DET1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

REGISTRATION AND BRIEFING

Why am I required to take the DET?

The Diagnostic English Test (DET) is a university-level requirement which must be fulfilled before graduation. As you do not possess the necessary English language qualifications, and have not been exempted from the DET, you are required to sit for the DET.

Who should take the DET?

The DET is for all Masters and PhD students informed by the Office of University Registrar of the requirement to take it.

How do I register for the DET?

You are required to register for and attend at least one DET briefing session before taking the DET. Please refer to the Office of the University Registrar's website for details in the section on Registration for briefing session.

Is it compulsory to register for and attend the DET briefing session?

Yes. We will only allocate you to the DET after your attendance at your registered briefing session has been confirmed.

When is the DET?

It will be held on 10 December 2024.

AM Session - Reporting time: 9.00 am / Test duration: 10:00 am to 12.00 pm.

What do I need for the registration?

Please ensure that you have an active NUSNET ID and password before registering for the briefing.

Students who are unable to attend the DET briefing will not be allowed to sit for DET2 in December 2024 and will be asked to register for the following DET1 briefing in July 2025 by the Office of the University Registrar. Attendance for the DET2 briefing in December 2024 will be compulsory for DET2 candidates.

When and how do I register for the DET briefing session?

Registration for the briefing session starts on 27 November 2024. You must use your full name (as in your NRIC/passport), along with your NUSNET ID, matriculation/student number, and identity card/passport numbers. You may register for your briefing session here.

Whom should I contact if I have enquiries about the briefing session?

Please send an email to elcbox50@nus.edu.sg.

How should I prepare for the briefing session?

Before the briefing session, please complete the following:

Will there be a sample DET paper for practice?

Yes. A sample DET paper will be downloadable from Examplify at 3 pm the day before your DET briefing session. You are strongly encouraged to download it in advance. During the briefing, you will be given a password to open the sample paper and try the Examplify features essential to your completion of the DET paper.

How will the DET briefing sessions be conducted?

All DET briefing sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. You must download the latest version of the Zoom application to your mobile phone and follow the instructions to log in to Zoom. On the briefing day, you must log in to Zoom via your mobile phone so that you are able to practise how to position your mobile phone for Zoom invigilation. You will also need a laptop or PC with Examplify installed so that you are able to participate in the hands-on practice session during the briefing.

How do I access the Zoom application?

You may download and find out more about the Zoom video conferencing tool here.

PREPARATION FOR THE DET

How will the DET be conducted?

The DET will be conducted virtually using Examplify for completing the test paper and Zoom for invigilation purposes.

You will also need to have MS Teams installed on your mobile to have access to live support from IT. You may find more information here.

Where can I take the test?

You can take the test at home.

What devices do I need for the DET?

You will need a laptop or desktop with Examplify installed to complete the DET paper. You will also need your mobile phone with Zoom application installed for invigilation during the test. Both devices should be plugged in to chargers throughout the test.

Will I be allowed to use scratch paper during my exam?

No. You may use the Note function on Examplify to plan your essay. However, you cannot copy and paste what you have typed from the Note to the answer box.

What is the format of the DET paper?

The first question is about NUS’ stand and policy with regard to academic integrity. You must read and acknowledge that you have read and fully understood the terms and conditions by selecting the only choice given to you before you can proceed to the second question.

The second question is the main test. You will be required to read a text about a topic and write an argumentative essay to respond to a prompt related to the source text.

How do I prepare for the test?

Though there is no specific recommended preparation for the DET, you should ensure that you are familiar with the format of the DET. You need to show that you can use English accurately to write an argumentative essay. You may refer to the E-resources section of the CELC website to find out more about academic writing and essential grammar here.

The essay will be assessed for its content, organisation and language.

  • Content:
    • fulfillment of task
    • sophistication and sufficiency of ideas
    • analysis and use of information from the reading text and your own knowledge to support ideas
  • Organisation:
    • clarity of overall structure
    • logical development of ideas within and across paragraphs
  • Language:
    • accuracy – grammar, sentence structure and cohesive devices
    • fluency – communicative quality and vocabulary use
    • academic style - argumentation, source acknowledgement and integration, and register

You should note that the University reserves the right to study your DET essays for research purposes.

Will I need a verification document for taking the test?

