Proficiency in Listening and Reading Comprehension

Book excerpt: Proficiency in Listening and Reading Comprehension Hidayet TUNCAY The book is intended to help pre-intermediate (CEFR-B1), intermediate (CEFR-B2), upper-intermediate (CEFR-C1) and advanced (CEFR-C2) learners of English who are preparing for proficiency examinations, such as TOEFL, KPDS (Language Proficiency test for Government Employees), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), University Preparatory School Exemption Tests and mainly the Turkish Army Personnel who will take Genel Dil and ECL (English Comprehension Level). In chapter one, Advanced Reference Grammar Practice covering 10 major sections of the English Language grammar are presented with specific examples and supported with tests and exercises. In the end of this chapter a GATE (Grammar Achievement Test in English) test is given. Chapter two contains a listening part that covers three main sections: intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. The passages contain nearly 30 different topics ranging from economy to military and are made up of 42 comprehension passages and 15 paragraphs. To ensure the learners' listening comprehension, almost 300 questions are given. All the passages in this chapter were professionally recorded by 2 native speakers of English. In chapter three, specifically chosen reading comprehension passages are given in four separate sections: intermediate (B1), upper-intermediate (B2), advanced (C1) and authentic (C2). The chapter has been reorganized and new passages are included within 67 passages in almost 30 different topics. Chapter four, Word practice covers academic, scientific, social and TOEFL, Genel Dil and ECL vocabulary. Various exercises and tests are given. Most confused and misused words are covered as well. Chapter five is the testing section which includes practice tests such as 3 English Proficiency Practice Tests with listening sections, 4 vocabulary and reading comprehension based English Screening Tests and 1 Proficiency Practice Test for general English Proficiency. All tests cover 800 questions based on listening, reading, structure and vocabulary related to both technical and social subjects. The book covers various exercises such as 403 comprehensive exercises in the grammar chapter with a complete test of GATE-Grammar Achievement Test in English. 254 open end and multiple choice exercises are in listening comprehension. Reading Comprehension chapter covers 746 comprehensive exercises to improve learners’ reading comprehension. In Word Practice chapter, 198 exercises are given to practice various academic vocabularies which learners may encounter while practicing language for various exams.