You can access the 2023-2024 Academic Year Student Booklet prepared by the Department of Basic English for the Required English Preparatory Program.
FOR STUDENTS ADMITTED THROUGH INITIAL REGISTRATION
Click here for the document outlining the procedure to be followed at the School of Foreign Languages for students admitted through the initial registration process.
TEST CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM (İYS)
EIT SECTIONS AND CONTENT
Section | Content | Number of Questions | Percentage |
Use of English & Reading
| Grammar & Vocabulary Cloze Test Closest Meaning Reading Text – 1 Reading Text – 2 Paragraph Completion | 10 10 7 7 6 | 60%
|
Listening | While Listening Note-Taking | 6 7 | 20% |
Writing | Cause Essay Effect Essay Comparison and Contrast Essay Opinion Essay | 1 1 1 1 | 20% |
1. READING & USE OF ENGLISH
1.1. USE OF ENGLISH
It consists of a 10-question multiple-choice cloze test and 10 questions requiring students to identify the sentence with the closest meaning.
Multiple-Choice Cloze Test: In the 10 multiple-choice cloze test questions, candidates are expected to read a text containing blanks and, taking into account sentence structure and the topic of the text, select the appropriate answer from the options to fill in the blanks. Each question is worth 1.5 points.
Identifying the Sentence with the Closest Meaning (Closest Meaning): This section, which is the second part of the “Use of English” section, contains 10 questions. It assesses students’ ability to identify, from among the options, the sentence that most closely matches the given sentence in meaning. In this section, students’ sentence-level reading skills, as well as their grammar and language proficiency, are tested. Students are expected to identify the sentence that most closely matches the given sentence by applying both their grammar and vocabulary knowledge. Each question is worth 1.5 points.
1.2. READING
Reading Texts:
This section of the exam tests reading comprehension. It consists of two different texts, and seven multiple-choice questions are asked for each text. Each question is worth 1.5 points. Test-takers are required to select the correct answer from the four options provided. The question types used in this section measure skills such as detailed reading, identifying the main idea, deriving the meaning of words from the text, locating word references within the text, and identifying the topic sentence. There are also questions that measure higher-level reading skills, such as making inferences about the text, identifying the text’s genre, the author’s purpose, and the author’s attitude and stance on the topic. In addition, scanning and skimming—sub-skills of reading—are assessed on the test through questions that require finding specific details.
Paragraph Completion:
This section, which is part of the reading section and also assesses reading and comprehension skills, consists of 6 multiple-choice paragraph completion questions. The blanks in the paragraph are located as follows: two main idea sentences, two detail sentences, and two concluding sentences. In this section, students are expected to identify the sentence that maintains the paragraph’s coherence from the provided options. Each question is worth 1.5 points.
The section consisting of the “Use of English” and “Reading” sections accounts for 60% of the total score on the English Proficiency Exam.
2. LISTENING
The Listening section consists of two main parts: answering while listening and answering after taking notes. The Listening section, which contains a total of 13 questions, accounts for 20% of the total score on the English Proficiency Exam.
Answering While Listening:
In the first section, “Answering While Listening,” students are presented with 6 multiple-choice questions related to a single listening passage, such as a radio program or a conversation. Students will listen to the passage twice. Each question is worth 1 point. The questions in this section assess students’ ability to answer questions while listening.
Answering After Taking Notes (Note-taking):
This section assesses the ability to answer questions after taking notes—a more academic skill that involves careful listening and note-taking while listening. After reviewing the note-taking sheet provided to them, students listen to an approximately 8–10-minute listening passage twice. Question sheets are then distributed. The listening passages are of semi-academic and academic nature. A total of 7 questions are asked, including identifying the main idea, identifying statistical information such as numbers, dates, and percentages, answering questions that require a detailed understanding of the information or words noted down, and questions that assess the speaker’s attitude, emotions, and approach toward the topic. Each question is worth 2 points.
3. WRITING
The final section of the English Proficiency Exam (IYS) assesses writing skills. In this section, students are expected to write an essay of at least 250 words on a given topic. The type of essay to be written may be a cause essay, an effect essay, a comparison and contrast essay, or an opinion essay.
Students are presented with a total of four topics—one for each of these essay types—and are required to select only one of these topics to write their essay, which is graded on a scale of 20.
