Tips for Emerging Successful in the English Proficiency Test of the Post Graduate School, University of Ibadan



A Focus on the Nature of the Test

English proficiency test for the University of Ibadan Postgraduate school was a recent innovation by the Board of the PG School at ensuring quality of the students admitted to the school for postgraduate studies. They stated that they have noticed an unprecedented poor use of English among students of the University of Ibadan; that if such was the case with the students of the prided University of Ibadan, how much more students from other universities that belonged to the lower rung of ranking in academic excellence. They posited that English language was the language of instructions and as such, a test for proficiency for prospective students is to say the least, imperative.

The test is a one hour exercise in which you are required to answer 100 questions. To be on a very safe side and finish before the time allowed elapses, you are therefore required to answer each question within 30 seconds. I bet this is challenging; so brace up against it in time.

The test has been decentralized starting from 2014 such that there were exam centres in strategic locations across the country. I could remember two of my friends that sat for the exam in PortHarcourt and Lagos. The essense of the decentralization is to help those that were staying far away from Ibadan. Some applicants made the mistake of distrusting the satellite centres across the nation and struggled down to Ibadan even where the same exam took place at their door steps. Please, take advantage of the innovation if you are staying far away from Ibadan. The exam is the same everywhere and the arrangements were usually perfectly done especially in the manner of University of Ibadan clockwork precision. Taking the advantage would not only save you money and stress but also the risk of plying or flying the road or the air respectively just for an entrance exam.

From observations across the departments, it is safer to score 50 and above inorder be sure of admission. This is not to say that whoever that scores below 50 has failed. No, far from it. Depending on the department and the general performance, such person could be admitted but I am sure that you wouldnt repose your hope on chance.

The PG school ordinarily, cuts 40% as the minimum to qualify for departmental tests. That is granted but both scores are added up with the departmental tests that will follow the proficiency test for final decision on your admission. Departmental tests are discipline-specific while the English proficiency test is just as the name suggests on Enlish language alone (British English).


Tips for Success in the Exam

1. Download Sample Questions: The sample questions is downloadable as a pdf file from your account on the PG website. Login to your account and check the list of menu and check for the download link. The PG school might equally send you the link for the downloads. The questions are just samples! None of the questions would be repeated but you might see their forms and similarities. The document is just to guide your reading. It is just to show you what to look out for; so that you can out-source for more information. Take this from me, lexis and structure of the exam is often culled from current issues in national or international arena. Performing well in such needs your being at home with the trends of news.

2. Disregard Fraudulent Emails and Text Messages: You might be receiving email and text messages offering tutorials, exam focus version, and at a price. Disregard the gold diggers. If you fall for it, you will be at the risk of losing your hard earned money. The PG school has issued a red alert against such tricks and has disassociated herself from them. The sample questions literature should be your sole guide. It was designed to be such to you.

3. Keep Your Contact Channels Like Phone or Email Open: Dates for the exams would be communicated via your nominated phone numbers and email addresses when you were registering for the programme. It is often times communicated a week before the date of the exam. This is not a rule, so be on your guard.

4. Lodging: If you don't have any friend or relative to stay with, kindly budget for your lodging. There are guest houses around the school. U.I has an hotel too if you can afford it but guest houses are cheaper. There are guest houses such as Primas and NASU. There are other hotels such as Morayo and Omotara Street Hotel (I have forgotton the actual name but Okada will understand the description, Omotara Street Hotel).

5. Come Earlier than the Exam Time: The time would be communicated but it is usually at 09:00 am. Being at the your centre 30 minutes earlier will save you some damage. You will use the time to locate your hall! It is very importatnt because as a new person in the institution, you may have to ask around for directions to your exam hall. I bet, you need time to do this. Hence, the need to go earlier. If you fail to go earlier, you are at the risk of starting the exam late and as such start failing; given the hurry and haste and the insufficient time that you must face. Make sure also that you come with the requested documents like the photo card. Such requests will be communicated along with the exam date notification.

6. Read Instructions Carefully: This is very important. It is part of the test. Flouting instructions could affect your entire efforts in the exam. Check how the questions are numbered to make sure that you are not taking no. 3 for instance as no. 2. The numbering is arranged in a certain way though not so much unusual.

