C-Test at the University of Wuppertal: placement at the SLI
The language institute (Sprachlehrinstitut, SLI) of the University of Wuppertal places students in its courses with C-Tests, English among them. Its page shows a short English example with the answers. Here are the facts from the SLI’s pages.
Last checked:
C-Test Prep is not part of any university. Dates and rules can change; the university’s own page is always authoritative.
Key facts
| Format | C-Test: every second word is missing half of its letters; 3 to 5 short texts of 20 to 25 gaps each |
|---|---|
| Time | a set time; the page gives no number of minutes |
| For which courses | English, French, Spanish, Italian and the German evening courses |
| Required | according to the SLI FAQ, compulsory for English, French, Spanish and Italian, online before course registration |
| When | shortly before registration; according to the FAQ, course registration opens on 1 March (summer semester) and 1 September (winter semester) |
| How often | once per semester only |
| After a passed course | no new test |
Source: SLI Wuppertal: Einstufungstests
Rules
- According to the test’s start page, it is graded as soon as you begin.
- On the start page you enter your first name, surname, date of birth and email as you will when registering for the course; use only letters of the German alphabet for your name.
- Prior knowledge of other SLI languages is not tested: tell the SLI and settle it with the teacher when the course starts.
- The test measures your current level and assigns you to the right course; the aim is groups that are as even as possible.
Source: SLI Wuppertal: Einstufungstests
The SLI example
- The first sentence of the example is complete; the gaps start in the second sentence.
- "w__" becomes "was", "a___" becomes "and", "tr___" becomes "tried": each time the shorter half is given.
- Short words get gaps too: "I___" becomes "In", "th___" becomes "they".
Source: SLI Wuppertal: Einstufungstests
What this means for your preparation
- Three to five texts of 20 to 25 gaps each means up to 125 gaps, more than the 100 in the C-Test Prep simulation. As the SLI gives no minutes, it pays to write accurately under time pressure.
- The SLI example follows the same gap rule as the C-Test Prep texts: with an odd number of letters, the shorter half is shown.
- In the example, the number of underscores does not tell you how many letters are missing: "se____" becomes "seem". Count the letters given, not the dashes.
- Take the test just before registration opens on 1 March or 1 September: you have one attempt per semester, and once begun it counts.
Frequently asked questions
How many minutes does the SLI Wuppertal C-Test last?
The SLI gives no number of minutes, only a set time for 3 to 5 short texts.
When can I register for language courses in Wuppertal?
According to the FAQ, from 1 March for the summer semester and from 1 September for the winter semester. You take the placement test online beforehand.
Do I have to be retested after passing an SLI course?
No. According to the SLI, anyone who has successfully completed a course does not take the test again.