For Students

The abbreviation CEFR used in the course descriptions refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which describes A1 - C2 language levels.

CEFR assessment grid (pdf)

Quick OJZ Placement Test

The test is based on grammar and vocabulary. Download it, do it, correct it using the key and you can find out your approximate level of English in the table below. The test won't take you more than 40 minutes.

• Test
• Key
  

Evaluation of the test

This evaluation only serves as a basic reference. There are more detailed and more accurate placement tests that test language skills available on various webpages (e.g. Dialang, TOEIC placement test).

TOEIC Listening Test

A short TOEIC Listening-skills test is available here.

• 25 questions
• 15 minutes
• Beginner to Advanced (A1 to C1 on the CEFR)
• Tests the candidate's listening skills
• Instant results
• Use your existing ETS account or register

More information about the TOEIC and TOEFL tests: ETS website
and more information on the Language Department website.

LanguageCert Placement Test

Quick online placement test – 25 multiple-choice questions. The test is available on the LanguageCert webpage here.

“The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg.” 

– Unknown

Language Exploration:

You can find the answers and a possible translation of the quote below.

1. "Boiling" is an -ing adjective. What other -ing adjectives could be used to describe water, and what nuances would they add?
2. "That" is used as a relative pronoun. Could we use "which" instead, and what is the difference between how "that" and "which" are typically used?
3. The sentence uses the definite article "the" three times. What does this repetition emphasize in the sentence?
4. The sentence uses the verbs "softens" and "hardens" in parallel structure, although they are known as opposites. What effect does this parallel structure create?
5. How would you explain the message of the quote?
6. Follow-up: Think of a translation of the quote into your mother tongue.

Note: Positive, motivational quotes in English for every day are offered by many applications and groups on social networks, such as Action for Happiness or Brainy Quote.

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Answers to the tasks above:

1. We can talk, for example, about running, flowing, sparkling or freezing water.
   -ing adjectives (present participles, cz: -ící) describe the current state or action of a noun. They often imply that the action is ongoing or in progress.
2. Yes, "which" could technically replace "that" in this sentence. However, "that" helps maintain the concise and impactful tone of the statement.
   The parallel structure creates a strong sense of contrast and highlights the central message of the quote: that the same stimulus can produce different outcomes.
   Writing tip: Parallel structure (using the same grammatical pattern for similar ideas) enhances clarity, rhythm, and emphasis in writing. It's a powerful tool for creating balanced and impactful sentences.
3. The repetition of "the" emphasizes the specificity of the water, potato, and egg. It highlights that it's the very same water causing the contrasting effects. This emphasizes the core concept of the quote, that the same input can yield different results. Definite articles ("the") specify particular nouns. Their repetition can be used for emphasis, highlighting the importance or uniqueness of the nouns being referred to.
4. It is a metaphor for how life's challenges affect different people or things in contrasting ways. What strengthens one person might weaken another, and vice versa. It's a reminder that there's no single, universal response to adversity.
5. Other ways of saying the same: Different circumstances affect people in different ways. / The same situation can lead to different outcomes depending on individual characteristics. / Hardships shape people differently.
6. Possible translation into Czech: Stejná horká voda, co změkčí bramboru, vejce uvaří natvrdo.

NB: James Clear is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known for his book Atomic Habits, which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

References

This educational section may include content which is adapted from AI-generated responses.