Level three (TORFL-3)

This level provides high-level final qualification in the language. This level is referred to as an advanced stage of proficiency, allowing professional activity in philology, translation and interpreting, editing, journalism, diplomatic service and management in a Russian speaking environment and is recognized as obligatory for receiving Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. degrees in these fields of knowledge (except specialists' and Masters' of Art Degree in Philology, for whom this examination is an intermediate stage). The Test includes five components (subtests).

Reading Candidates are expected to be able to understand and interpret appropriately various texts of cultural and business language nature, to read authentic texts and make elementary text analysis. Candidates should show various reading skills including scanning and detailed reading and be able to apply and combine these methods. There are four parts in the test, giving a total of about 2500 words. There are 25 items. Task type: multiple choice.

Writing Candidates are expected to write their own versions of heard and read texts, to show an ability to analyze the information (notes, reports, formal/informal letters). Prompt materials (articles, brochures, advertisements, formal/informal letters, etc.) are offered. In addition, candidates must write a composition of a descriptive, narrative or discursive nature (an article, an essay, a letter). Texts are written for a specified purpose and target reader. Candidates must complete three tasks: 1,2) to reproduce the heard text in a written form; 3) to write a composition showing comprehension of the matter and expressing their own attitude to the problem.

Listening Candidates are expected to understand recorded texts both in general and specific details, understand speakers' attitudes and evaluate the information heard). Texts take the form of radio and TV features, extracts from fiction films, plays, public speeches, etc. There are four parts and 25 items in the test: 1) short dialogue; 2) polylogue; 3) public speech; 4) artistic speech (TV or radio feature). Task type: multiple choice (3-4 choices).

Speaking There are three parts of the test: 1) in this task the use of a tape recorder is essential. Candidates' guided replies corresponding to the communicative task are recorded; 2) role-play with an Examiner. Prompt materials (written and visual) are used by Examiners to guide and stimulate the interaction; 3) interaction with an Examiner. Candidates are expected to support a guided dialogue using various synonymous language means, to initiate a business conversation with the aim of solving a conflict situation, to give and defend their opinions, to make a monologue on moral and ethical topics, to achieve communicative aims and give arguments in interaction. Candidates are tested by two Examiners (an Interlocutor and an Assessor).

Structural competence Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the language system, to apply appropriately language units and structures by completing the tasks based partly on authentic texts taking into consideration the texts' stylistic coloring. The test contains the following task types: multiple choice (3-4 choices), matching and text reconstruction/completion/extension. The total number of items is 100.

Weighing of components All components are of equal value - 20% each.

Results There are three pass grades: A, B and C and certificates are awarded to all successful candidates. Candidates who achieve grade D are judged not to have achieved the required standard for TORFL-3.