Yes, your verification document (e.g. passport, NRIC, driving license) with your photo will be checked at the beginning of the test. Please have your verification document ready before the start of the test.

ON TEST DAY – ZOOM INVIGILATION PROCEDURES

How will I be monitored during my at-home test session?

You will be monitored by an invigilator during your entire test session via Zoom. The invigilator will connect with you during the check-in process, verify your identification document and will monitor you throughout the entire session to ensure you are following all testing procedures.

Please ensure that the camera on your mobile phone is working and you have a strong and stable Internet connection throughout the test.

What is the check-in process like?

You will be required to log onto a Zoom meeting via your mobile phone. An invigilator will check your name against the attendance list and only allow you to enter the main session if it matches. Another invigilator will check your verification document. The DET Briefing Session will simulate the check-in process of the actual DET day.

Can I use a nickname to enter the Zoom test session?

No. You will not be allowed to enter the waiting room if your name does not match with your official name on the registration list.

How should I position my mobile phone for Zoom invigilation?

The camera angle of your mobile phone should capture the side view of you and the laptop/desktop in use, your hands on the keyboard, and ideally the exit point (door) of the room you are in. For more details, please click here.

Will I be recorded during my test?

Yes, the Zoom session will be recorded during your entire test session for auditing purposes.

Can I switch off my phone camera after my ID has been verified?

No. Your mobile phone camera must be switched on at all times. It is best to plug your phone in a charger throughout the test.

How can I communicate with the invigilator via Zoom?

You are allowed to communicate with the invigilator via the Zoom Chat function.

Can I take breaks during the test?

After verifying your document and ensuring that you have placed your mobile phone properly for the test, the invigilator will allow you to take a short break before the test starts. Your video must be left on once you have entered the Zoom test session, even during this break. During the test, you may ask for permission via the Zoom Chat function, and wait for the invigilator to acknowledge your request before going for toilet breaks. You should not take more than 4 minutes during the break. Upon returning, you must inform the invigilator who will verify your ID again.

What if I have a technical issue during my test?

You should alert the invigilator via the Zoom Chat function. The invigilator will advise you via Chat or through the speaker. If necessary, the invigilator will inform an IT support personnel to contact you and advise on Microsoft Teams. You are strongly advised to install Microsoft Teams and log in with your NUS ID and password so that you are contactable wherever you are.

Can I wear a headset or earphones during my test?

No, you are not allowed to wear a headset or earphones during your test. You should turn up the volume on your mobile phone speaker so that you can hear the invigilator clearly throughout the test. You should join the audio upon logging into Zoom so that you could hear the invigilator clearly.

USING EXAMPLIFY – THE ONLINE EXAMINATION SOFTWARE

How do I access Examplify?

Download and go through the deck of Take-Home Exam slides here on downloading and installing Examplify on your laptop.

Can I use MacBook for Examplify?

Yes, but check details on compatibility of system requirements by referring here and find out about the requirements for Mac OS.

Do I have to be an NUS student to use Examplify?

Yes, you will need NUSNET ID credentials to login and launch Examplify. To obtain your NUSNET ID, first complete Registration (Part One) to obtain the NUSNET ID and change the default password to a personal password.

Why are there Practice Exams on Examplify?

The Practice Exams are meant to help you familiarise with the interface and walk through the steps for obtaining the exam paper and submitting the paper. These are not DET practice papers.

What should I do if I have technical issues while I’m testing my laptop and using the software?

Email your enquiries on technical issues citbox25@nus.edu.sg. You can find a range of Help Support websites on the last page of the Take-Home Exam slides here.

Do I need the Internet during DET?

Yes, you need a strong broadband connection especially at the start and end of the DET as you need to start the software and open the test paper. At the end of the test, you need the Internet to upload your test paper. If your laptop cannot connect back to the Wi-Fi network where you are taking the test, you must use your mobile phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect your laptop and upload your paper.

A strong and stable connection is needed for the Zoom invigilation. If your Zoom conference call with the invigilator is cut and all attempts to contact you via MS Teams fail, you may have to take DET2 in December.

Can I use the Internet during the DET?

No. The Examplify system will lock down your laptop and you will not be able to access the Internet while taking the test.

RELEASE OF TEST RESULT

When will the DET result be released?

It will be released on 2 Jan 2025 online here.

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