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.

“Look for something to be thankful for where you least expect it..” 

– Unknown

Language Exploration:

Even if you don't know every word, try to understand the meaning of the sentence. This is good practice for tests.

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

1. What synonyms (not necessarily suitable for this sentence) can replace the verb look for?
2. The word something and similar words (someone, somewhere, some etc.) are most often used in affirmative (i.e. positive) sentences. When can they appear in a negative one?
3. Try to understand the part to be thankful for as a subordinate clause. What or who is its subject?
4. The meaning of some challenging words can be guessed by breaking them into smaller, meaningful parts. Try applying this to the word thankful in the sentence to figure out its meaning.
5. What are the two different functions of the preposition for in this sentence, where it appears in two different places?
6. What is the base form of the word least, and what is its comparative form*?
   * comparative form = 2. stupeň (přídavného jména)
7. What does the pronoun "it" refer to?
8. If we break the sentence into logical parts in which the words are connected, its meaning becomes clearer. Try to apply it and express the idea using different words.

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. Look for is a phrasal verb meaning "search for" (the for is a preposition, not a particle). Common synonyms include: seek, search, await.
2. Something and similar words (someone, somewhere, some etc.) are indefinite pronouns that are usually found in affirmative sentences or before negation, e.g. Something didn’t work. Some work will not be done.
3. To be thankful for is a reduced form of a subordinate clause (what you can be thankful for). This reduction is possible when both clauses share the same subject – here: you.
   Other examples: We got up early to be able to park easily. (we got up, we were able…) / Tim was the only one in the room to know how to use the device (Tom was, Tom knew).
4. Thankful is an adjective whose meaning can be guessed from its parts: thanks + -ful, meaning "full of thanks" or "grateful". It often takes for to introduce the cause.
5. The first for belongs to the phrasal verb look for. The second for connects to the adjective thankful, which is commonly followed by for to show the reason or cause (e.g. thankful for your help; translated as "za" in Czech). So, both uses of for are grammatically correct but serve different roles in the sentence.
6. Least is the superlative of the adverb little (used here for abstract, uncountable concepts). The comparative form is less. As a superlative adverb, least does not require the.
7. The pronoun it refers to the place or situation where something to be thankful for may be found.
8. It helps understanding to know this is a piece of advice. Breaking the sentence into meaningful parts based on the verbs makes the meaning clearer: Look for something – to be thankful for – where you least expect it. 
   Paraphrased: It’s a good idea to search for good things in unexpected places or situations.

Possible translation:
Za co být vděčný hledej tam, kde bys to nejméně čekal.

References

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