Questions for Assessing English Proficiency

The following questions may be used in interviews of prospective J Scholars. In each case, the goal of these questions is to get a significant amount of language rather than just a phrase or a sentence. They can always be followed by "Tell me more about that" or "Can you give me some more details/an example?"

• Tell me about something interesting that happened to you when you were child or a teenager.

• What are some things you are doing to prepare for your trip to Jackson, MS?

• Tell me what you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you have any hobbies? How might that change when you come to the Univ. of Mississippi Medical Center?

• Tell me about places that you would recommend that I see if I had the opportunity to visit your country. Why?

• Tell me about an interesting event or festival that has recently taken place in your hometown.

• Tell me about the research that you are currently working on and what techniques/methods you are using.

• What are your plans after you finish your research at the Univ. of Mississippi Medical Center?

• Tell me about a recent trip or vacation that you have taken. What was the most interesting event during this trip or vacation?

• From beginning to end, tell me about a holiday in your country. How is it typically celebrated?