7. I will not dare to advise you to jump questions that you could not quickly answer for the quicker ones. I think such tip is old and tired. While you jump a question, I advise that you should make a rough choice so as not to leave the answer vacant. You might as well get the correct answer by just guessing. No one punishes you for guessing. Just guess and make sure that you ticked the affected question on the question paper for easy identification when you will return to it for a second look. If you guess an answer and returns at the end for a second look and found that it wrong, erase it well and shade the right answer. The beauty of of guessing is hinged on the possibility that you might not return to it for a second look because of time. If such is the case, go down to your knees or keep your fingers crossed. Pray to your God

8. Final Tip: Drop your questions in the comment box here for prompt response.




READ ALSO:
The True History of Aguleri

112 comments:

  1. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome Yetunde; in your exams, Godspeed

      Delete
    2. Welcome Yetunde; in your exams, Godspeed

      Delete
  2. Thanks, it is worth reading!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks, it is worth reading!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi, are we expected to answer the whole 150 question under 60 minutes or we do as much as we can?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No one punishes you for not being able to answer all the questions. But c'mon dear, it is a multiple choice, don't leave any question unattended.

      Delete
  5. Thank you sir it's a good article. Please sir how do I get past questions to use as a guide.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Past questions are restricted; but the PG School will mail you something similar to past questions to guide your study. Or you download it from your dashboard of the PG school portal

      Delete
  6. God bless you for this article sir. Thanks so much.I would be glad if you can give me information about last year payment for master students and other related charges sir. My email is mojeedajao.mo@gmail.com. You can also add me on your whatsapp with this number: 07038403168. I am applying for M.Ed(Science).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, from inquiries, the range was between 90 and 140 k

      Delete
  7. Pls I have 2:1 Bsc Home Economics (Human Ecology, Nutrition and Dietetics). I want to apply for MSc Human Nutrition. Pls advice me on what to do. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Good News, the goodnews here is that we wrote a piece on what prospective applicants should do. Follow this link or copy and paste on your browser: http://trendingissuestoday.blogspot.com/2015/02/postgraduate-msc-programme-of.html

      Delete
  8. I've done that but I'm still confused.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good News, you are qualified to apply. Kindly initiate your application process on the UI PG website and follow the steps as they come up. Ask question on any other case of confusion. We will do our best.

      Delete
  9. Please I mistakenly submitted five referees instead of three. Hope dis will not affect my application

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You sef dey vex submitting 5 refs! It is a non issue anyway. Your Dept will select the best 3 out of the 5.

      Delete
  10. Thank you very much for this article...it is really helpful but please can you help out with the previous tuition fees for MBA

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good morning sir thank you for the update. Please sir how do I get to Lagos center for the English proficiency test because I live in Lagos thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The address will be contained in the invitation message. Keep tabs of info on your communication channels especially your phone and e-mail.

      Delete
  12. God bless you for this info. please can I get the average amount for lodging in the guest house around.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Funmi, on the average, it is 5000 naira.

      Delete
  13. Good day sir, please is there a deadline for transcript submissions and how do I know my application process is completed because I didn't get any acknowledgement mail. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have requested for the transcript, it will get to the PG School in good time. There is normally no known deadline, but you need it in PG School before the English Test. The PG School will send it to your department for grading, contributing with the English Test and other grades to your overall performance for recommending you to PG School for admission. Your transcript once received by the PG School will be updated on your application account. So keep tab. And make sure that your transcript is sent with the label or else, it will remain unidentified at the PG School. Direct the sender of your transcript accordingly.

      Check your application account to know if you have locked up your data. you can lock your data ONLY when you are sure that you are done with the application, or else you will incur extra expenses for data modification. If you have locked up your data, then it has been received and the acknowledgement will roll in with an update in your application account.

      Delete
  14. Thank you for the info sir. I forgot to include the transcript label along with the transcript documents. What can I do sir?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should go to PG School, UI and tell them to assist you in identifying your transcript that came without label. They will give you register to search for it yourself. Once you find it, they will file it and update it on your account later.

      Delete
  15. Add me to d group pls 07062395422

    ReplyDelete
  16. Add me to d group pls 07062395422

    ReplyDelete
  17. Please I want to ask I have my transcript with me and I have attached the transcript label to it how do I mail it to the PG school
    Pls also add me to the group 08167243815

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Via courier, to the address in the label. Trending Issues Today does not maintain any Whatsapp group. Thanks

      Delete
  18. How long does it take to release the English proficiency test result?
    Wonderful article.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Compliments Homa; it is normally one week after the last day of the exam. goodluck

      Delete
    2. Thank u so much for the quick response.pls I have another question, I haven't sent my transcript to my school due to the strike action,at this point do I still have a chance to be considered for admission? Cos I wasn't aware it ought to be submitted prior the English test.

