpretation. Which view do you support?

I am sure that these questions will be useful for your preparation for your QET test, so use the question structure as a reference.

Your essay writing skills might be rusty since the last time you sat for an English paper, so here are some of my tips. (I am not the best writer in the room, so I stick to the basic P-E-E-L structures for most of my essays.)

1️⃣Start with Basics

Question Analysis

Taking the example of the 2021 QET question, identify:

• Keywords: paraphrase "body positivity movement", "acceptance", "harmful"
• Debatable Issue: "acceptance of all" vs "harmful to body"
• Context: modern day society, obsession with beauty, high beauty standards, influencer culture

Introduction

• Addresses the keywords: incorporate the paraphrased keywords in your introduction to show your understanding

e.g. "body positivity" – inclusive to all body shapes and sizes, "acceptance" – embrace/ approval/ approval, "harmful"– detrimental/ damaging/ deleterious

• Scope: provide a balance by acknowledging the opposing view, explain why is this topic crucial.

e.g. While it might seem like the inclusive movement benefits the youth's self-esteem and mental health, the movement might actually be detrimental as it normalises a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and an unhealthy diet.

• Stand: state your stand in clear terms

e.g. I am of the firm belief that...

⭐ Markers are looking for structured organisation in the clarity of overall structure and logical development of ideas. (See: Here)

Body Paragraphs

For a structured organisation of ideas, follow the P-E-E-L structure:

• Point: summarise the content of the paragraph, addresses the debatable issue and is concise
• Elaboration/ Explanation: justify your view, ask the 5W-1H about the point
• Example/ Evidence: give relevant examples to support your TS. ⭐Examples should be in APA style and can be derived from the text, your experience and knowledge
• Link: concludes the paragraph and reinforces your stand (do not repeat the same words)

Conclusion

Finally,

• Summary: brief wrap up of your main arguments in the essay
• Stand: reinforce your stand by re-stating it
• Impact: end of with an insightful comment or an attention-grabbing statement

No new ideas or arguments should be introduced here!

2️⃣Practise, Practise, Practise

Now, let's put these basic skills to the test! These are some ways you can do so:

• Using past Comparison AQ questions: especially those with 2 texts where you are able to practice your comparison skills
• Using the 2015 Sample Paper: this paper is the most similar to your actual QET paper
• Using the 2021 QET questions: these questions will give you a rough guide on the question style and requirements of the test

3️⃣Time Yourself

Time to train your brain to work on a crunch. Try to attempt some questions under time constraints, as you will only be given 1hr 45 mins to compare the texts and write an argumentative essay.

⭐By testing yourself, you will be able to work out your "mental exam plan"– What do I do first? What do I do next? and conquer your QET on the day itself!

This was the exact dates I was given. The results will be out a few weeks after the test day.

[6 July 2021] QET Test Day

[21 July 2021] Results Day

In the end, I scored Band 2 for QET, which led me to take ES1103 during Y1S1.

1. During the QET briefing, test out your devices' (laptop, keyboard, mouse etc) compatibility with the exam software, Examplify
2. Download the Mock QET test, practise on the given question under time constraints to see how you feel when you sit for the paper. (When you know what to expect, you feel less nervous during the test!)
3. Work out a "mental exam plan" on paper: What should I do first and then what? ( You might feel stressed as you are sitting for your first test in forever. Thinking through the steps of reading, planning and writing your essay will help to ease the nerves)

These are the websites and old blogs which were useful for my preparation for QET. All links mentioned in this post are also found here:

1. QET task requirements taken from the NUS QET page
2. Another student who sat for QET 2018, Yuelun's blog
3. Another student who sat for QET 2017, Fleeze Writes
4. 2015 Sample Paper, download here
5. Examplify download and installation guide here

And that is all you need to know about the QET test! Go and conquer this test so that you don't have to take any English modules.

👩🏻‍💻 Jean Tay, NUS IS

July 2021

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