This section accounts for 20% of the total weight of the English Proficiency Exam.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM (İYS) ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURE
The YTÜ YDYO Proficiency Exam (IYS) is administered three times a year—in September, January, and June. For students enrolling at YTÜ through various supplementary placement processes, IYS exams may also be administered outside these main periods as needed.
The English Proficiency Exam in September is conducted in two main stages. All students enrolled at YTÜ for that academic year take the first stage, which includes the “Use of English” and “Reading” sections. Students who do not score at least 25 out of 50 in this section cannot proceed to the second stage and are placed in the appropriate levels of the Basic English Department’s Preparatory Program. Students who pass the first stage with a score of at least 25 out of 50 advance to the second stage, which consists of the LISTENING and WRITING sections. If they score 59 or below in this section, combined with their scores from the first stage, they are placed in one of the relevant levels. Students who score 60 out of 100 in total at the end of the exam advance to their respective departments. For students on probation, the requirement to score 25 points in the first stage of the exam does not apply.
All students who have not had attendance issues for the English Proficiency Exam held in January and June and who meet the in-semester/end-of-academic-year grade requirements, as well as students on probation, are eligible to take the exam.
Below are sample study materials for students on probation from the preparatory program and students applying to YTÜ through various lateral transfer programs.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY EXAM SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
Note-Taking Questions (Session II—Sample EPE)
Sample EPE Writing & Essay Writing Criteria
Listening Scripts (Session II—Sample EPE)
Sample EPE Answer Key (Session I & Session II)
SAMPLE STUDY MATERIALS
LISTENING:
Listening and Note-Taking Strategies
Sample Note-Taking Sheet for Sample IYS
Self-study material for Note-Taking for IYS Listening
NOTE-TAKING 1:
An Introduction to Note-Taking 1 Answer Key
An Introduction to Note Taking 1 Transcript
An Introduction to Note-Taking 1 Task Sheet
The Secret to a Successful Vacation (recording)
NOTE-TAKING 2:
An Introduction to Note Taking 2 Transcript
An Introduction to Note Taking 2 Task Sheet.
Australia.mp3 (recording)
Introduction to Note-Taking 2 Answer Key.
READING:
STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC READING
Author's Attitude/Tone and Purpose
FINDING MAIN IDEAS:
GUESSING THE MEANING OF UNKNOWN WORDS:
Guessing the Meaning of Unknown Words
Guessing Vocabulary in Context
Understanding Vocabulary in Context
MAKING INFERENCES:
WRITING:
Reminder for memorized essays in IYS
BASIC ENGLISH COURSE EXEMPTION REQUIREMENTS
The minimum scores students must achieve on the English Proficiency Exam to be exempt from the mandatory English preparatory course and the Advanced English I and Advanced English II courses, along with their corresponding letter grades and values, are as follows:
Exam Type | Scores Required for Exemption | |
Preparatory | Advanced English I and Advanced English II | |
IYS | 60 (CB / 2.50) | 70 (BB / 3.00) |
The score ranges and passing grades required for exemption from mandatory English preparatory instruction based on exams recognized by the Yıldız Technical University Senate as equivalent to the English Proficiency Exam are listed below:
(*The TOEFL-IBT Home Edition is not accepted)
Exams | CB | BB | BA | AA |
IYS | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–100 |
YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL | 60–69 | 70–79 | 80–89 | 90–100 |
TOEFL IBT | 72–83 | 84–95 | 96–107 | 108–120 |
PTE Academic | 55–70 | 71–77 | 78–83 | 84–90 |
Cambridge Linguaskill General | 140–159 | 160–186 | 187–207 | 208–230 |
Oxford Test of English | 106–120 | 121–140 | - | - |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 111–120 | 121–140 | 141–155 | 156–170 |
e-TEP (Electronic Test of English Proficiency) | 50–57 | 58–73 | 74–89 | 90–120 |
The validity periods for the exams listed in the table above are as follows: TOEFL and PTE Academic are valid for 2 years; YDS, e-YDS, and YÖKDİL are valid for 5 years.
In accordance with Article 6, Paragraph 3, Subparagraph (d) of the Guidelines for Determining the Equivalency of Foreign Language Exams published by ÖSYM, for an international foreign language exam to be granted and maintain equivalency, the exam must be administered in Turkey, the exam must be administered in buildings belonging to state universities. Otherwise, the exam results will not be accepted.
