State of Israel
Ministry of Education
English Inspectorate
January, 2008
Information about the Translation Skills Bagrut Examination
1. Students can only take the Translation Skills test if they have studied the subject in
school.
2. Students write one translation of the text which is marked for accuracy, appropriacy,
and language. If they give more than one translation for a word, phrase, or passage,
they will lose points. The translation is meant to be a finished product and it is their
job to make the decisions.
3. Spelling counts! Half a point is deducted for each spelling error in Hebrew.
4. The item analyses can relate only to items numbered and marked in bold. No points
are given for the analysis of an item that is not marked.
5. If a student writes more than the required six item analyses, only the first six will be
marked.
6. The item analysis should be written as coherent sentences, not a series of unrelated
phrases. It should include the definition of the linguistic or translational problem in
the item, the form it takes in the specific text the student has just translated, why this
is an issue for the translator (i.e., how Hebrew differs from English), and how the
student dealt with the issue in order to reconcile the differences between the
languages.
7. At the head of each item analysis, students should note the item it relates to. The
analysis must also include their final translation of the item, and they should make
sure this translation is identical to what they actually wrote when translating the
passage.
8. Students can earn bonus points for “flair” on both the translation and the item
analyses if they produce an exceptionally fine or original translation or an item
analysis displaying unusual linguistic insight. However, no more than a total of 70
points is given for the translation and 30 points for the item analysis.
Modifications for Students with Learning Disabilities
Students are entitled to modifications in Translation Skills as follows:
1. Extra time – if they are entitled to extra time in Hebrew or English.
2. Ignoring spelling mistakes – if they are entitled to this modification in Hebrew.
3. The following modifications are not offered for the Translation Skills Bagrut:
 Recording of the student's answers on an audio cassette.
 Listening to a pre-recorded exam on an audio cassette.
4. For approval of any other modification, contact Dr. Judy Steiner enclosing all
relevant documentation.
__________________________________________________________________________
Lev Ram Building Jerusalem 91911
Tel. 02-5603587/8 Fax 02-5603596
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