Patterns in Four University Entrance Exams

Patterns in Four University Entrance Exams

University Entrance Exams in Brazil are a symbol of power and prestige since being accepted at university is seen as a tool for professional growth and social status. The so-called "vestibular" has gained such an importance through decades that a significant part of the pedagogy at the secondary level of education now tends to function as a preparation for access to university. As a lingua franca, English also features among the disciplines assessed. This book is concerned with how knowledge of the English language is tested within those exams. Genre Analysis and language testing are the theoretical basis in the search for patterns of different but highly integrated natures, from testing purposes per se to the various communities involved with the preparation for, the administration of the tests and using test results for selecting among millions of candidates to university education.