Grammar-test method in preparing students for the entrance test in foreign languages for non-linguistic master's programmes

the problem of a student language acquisition at the entrance examination in English for non-linguistic Master's Programs proves to be a challenge for adult learners in lifelong learning, therefore the choice of the most effective method of individual English-language competence acquisition appears particularly urgent. The current study is aimed at considering the effectiveness of the grammar-test method used for development the Preparation Course in English for non-linguistic Master's Programs; the course has been successfully implemented for two years (2017 and 2018) at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (the IKBFU). Being an adapted version of the classical grammar-translation method, the grammar-test method successfully alleviates the problem of preparing learners for enrollment in the non-linguistic Master's Program by restoring and improving English-language skills. The assessment of grammar-test method was based on statistical processing of the entrance examination results shown by applicants who had taken the Preparation English Course curriculum in full, as well as on the questionnaire results offered to the Course participants. Being based on the principles of straight-line material studying (from the rule to its consolidation), instructional bilingualism, learning material system-related presentation, knowledge systematization, training tasks monolingualism and intensive training, the grammar-test method proved to be the best to meet the needs of the present educational context, characterized on the one hand by adult learners' high motivation to be enrolled in the non-linguistic Master's Program, and on the other hand a low level of their English-language competence, therefore the necessity of mastering vast amount of the language material within a short period of time is necessary.