      Delete
    3. Strike has been called off now. Kindly request for it and use fast courier like EMS and send it to PG school. You will meet up. If you can undertake to take it yourself to Ibadan, it would be better. Goodluck

      Delete
    4. Thanks so very much, I love the great job you are doing here.

      Delete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just checked my page and I saw awaiting confirmation for my transcript and my document wch I uploaded. Please what does it mean

    ReplyDelete
  21. Nice one sir, since am yet to get the application form, how can I get access to the past questions sir?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Nice one sir God bless you real good, but can I still access the past questions since I am yet to get the application form for this year.thanks

    ReplyDelete
  23. Please, I just submitted my application but I couldn't see anything about my Transcript Label.
    How can I easily get it my Transcript Label?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Please David,how did you apply online because I have been trying to login Tommy portal but it is not doing.please after payment,how do I fill in application form cos my application no and password is not bringing the page oooo. Also,I want to ask what you mean by transcript label????

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please David,how did you apply online because I have been trying to login Tommy portal but it is not doing.please after payment,how do I fill in application form cos my application no and password is not bringing the page oooo. Also,I want to ask what you mean by transcript label????

    ReplyDelete
  26. You should all make sure you use google chrome as your browser, because i could access some pages which i couldnt access on the internet explorer.
    And also you can print the transcript label form from the print document tab after completing the application. it should accompany your transcript to ui.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I cannot find the link to download the proficiency English test sample. Pls help

    ReplyDelete
  28. Good afternoon Sir, Pls is there any other past questions and materials I use to study for the English test apart from the 2013 past questions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have actually applied for the masters but what bothers me is that i have not received any message from ui either to my email or phone about the status of the application and date of the exam

      Delete
    2. Make sure you locked your data. It is the way to submit your application.

      Delete
  29. Pls how can I lock it up
    And someone told me that I can still request for transcript after exam ..
    Pls help me

    ReplyDelete
  30. The article is ok
    Good morning
    Pls help me with the question i ask

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Compliments Emma. You can lock up data by clicking "lock data" on your account. That is done only after you are done with the application. Or else you will pay for correction of data.

      Delete
  31. Please will the Departmental examination take place immediately after the English proficiency test.?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Please I am yet to order for my transcript and the exam is next week, please hope it's not too late.?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leave the internet and start something expeditiously for your transcript.

      Delete
  33. nice article, i have locked up my data but i haven't uploaded my trancript(i have it with me) and discharge certificate(that is because i am currently serving).What should i do??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Compliments. Your transcript is not for your keeps. Go and submit it, and make inquiry about your NYSC issue. It has always been advised to buy form only if your POP is about a month away or has already happened.

      Delete
  34. Pls when will the form for 2019/2020 Msc come out ?
    Do you have any materials to prepare with?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Enter your comment...Good morning sir, I am presently serving and my POP is next year February or March pls am I eligible to apply for the form?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, the programme would have started while you are still serving.

      Delete
  36. Pls is it just English they will ask for all departments or they will also ask about the course you are applying for

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the tips. I don't know if there is any means to get some recommended texts via you.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Pls I have submitted my application and I didn't see where it is said to upload my transcript only my BSC cert, waec cert, sign andd nysc cert and the English proficiency wrote 0 when I have not taken the test

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice point touch. When is the 2018/2019 batch closing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean 2019 2020,it is still on sale. It closes normally six weeks from the date of the publication of the advert. Visit the PG website and apply.

      Delete
  40. Thanks for the update sir. Please how can I solve two problems under my form status PG portal. It shows discrepancy in the number of proposed program and I entered the maiden name. My account has been locked, what can I do to rectify the issue.

    ReplyDelete
  41. i also have almost the same issue, i am a man and mistakenly enter a maiden name because what i had in mind immediately i saw maiden name was mother's maiden name. i havent locked my data but it's not modifying the maiden name. please help out, im begging

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I advise you to visit the ICT unit of the PG College, UI.

      Delete
    2. Please will the Departmental examination take place immediately after the English proficiency test.?

      Delete
    3. Sometimes, yes. It depends on the pleasure of your department.

