The Bachelor’s Final State Exam in English Language and Literature consists of four sections (“okruhy”):

Linguistics

The test consists of eight parts, each testing the knowledge of one linguistic discipline. These eight parts correspond to the eight A and B linguistics courses offered at the Department of English and American Studies within the Bc program. Each student has to answer Parts 1 and 2 (corresponding to the two A courses) and three of the remaining six parts (corresponding to the three B courses that the student had taken during the Bc program). The test consists of multiple choice questions and short answer questions, which relate to the topics and study materials discussed in the individual courses. The maximum time allowed is 70 minutes.

Parts related to A courses (both compulsory):

Part 1     Introduction to Linguistics

Part 2     Phonetics and Phonology

Parts related to B courses (select three):

Part 3     Introduction to Morphology and Lexicology

Part 4     Introduction to Syntax

Part 5     Introduction to Functional Syntax

Part 6     Introduction to Semantics

Part 7     Introduction to Stylistics

Part 8     Introduction to Sociolinguistics

In order to pass this part of the exam, students must achieve a minimum of 60 points out of 100 maximum. 

Important Note for Combined Studies Students: Because of the differences in the way your studies are organized, you have to answer the following 5 Parts:

Part 1 (AJ42001)   Introduction to Linguistics  
Part 2 (AJ42002)   Introduction to Phonetics
Part 3 (AJ42011)  Semantics and Lexicology
Part 4 (AJ42012)  Functional Syntax
Part 5 (AJ42013 )  Sociolinguistics  

The test consists of multiple choice questions and short answer questions, which relate to the topics and study materials discussed in the individual courses. The maximum time allowed is 70 minutes. In order to pass this part of the exam, students must achieve a minimum of 60   points out of 100 maximum.

Literature Paper

An essay in response to one of six questions offered.

The questions will be of a general nature rather than directed at specific period courses, and designed in such a way that you will have to draw on works studied in more than one course. References to works other than those studied in courses within the department will be welcome. The answers, however, must deal with literatures written in English.

The examination will last 120 minutes.

What follows is an example of the kinds of question that might be expected.

1. One of the most effective ways in which our view of character in fiction is shaped is by the narrative technique employed by the author. Compare and contrast the use of narrative techniques by at least two authors from different periods or countries.
2. Using at least two works from different periods, discuss the there of the relationship between different generations in English literature.
3. Compare a number (three or more) of female characters in literature over the centuries (in works by either, or both, male and female authors). What can you learn from such a comparison?
4. Discuss the uses of allegory in two or more distinct literary periods.
5. Compare a comedy or tragedy by Shakespeare with one or more comedies or tragedies by a writer/writers from (a) different periods(s) in order to show the differences in such areas as treatment of character, form, function, etc.
6. "In every age there is always one poet who is supreme in capturing its specific qualities." Discuss this statement with regard to two or more poets from different countries or periods.

Essays are marked on the standard A-F scale used by MU, where F is a failure. Point conversions used in the Department are as follows:

100-85: A
84.99-80: B
79.99-75: C
74.99-70: D
69.99-60: E
59.99-0: F.

Cultural Studies Paper

There will be six questions, one of which you will choose and answer.

The questions will be designed in such a way that you will have to draw on more than one course to provide a satisfactory answer.

The examination will last 120 minutes.
 

What follows is a model of the cultural studies paper:

1. Compare forms of social stratification in at least two English-speaking countries and their representation in fiction, the media or other types of cultural reproduction. What can be learned from such a comparison?
2. Though the concept of "multiculturalism" has become very fashionable in recent years, many critics have pointed out that it is also a very problematic term. Consider this with reference to at least two societies.
3. "It is becoming increasingly clear that very few 'nations' are monolithic, that they in fact contain within themselves strong regional identities." Discuss how this can be seen in the cultures of at least two different countries.
4. "The most important changes affecting societies in the past fifty years have been in the area of gender." To what extent do you agree/disagree with this statement? In your answer, take into consideration two societies.
5. Consider at least two of the following terms in the context of contemporary Britain and, where relevant, show way in which they are related: heritage, race, ideology, the family, "Victorian values".
6. Ex-colonies in particular are faced with the problem of dealing with the past, and survivals from the past, in order to make sense of the present. Show how can this be seen in the literature, art, film, etc. of two former colonies.

Essays are marked on the standard A-F scale used by MU, where F is a failure. Point conversions used in the Department are as follows:

100-85: A
84.99-80: B
79.99-75: C
74.99-70: D
69.99-60: E
59.99-0: F.

English Proficiency Examination

The English Proficiency Examination is a written test which lasts 90 minutes and has three sections.

1) Reading
You will need to be able to understand the meaning of written English at word, sentence, paragraph and whole text level.

2) Use of English
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary and how well you can summarise information.

3) Listening
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, news programmes and public announcements.

The maximum number of points for the written part of the exam is 100. In order to pass the written part of the exam you must achieve a minimum of 65 points

Students with one of the following international certificates may petition to have this portion of the exam acknowledged in the manner listed below. Any petition for recognition must be submitted at least 30 days before the date of the Bachelor's State Exam.

CPE - Certificate in Proficency in English

- Hodnocení A: 85 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky)
- Hodnocení B: 80 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky)
- Hodnocení C: 74,9 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky) 

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Academic version only!!!

Hodnocení zkoušky musí být min. 7,5 bodů, KAA uznává jako:

- 8,6 - 9,0 a více bodů hodnocení A: 85 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky)

- 8,0 - 8,5 bodů hodnocení B: 80 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky)

- 7,5 -7,9 bodů hodnocení C: 74,9 bodů (dílčí hodnocení bc. zkoušky)