PETS Preparation Course Level 1

Author: Li Min, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: The PETS exam is a unified examination conducted based on the "National Public English Test System" formulated by the National Education Examination Center. It is divided into five levels: junior high school, high school, university, graduate studies, and study abroad. Since its establishment, the PETS exam has gradually been promoted across various provinces and cities in China and is expected to become a standard examination soon. To help candidates prepare adequately for such exams, we have invited experienced teachers who have participated in PETS exam question-setting to lead the compilation of a five-level PETS preparation series, with one book per level. This series has the following features:
· Based on the exam syllabus, highlighting preparation characteristics.
· Emphasizing the communicative function of language, with selected texts focusing on timeliness, knowledge, interest, and thought-provoking content.
· Unit themes are chosen according to the "Communicative Topics List" in the exam syllabus, with each unit centered around a single theme.
· Carefully designed exercises help candidates familiarize themselves with exam formats and the specific vocabulary and language knowledge requirements for each level.
· Provides tips to avoid being unprepared on exam day.
· Suitable for both classroom instruction and self-study.
The PETS Preparation Series (English title: Success With PETS) is a comprehensive set of preparation materials developed in accordance with the requirements of the "National Public English Test System." The English name of the "National Public English Test System" is China Public English Test System, abbreviated as PETS, which is a society-oriented, target-referenced English examination system with five levels. This series consists of five books, one for each level, and can be used for classroom teaching or self-study. The design of this series is guided by contemporary theories and practices of second language acquisition, closely aligning with the requirements of the PETS exam syllabus to highlight preparation features and meet candidates' needs. Additionally, as a series, the selection of texts and the design of exercises emphasize the communicative nature of language, with content that is timely, informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. The exercises are also diverse and flexible, aiming to enhance learners' interest and their ability to use language flexibly in different communicative contexts.
This is the first book in the series, containing 12 units. Each unit is divided into four parts:
(1) Preparation Activities (TuneIn);
(2) Listening Practice (Listen);
(3) Reading and Discussion (Read and Discuss);
(4) Speaking and Writing (Speak and Write).
Each unit revolves around a theme, with the theme selection based on the "Communicative Topics List" in the exam syllabus. The exercises cover all the content of the PETS Level 1 written and oral exams, such as "True or False Judgment" and "Dialogue Comprehension" in listening, multiple-choice questions and cloze tests in English knowledge application, and word matching in reading comprehension, among others. Each unit includes three reading texts. The first text is the main lesson, with post-lesson exercises covering reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking training, accompanied by various exercise formats. The remaining two texts also include exercises on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Speaking and writing exercises focus on practicality, such as picture description, short writing based on pictures, and writing short messages. In some units, there is an Exam Tips section, which introduces tips primarily for the PETS Level 1 exam.
Appendix 1 provides practice papers, including 4 mock written tests and 2 mock oral tests, strictly following the PETS Level 1 sample papers to allow students to self-assess. Considering that the primary target audience for the first book is Level 1 candidates, who have already studied English and possess a level equivalent to junior high school graduates, we have only provided Chinese translations for words that exceed the Level 1 syllabus in the texts.
Appendix 4 offers a comprehensive vocabulary list, including words and phrases within the Level 1 syllabus as well as new words encountered in the texts. This list not only helps candidates understand the scope of vocabulary required by the syllabus but also aids in expanding their vocabulary for higher-level exams. Words marked with an asterisk () are those that appear in the texts but exceed the syllabus, followed by numbers indicating their first occurrence in units and texts. For example, safe011 means "safe" first appears in Unit One, Text I.
This series also provides answers to all unit exercises, mock test papers, and the original transcripts for the listening section. To help candidates better understand PETS and the PETS Level 1 exam, this book provides a brief and clear introduction to the standards and formats of the PETS Level 1 exam.
This series is edited by Professor Xu Qiang of the Overseas Training Department of Shanghai International Studies University, who has extensive experience in national English exam question-setting and review. This book is edited by Professor Li Min and reviewed by Professor Pang Jixian of the College of Foreign Languages at Zhejiang University. Other contributors include Kang Haifeng, Bao Hong, and Fu Ying. Dana Jessup, an American English teaching expert, has polished the text for the entire series. The editors express sincere gratitude to Professor Pang Jixian for his enthusiastic encouragement and guidance, and to Professor Xu Qiang for his comprehensive support. Chen Jiangjiang, a student from the 1999 class of the College of Electrical Engineering at Zhejiang University, has drawn numerous illustrations for this book, and we are also grateful to him for his contributions.