The minimum score required on the IYS, along with its corresponding letter grade and value, for students in the English Language Teaching Bachelor’s Program to be exempt from preparatory instruction are as follows:
Exam Type | Scores Required for Exemption |
Preparatory | |
IYS | 85 (BA / 3.50) |
Exams | BA | AA |
IYS | 85–89 | 90–100 |
YDS, e-YDS, YÖKDİL, e-YÖKDİL | 85–89 | 90–100 |
TOEFL IBT | 102–107 | 108–120 |
PTE Academic | 81–83 | 84–90 |
Cambridge Linguaskill General | 201–207 | 208–230 |
Oxford Test of English Advanced | 146–155 | 156–170 |
e-TEP (Electronic Test of English Proficiency) | 82–89 | 90–120 |
Finally, students who have completed at least the last three years of their secondary education at secondary schools in a country where English is the native language and where the language of instruction is also English are also exempt from the mandatory English preparatory program.
The original copies of documents granting exemption from the mandatory English preparatory program must be submitted in person to the Department of Basic English, along with a written request for exemption. These documents are evaluated by the School of Foreign Languages Administrative Board; accepted documents are recorded for the applicable academic term. Students are responsible for any consequences resulting from the submission of these documents after the course registration deadlines set by the departments.
- RULES THAT STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW
At the School of Foreign Languages, there are certain institutional rules that students must follow to ensure a productive and positive learning environment. Since violations of these rules will result in a disciplinary investigation in accordance with the School of Foreign Languages Disciplinary Regulations, it is important for your academic life that you exercise the necessary care in this regard.
In Classes
1. You must arrive on time for classes and not be late.
2. You must complete the assignments given to you by your instructors on time and in full.
3. You must bring all your course materials (books, dictionaries, etc.) with you to class.
4. You must participate constructively in the learning activities planned by your instructor.
5. You should use your smartphones in class only for educational purposes.
6. You must be respectful and polite toward your classmates and your instructor.
7. You must not use ideas or writings belonging to others in your assignments. This constitutes a serious disciplinary offense under the Higher Education Institutions Student Disciplinary Regulations.
8. You must not damage the School of Foreign Languages’ educational equipment or facilities. Students are responsible for compensating for any damage they cause.
9. You must use original books and comply with Law No. 5846 on Intellectual and Artistic Works.
10. You must respect the personal space and rights of your classmates and instructors.
Outside of Class
1. If your instructor has not arrived in class within the first 15 minutes of the class, immediately notify the Department of Basic English (Room A 303).
2. It is your responsibility to determine whether you are eligible to take any exam—particularly the English Proficiency Exam—and to keep track of the exam location, date, and time.
3. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the School of Foreign Languages building and in areas designated as “Smoke-Free Zones.” You must comply with security personnel’s instructions regarding this matter.
4. You must hand over your cell phone to the proctor during the exam; if your phone rings or is found on your person, your exam paper will be confiscated, you will be treated as having cheated, your exam will be canceled, and a disciplinary investigation will be initiated against you in accordance with the Higher Education Institutions Student Disciplinary Regulations.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER
The Academic Support Center is a support center established to assist TIB students in learning English and developing their language skills, offering activities and programs within the curriculum. The Academic Support Center operates in three areas:
1. Learning Hub:
The Learning Hub is a curriculum-based support center created to assist TIB students in their English learning process and to support their work outside of class hours. At the Learning Hub, our students can work with instructors on questions related to their courses and on topics where they feel they need additional support.
2. Writing Center:
The Writing Center is an academic support center established to assist TIB students with their writing courses. At this academic support center, our students receive guidance from instructors to improve their writing skills.
3. Speaking Club:
This club helps TIB students improve their speaking skills. Through various speaking activities held weekly at the Speaking Club, students work to enhance their speaking skills.
Academic Support Center Hours and Registration
Information regarding the Academic Support Center’s operating hours and the registration process will be published in the announcements section of the YDYO website.