      Delete
  42. Pls when is the date for the next English proficiency test, for 2019/2020?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Department will inform you accordingly if you meet their cut off in the proficiency test.

      Delete
  43. one of my referees sent two responses and i was told to delete the person which i did, but his responses are still showing on my application form. what can i do? thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  44. If you have up to three referees, the number of responses does no harm to your chances of admission. We are still answering your questions to the best of our knowledge and experience.

    ReplyDelete
  45. bless up bro for the info. please how can I get my transcript and how will I upload it please

    ReplyDelete
  46. Apply for it in your school with transcript label from your application account on the UI PG website, and then watch out for updates about its arrival on your account once it arrives the UI PG school

    ReplyDelete
  47. I forgot to send my transcript label along with my transcript to pg school..but on my application status it was updated by Pg school as "transcript received"...i was surprised because i wasn't expecting it to be updated since am yet to go submit the label to pg school a day before the proficiency test starts

    ReplyDelete
  48. As I was filling my application form for masters which was on the deadline day which was Oct 21st 2019, the portal closed. I was already filling the last referee when it happened but I received a mail from U.I today telling me to come and write my English proficiency test on Nov 5th and I have my dept test that same day. I didn't get my photo card because I didn't even complete or submit my application. What should I do? please this is an Urgent message. Please reply

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go to the ICT Centre in PG School and complain.

      Delete
  49. Please is there any WhatsApp group that u can add me with this number 08030954279. Kindly help a sister

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear sis. there is no Whatsapp group under our care.

      Delete
  50. Can i submit my transcript after the English proficiency test

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, if you have it by hand. If not, transit delays could affect affect its timeliness. In any case, start action immediately, sending it to PG School with transcript label. Goodluck

      Delete
  51. Can't print my photo card,it keep redirecting me to the page of login

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Make sure you are not using Mozilla. Kindly use Chrome.

      Delete
  52. Please how can i know the date of my departmental exam

    ReplyDelete
  53. They will contact you if you are invited. Keep tabs with your fellow applicants too.

    ReplyDelete
  54. What is the school cutoff for the TPE and how can I know my departmental score?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cut off is general, and your departmental score will be used in computing your final score for recommendations. look out for recommendation and not your dept. score

      Delete
  55. Please is UI PG form for 2020 out. And I'll be glad as well if you can add me on your group Sir.
    08079535282.
    Thank you Sir.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Please, add me to any group for 2020 UI PG.
    08065952594
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. Please, add me on your group sir. 08130370247.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Good evening. I chose Lagos as my centre for the proficiency test holding 26th of this month and I have a mail stating SASA as my venue, but I don't know exactly where in Lagos. I would appreciate your help. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sasa is in Ajibode, Ibadan. It'd help if you try finding the exact location on Google. Copy the address and paste on Google search box.

      Delete
  59. Good evening, I just completed my appllication and I have not been messaged by UI either on my email or phone number I presented. The English proficiency test also holds tomorrow and UI have not messaged me, what can I do please?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Good evening, I just completed my appllication and I have not been messaged by UI either on my email or phone number I presented. The English proficiency test also holds tomorrow and UI have not messaged me, what can I do please?

    ReplyDelete
  61. Do you want to do well on the Australian citizenship test? Then our Australian citizenship practice test will be very helpful for you. Our practice test covers most of the questions that you will need to answer in the Australian citizenship test.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi and thanks Sir.. Your article is inspiring and motivating..God bless you more Sir.. From a prispective srudent of the UI pg 2022/2023

    ReplyDelete
  63. The article reflects on need-based language teaching at tertiary level with international diffusion of English in perspective. The focus is on diverse users and language activities within a sociolinguistic context which is often localized rather than native-speaker oriented. https://www.sandeepmehta.co.in/blog/google-word-coach/

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you. Great info but Please I can't find the information about downloading a sample question on my portal.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Ahhh..I have found it click on print documents and you will see the TPE SAMPLE QUESTION.

    THANK YOU FOR THE HELP

    ReplyDelete
  66. Please, how does the departmental test looks like

    ReplyDelete
  67. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... SentenceStack

    ReplyDelete
  68. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Its helpful. Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  70. Please do I have to apply specifically for the test or it has already been catered for during my application?

    ReplyDelete
  71. Good morning, I mistakenly entered the wrong email while applying, i only noticed after ui sent the location to people’s mail while i got none. I’ve updated my mail but how do i know if they sent me the message initially pls?

    ReplyDelete