Preparation for EVI in English: how to get the desired score

The united entrance exam (EVI) in a foreign language has a specific structure and evaluation system, so preparation should be beforehand and targeted. The formula for successfully passing the exam is the following: high score = courses in preparation for EVI in English + self-study.

Contents

1. What is EVI in English?
     1.1. The structure of the exam
2. Preparation for EVI in English: online and offline courses
     2.1. EVI preparation courses from Booyya
3. Self-preparation for the EVI exam
     3.1. Preparation for EVI at home
     3.2. Common mistakes when preparing for the exam
     3.3. Life hacks from students and teachers when preparing for EVI in English

What is EVI in English?

EVI is a form of a united entrance exam in English for bachelors who plan to enter a master's degree. Since 2020, the exam has become mandatory for admission to all specialties under master's programs. The EVI program is designed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and corresponds to levels B1-B2. Registration for the exam has a clear deadline. The results are valid for 2 years.

Of course, for detailed information on the structure and rules of taking the exam, you can refer to the official website. Regulatory documents and up-to-date information for the exam participants can be found there including registration requirements and process, exam format, preparation materials for the EVI in English, personal account details, frequently asked questions, deadlines, and more.

The structure of the exam

The structure of the exam is similar to the ZNO. The main difference is that the EVI consists of only two parts:

• Reading: 22 questions assessing reading comprehension skills, including the ability to work with texts, grasp the main idea, choose appropriate titles for paragraphs, and answer questions based on the provided content. 
• Use of English: 20 questions to assess the student's knowledge of grammar, the level of vocabulary, and the ability to use words and phrases appropriately. 

All in all, the EVI exam includes 6 tasks and a total of 42 questions. The allocated time for completion is 60 minutes.

1. Match each paragraph of the text with the corresponding heading provided from the list. Some sentences are extra.
2. Read the text and answer 5 questions by choosing one of the answer options.
3. Tasks involving comparing texts with suggested themes.
4. Fill in the gaps in the text with the provided options. As in the first task, there will be extra options.
5. Another text with filling the gaps with words from the given options. The challenge here is to choose the correct word among those with similar meanings and identify idiomatic expressions.
6. A task similar to the previous one, but verbs in the correct form are to be selected.

The expected minimum from a student taking the EVI includes:

•  understanding the main idea of ​​the text and its details;
•  the ability to distinguish between basic facts and secondary information;
•  the ability to find the information relevant to answer questions in the text;
•  understanding unfamiliar English words from context.

Preparation for EVI in English: online and offline courses

To pass the entrance exam with flying colors, two things are required: a strong language proficiency and effective preparation for the EVI in English. A win-win option will include:

• entrance, midterm, and final tests;
• individual preparation strategy;
• the emphasis should be put on practical taks;
• working with tess from previous years;
• enhancing the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary;
• developing skills in working with English texts;
• training in managing time effectively during the exam.

If the student's level is Intermediate or Upper-Intermediate, 3-4 months of preparation for the IELTS exam should be fairly enough. If the English proficiency is lower, it is necessary to first improve it through general courses before starting specialized preparation for the exam.

EVI preparation courses from Booyya

Preparation for EVI in English with Booyya involves a course comprising elements from the free "ZNO with ease" course by the educational organization "Osvitoria," the EdEra online education studio, and a partnership with the Green Country English School.

The program is divided into 8 modules, each including video lessons, exercises, and a practice EVI test. There are 44 videos in the course, thus you can enhance your English grammar through examples, expand your vocabulary, and learn tips for this exam. After each lesson, you can reinforce the material with interactive exercises on a dedicated platform, a total of 88 tasks are ready for you.

So, you will be able to:

• brush up on the whole material covered during 4 years of university education;
• improve your current level of English;
• familiarize yourself with the structure and features of the exam;
• receive a clear preparation plan for the EVI exam in English;
• structure your knowledge and learn how to manage your time effectively.

Self-preparation for the EVI exam

If you only have 15 free minutes a day, make the most of them for improving English.

Tips for improving your Reading:

• expand your vocabulary with both words and phrases, including collocations, idioms, and expressions. It is of utmost importance to memorize various uses of a single English word depending on the context;
• read more texts to understand and get to know how words are used, in what forms, and how they are combined with other constructions in sentences;
• learn English vocabulary on popular topics that are likely to appear on the exam.

In the Use of English section, grammar knowledge will be assessed, so it is quite logical to enhance it thoroughly. The topics that will be in the IELTS exam are clearly defined, and it is crucial to focus on them while preparing.

A simple preparation plan consists of three following steps:

• learning a grammar rule;
• applying it in practice;
• reading different English texts in order to learn how to find these grammatical structures and be able to work with them.

While preparing for the EVI in English, many students repeat grammatical tenses thoroughly, but it is also important not to forget about phrasal verbs, the use of prepositions, word combinations and other features characteristic of levels B1-B2.

Preparation for EVI at home

There is no single rule or secret that will help to pass the EVI in English with flying colors, but there are methods that contribute to comfortable and productive preparation for the exam.

• Make up a study plan with a list of goals. The SMART method will help you with this. 
• Write lists. Break down your main goal into sub-tasks, thus making it easier to determine the sequence of steps and progress in learning, set priorities and deadlines, and keep track of your progress.
• Take breaks. Switching activities and introducing variety in your learning process can be beneficial. If you find it difficult to switch between tasks and resources yourself, use one of the time management techniques, such as the "tomato method", the "1-3-5 principle" or the "90 by 30 method".

Common mistakes when preparing for the exam

Every student is unique, so mistakes and setbacks differ for each individual. However, there are common pitfalls in preparing for the EVI exam in English that it is advisable to avoid.

• Start preparing a few days/weeks before the exam. Even with a good command of English, it is difficult to practice all the knowledge gained in 4 years in such a short period. Therefore, staringt in advance can be taken into account.
• Not practicing English on a daily basis. Even if you start training early, but do it irregularly, it will not help.
• Ignoring a practice EVI test is a big mistake. Taking a practice test helps with understanding your current English proficiency level, identify weaknesses, familiarize yourself with the exam structure, track progress, and learn time management.
• Not analyzing tests from previous years is also a mistake. They do help you understand common topics, task requirements, and assess the scope of work. You can find them on the official exam website.

Life hacks from students and teachers when preparing for EVI in English

The strategy of effective preparation will be offered at special courses, and we suggest a few life hacks that will help during preparation for the EVI:

• use speed reading and text scanning techniques;
• learn set phrases, paying attention to collocations;
• focus on word formations, expand your vocabulary with synonyms and antonyms;
• be mindful of singular and plural usage, article placement, etc.
• memorize not only rules but also exceptions.

What is more, do not forget to keep track of time during practice tests. Thorough preparation for the EVI, self-confidence and keeping your cool when sitting the exam will definitely help you get a high score.