Last weeks CSAT

Last Thursday was the national CSAT test, for which I had a day off and many flights nationwide were cancelled or the times were changed. Here is an except I found about the test.

"Last Thursday, the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), a standardized test accepted by South Korean universities, was held at more than 1,000 test centers across the nation. About 670,000 students took the state-run exam, which will play a role in determining their entrance into college. The test started at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 6:05 p.m.

The CSAT is regarded here as one of the most important tests and an influence on students' future careers, making it a significant matter for both students and their parents. Many Korean students believe their future depends on their CSAT score.

According to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, its main focus for English education is to enhance learners' English communication skills and develop their autonomy and creativity in the era of globalization and information.

Composition of CSAT

The CSAT is composed of 50 multiple-choice questions ― 17 listening comprehension and 33 reading comprehension. The Korea Institute of Curriculum and Examination, which is in charge of the test, said that this year's CSAT is similar to last year's in terms of the degree of difficulty.

However, experts in the private education field say the degree of difficulty seems somewhat higher than that from a year ago. Test-takers may have found the actual test more difficult than trial examinations.

In particular, the listening portion of the exam was more difficult compared to last year due to lengthier audio scripts and a quickened speed. Statistical data given in academic reports show that many students have difficulty with questions involving contextual details, such as calculating and table comprehension items.

As for the reading section, the ability to identify the general context from a given passage and locate detailed information has become crucial for test takers.

The reading comprehension section has 33 questions including questions on inference, identifying the main subject, choosing the best title, grammar and vocabulary."

On a related note, on of the EPIK coordinators who I have Korean class with said he was judging an essay contest last weekend. Parents were concerned that some students would find out the question before, and would have an upper hand. He explained to me that on Friday night he would be locked in a room with a few other select people to decide on an essay topic. They would be there all night until the test started Saturday morning. He wasn't even sure if he would have a chance to call his wife to say "hello!" I will ask him how the test went when I see him later this week at Chonnam.