CSET — Korean

The CSET — Korean exam has three subtests. The first subtest has 5 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with general linguistics, and 15 multiple-choice questions, and 3 short-answer questions dealing with linguistics of the Korean language. The second subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 2 short-answer questions dealing with literary and cultural texts and traditions; and 10 multiple-choice questions, 1 short-answer question, and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with cultural analysis and comparisons. The third subtest has 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short- answer question on Korean language listening comprehension; 10 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Korean language reading comprehension; 1 short-answer question and 1 extended constructed-response question on Korean language and written expression; and 2 short-answer questions on Korean oral expression.

The first CSET — Korean subtest is broken down into a section on general linguistics, and a section on Korean language and linguistics. The general linguistics portion covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The section dealing specifically with the Korean language covers language structures, error analysis, the ability to contrast Korean language with English, and sociolinguistics, including an understanding of the formation of dialects.

The second CSET — Korean subtest covers literary and cultural texts of the Korean language. Included in this are an understanding of the major movements, genres, writers, and works. It also includes analysis of literary and cultural texts including novels, plays, and music. The second section of the second subtest requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products of Korea. This includes knowledge of Korean architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — Korean subtest is broken down into sections on listening comprehension of Korean, written expression in Korean, and oral expression in Korean. The listening comprehension section tests literal comprehension, inferential and interpretive comprehension, and the ability to critically analyze spoken Korean to determine the speaker's point of view and the appropriateness of the speaker's tone to the given audience. The written communication section tests the candidate's ability to literally translate Korean to English, to understand inference and interpretation in written Korean, and to critically analyze Korean texts, and to write fluently in Korean. The final section is on oral communication in Korean. This section tests the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in Korean in unusual circumstances.