Thread: TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language)

Has anybody taken anything like this? (below)
I strongly suspect this is a fairly new test and I wonder, has anybody actually heard of it? It sounds like it's officially supported though, Ministry of Education etc...

Just interested to find out what standard tests are out there for Russian and what your thoughts on it are. I'd really love to see a sample test paper for the first level...!

What is TORFL (ТРКИ)

TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language)

In this section you will find information about TROFL and can try sample tests. National Certificate of International Standard (TORFL) may be needed:
for studying in Russian Universities
to work in companies, cooperating with Russian speaking firms
for working with Russian speaking clients and tourists
for working in Russia speaking countries
to teach Russian language.
The TORFL is a 5-level test based on Standards of the Russian Educational System and Requirements for foreign learners approved by Russian Ministry of Education. The TORFL levels are the following: Basic level

* TORFL-1 – 1st Certificate level, required when entering all higher educational institutions
* TORFL-2 – 2nd Certificate level
* TORFL-3 – 3rd Certificate level
* TORFL-4 – 4th Certificate level

Each level is a combination of tests on all types of language activities (grammar, speaking skills, written skills, reading, listening) intended to estimate proficiency in the Russian language. If you pass ТРКИ-1 then you can be admitted to a Russian university with a requirement to sign up for more advanced Russian language classes. If you pass ТРКИ-2 then you can be admitted to a Russian university without additional requirements, unless you are studying for a translator, editor, reporter, etc. working among Russians. ТРКИ-3 allows you to work/study in any field. ТРКИ-4 represents the same fluency as native Russian speakers have. Stages of TORFL testing:
The aim of testing - to determine Russian language proficiency according to "National Educational Standards of Russian as a Foreign language".
TORFL test includes 5 subtests

* Subtest 1. Vocabulary. Grammar. In process of testing is checked the ability: to use the cases, declensional endings, verbal forms in the defined context, including infinitival constructions All the tasks are worked out on the base of vocabulary minimum according to coressponding level.
* Subtest 2. Reading. From the candidate the following skills are required: the ability to understand the described situation. The volume of the text - from 500 words. Tasks with multiple selection are used. Texts (literary text, newspaper), based on familiar vocabulary and grammar material.
* Subtest 3. Auding. From the candidate the following skills are required: the ability to understand the theme and to perceive the information orally.
* Subtest 4. Writing.
* Subtest 5. Speaking. The aim of the test - to define the level of speech skills.

Levels of testing
Elementary:
The successful completion of the Elementary level test confirms that candidate possess the minimal level of commucative skills, allowing to satisfy the minimal requirements in everyday communication.
Test of Russian as a foreign language. Basic level (TORFL-0):
The successful completion of the Basic level test confirms that candidate possess the beginning level of commucative skills, allowing to satisfy the minimal requirements in social and cultural communication. Test of Russian as a foreign language. Level 1 (TORFL-1). First Certificate Level.
The successful completion of this level confirms that candidate possess the basic level of commucative skills, allowing to satisfy the requirements in social, cultural communication, educational, professional spheres. The First Certificate is an official document, which allows foreign citizens to enter the Russian University. Test of Russian as a foreign language. Level 2 (TORFL-2).
The successful completion of TORFL-2 confirms that candidate possess rather high level in the all areas of communication, and allows to conduct a professional activity in Russian as an expert in the areas of humanities (excepting philology), engineering and science. This Certificate is needed for obtaining a bachelor`s and master`s degree (excepting degree in philology). to do sample tests and check your level please click Basic test

On Uz Translations, (google it!) I found some practice exams.

Originally Posted by Hanna

On Uz Translations, (google it!) I found some practice exams.

Hanna,
That site is excellent! I don't see TORFL practice tests though - I only saw practice tests for English tests. Can you please post a link to what you are referring to?

Thank you,

Scott

@ Scott; yeah, you were right, I hadn't checked them properly when I made the post! Sorry, didn't see your comment until now.

@ lemoni; Great find!!! Thanks for sharing.

Does anyone know if there's a site listing testing centers worldwide? I did a few Google searches, but couldn't find much of anything. I live in Japan.

What in Heaven's name is AUDING?!!! I refer to test numbered 3. There is no such verb in the English (British) language as "aud". Maybe it would have been a good idea if they got an English speaker to proof read it first!

Well, it's a special term. Psychological and pedagogical.

Is it? So what would be wrong with 'listening' I wonder?

It should be 'listening', or 'listening and comprehension', etc.

Originally Posted by alexsms

It should be 'listening', or 'listening and comprehension', etc.

lool, listenin comprehension ya mean

TORFL Exam Experiences in Kyiv

Scott