The rules you must follow during your time as a student in the Basic English Department are based on certain principles. These rules and principles are shared with students at the beginning of each academic year during the Orientation Program for Basic English Department Students organized by the School administration, in the First-Day Presentations given by your instructors, and on classroom bulletin boards. In addition, all rules and principles are made available to students on the School of Foreign Languages website. The School of Foreign Languages at Yıldız Technical University bases its disciplinary procedures on the Student Discipline Regulations for Higher Education Institutions, which is part of the Higher Education Law. You can access these regulations via the “Students” tab on the School of Foreign Languages website.
a. In-Class
The School of Foreign Languages’ In-Class Disciplinary Procedures consist of the following steps:
1. When problematic behavior is observed for the first time, the instructor warns the student and speaks with them.
2. If the problematic behavior continues, the instructor fills out and signs a form and asks the student to sign it as well.
3. The instructor submits the signed form to the Department Chair of Basic English. The department chair or their assistant speaks with the student and warns them about the consequences of continued problematic behavior.
4. If the problematic behavior occurs a third time, the teacher fills out another report and submits it to the Basic English Department Chair, and disciplinary proceedings are initiated.
Depending on the nature of the problematic behavior, the disciplinary process may be initiated at earlier stages.
b. Cheating or Attempting to Cheat
If a faculty member serving as a proctor catches a student cheating during an exam or with any material that could be considered material intended for cheating,
1. The student will not be permitted to continue the exam. The student’s exam paper or question booklet, along with all documents in the student’s possession that could be considered materials intended for cheating, will be confiscated.
2. The Incident Report Form included in the exam packet is filled out in detail and submitted to the Department of Basic English, along with all documents found on the student that could be considered materials intended for cheating.
3. An investigation is initiated against this student in accordance with the Higher Education Institutions Student Disciplinary Regulations, which are also accessible on the School of Foreign Languages website.
If the investigation concludes that the student has cheated or attempted to cheat, the penalties prescribed by the aforementioned Regulations are imposed.
c. Academic Work
Plagiarism is the act of presenting and publishing the ideas, methods, data, works, and publications of others—in whole or in part—as one’s own without making the necessary citations in accordance with scientific practices, without citing sources, or without obtaining proper permission. Plagiarism is considered a disciplinary offense under the YTÜ YDYO Student Disciplinary Regulations and the Higher Education Institutions Student Disciplinary Regulations, and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against students who commit plagiarism.
Students who fail to comply with the rules set forth in the Higher Education Institutions Student Disciplinary Regulations—including the rules mentioned above—will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee. As a result of the Disciplinary Committee’s evaluation, the student may receive a warning, a reprimand, or a suspension. Furthermore, the decisions made by the Disciplinary Committee are recorded in the students’ files.
- TERMS OF USE FOR THE SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES LIBRARY
The School of Foreign Languages Library is located on the 2nd floor. Students of the Basic English Department at the School of Foreign Languages may use this library, which contains reference books of various levels and types, may use the YTÜ library between 09:00 and 16:30, provided they present their Student ID—obtained from the Basic English Department Student Affairs Office—and their YTÜ ID card to the library staff. The process of borrowing materials from the library will be carried out under the following conditions:
1. All students wishing to use the library must present their STUDENT CERTIFICATE, which indicates the course group they are enrolled in, and their YTÜ ID CARD to the library staff or student assistants.
2. Borrowed books must be checked out and returned in person upon signing. Books cannot be borrowed or returned on behalf of another person.
3. Graded readers available in the library may be borrowed for up to 15 days, while novels may be borrowed for up to 21 days.
4. Dictionaries and books for preparing for domestic and international English proficiency exams (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, YDS, etc.) held in the library may not be checked out to be taken off campus. Those who wish to use these books on a same-day basis may borrow them by presenting their Student ID to a library staff member and leaving their YTÜ ID card as collateral, on the condition that they return the books by the end of business hours on the same day.
5. It is prohibited to remove books from the YTÜ YDYO building that have not been officially checked out.
6. Disciplinary action will be taken against anyone attempting to remove library materials from the premises without permission.
7. In accordance with a decision by the YTÜ YDYO Board of Directors, penalties or disciplinary actions are imposed for late returns or lost books.
8. Users are personally responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings. YTÜ YDYO assumes no liability for the loss or theft of personal belongings within the library.
- Click the link for Vocabulary Tips: YTU SFL Vocabulary Tips
- Click the link for Writing Tips:YTU SFL Writing Tips