Structure of the NMT English Language Test
The NMT English Language test contains 32 tasks:
- 5 tasks with selection of one correct answer from four options
- 11 tasks on establishing correspondences (establish 3 logical pairs)
- 16 tasks on filling gaps in text
Difficulty level: B1 (Intermediate) according to the Common European Framework of Reference
Passing score: 5 points out of possible
English Language is an elective subject and is included in the second block along with Ukrainian History. 120 minutes are allocated for the entire block.
Approximately for English: 60 minutes
What the Test Checks
The NMT in English Language consists of 32 test tasks covering:
- ✅ Reading (Reading) — understanding texts of various genres at B1 level
- ✅ Grammar — knowledge of grammatical structures at B1 level
❌ NOT included in the NMT:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Extended written answers
How to Prepare Effectively
✅ Strategies for Successful Preparation
- Read in English daily for at least 20-30 minutes — articles, news, essays, fiction
- Review grammar systematically by topics, do online exercises
- Learn 10-15 new words daily — always in the context of sentences, not in isolation
- Practice speed reading (skimming) and finding specific information (scanning)
- Learn phrasal verbs, idioms, and collocations
📚 Most Important Grammar Topics
Verb Tenses:
- Present, Past, Future Simple
- Present, Past, Future Continuous
- Present, Past, Future Perfect
Complex grammatical structures:
- Conditionals (Conditionals 0-3)
- Passive Voice
- Reported Speech
- Modal Verbs
Other:
- Gerund & Infinitive
- Articles (a/an/the)
- Prepositions
- Phrasal Verbs
How to Improve Reading Skills
Practical tips:
- Read different types of texts — fiction, news, scientific articles, blogs
- Learn new words in context — write down sentences, not individual words
- Practice understanding ideas — don't translate every word, understand the general meaning
- Practice making inferences from what you've read
Common Student Mistakes
❌ Confusion with verb tenses — review rules for using tenses
❌ Incorrect use of prepositions — learn them together with verbs and adjectives
❌ Literal translation from Ukrainian — try to think in English
❌ Not knowing phrasal verbs — they appear very frequently in tests
❌ Small vocabulary — systematically expand your vocabulary
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a dictionary on the NMT?
No, using a dictionary is prohibited. Therefore, it's important to build B1-level vocabulary in advance.
What level of English is needed for the NMT?
B1 (Intermediate) level — intermediate level of English proficiency.
How many points are needed for philology majors?
For majors related to foreign languages, from 170 points are needed (on a 200-point scale). For top universities — 185-195 points.
Are there listening tasks?
No, the NMT has no listening, speaking, or writing tasks. Only reading and grammar.
