ZADANIE 1 STR. 65

[przykładowy dialog; A – uczeń, B – egzaminator]

A: In Poland, we study for four years in high school. After the final year, we take exams called the matura. The compulsory subjects in the final exam are Polish, maths, and one foreign language. In most schools, we get grades from 1 to 6, where 1 is the poorest and 6 is the best, with pluses and minuses. But in some schools, students collect points, and their final mark is based on the number of points they’ve earned during two terms. One way to improve the system could be to introduce a more flexible grading system that focuses on skills rather than just test results.

B: And how about classrooms? Are they well equipped? Does each subject have a separate classroom?

A: It varies from school to school. Some older schools have big classrooms with high ceilings and traditional teaching aids like fossils, rocks, and maps for biology or geography lessons. In newer buildings, classrooms are often much better, with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and modern educational tools. However, not every school has access to the latest technology. It would be great if every school had better funding for equipment, so that all students could learn in a modern environment.

B: And does each school have a sports hall and other facilities like a swimming pool or tennis court?

A: Each school normally has a gym and an outdoor pitch for P.E. lessons, but swimming pools or tennis courts are rare – only a few schools in my city have them. It would be beneficial if more schools had access to better sports facilities because regular physical activity is important for students' health and well-being.

B: Do schools offer extracurricular classes?

A: Yes, quite a lot. There are always sports clubs where you can play football, basketball, volleyball, or other sports. There are also extra lessons for students who want to prepare for competitions or exams. Some schools offer art clubs or drama groups. In the final year, there are usually additional classes to help students prepare for the matura exam. It would be good if schools offered more practical extracurricular activities, like financial literacy or coding, to better prepare students for adult life.

ZADANIE 2 STR. 65

[przykładowa wypowiedź, przykładowe pytania egzaminatora]

In the picture, I can see two dinner tables and four chairs. They’re probably in a restaurant. On the table in the background, there are only two empty glasses and some napkins. On the table in the foreground, there are dishes waiting to be eaten. There’s fish, some salads, fruit, and wine in glasses. Some people must have left their glasses on this table, so they’ll probably be back in a minute. When I look at the interior of this restaurant, I’d say it’s really posh and expensive. It looks like a place for business meetings or important celebrations. There’s no one sitting at the table, but both tables are set, so this restaurant may open at any moment. Or maybe the table in the background is booked for a specific hour and is waiting for its customers.

1. Why aren’t there any people in the picture?

There aren’t any people in the picture because the restaurant might not be open yet, and the tables are already set for the guests. Another possibility is that the people sitting at the table in the foreground have just stepped away for a moment, leaving their glasses behind. The table in the background might be reserved, and the guests haven’t arrived yet. Since the restaurant looks quite elegant, it could also be a private event, and the guests are expected to come at a specific time.

2. What does healthy eating mean to you?

In my opinion eating healthily means having a balanced diet. Such a diet should be based on ecological and fresh ingredients: meat and fish once or twice a week, some vegetarian meals, and lots of well-seasoned vegetables. But it doesn’t mean that you cannot eat sweets or fast food. You can, but once in a while, not every week. You shouldn’t forget that healthy eating is not only what you eat but also how much you eat; even overeating very healthy food is bad for your health.

3. Describe the last time you ate out.

Last week, I went to a newly opened Japanese restaurant with my friends. The restaurant is not far from the place where I live. I ordered sushi, of course. For the first time in my life, and I must admit it was really tasty, so I’ll be eating it more often now. It’s quite expensive, though.

ZADANIE 3 STR. 66

[przykładowa wypowiedź, przykładowe pytania egzaminatora]

If I were to celebrate one event with my friends, I’d definitely choose Halloween. It’s a really interesting celebration that came to Poland from English-speaking countries. My friends and I could watch scary movies. The Nightmare before Christmas is the best Halloween movie I know. Or we could dress up or even go outside and go trick-or-treating in our neighbourhood. Like those kids in picture number one. Well, I think we’re too old for that last one. But still, we could have so much fun together. We could bake witch finger cookies. They look horrible. We could also decorate the house in a scary way.

I wouldn’t like to spend Easter with my friends because there’s not much to do. You can only meet for breakfast, paint and eat some eggs. Like those colourful ones in picture number three. It’s basically a religious holiday, which religious people celebrate in churches. There aren’t games you can play.

I wouldn’t like to celebrate Christmas with my friends because for me it’s a family celebration – a time to get together with your relatives for dinner. We exchange gifts and chat. You decorate a Christmas tree to create the right atmosphere. No, Christmas is for your family, not your friends really.

1. Describe one public secular or religious holiday which you celebrate in a special way.

One holiday that I celebrate in a special way is Halloween. It’s not a traditional Polish holiday, but it has become more popular in recent years. My friends and I like to watch scary movies, decorate the house with spooky ornaments, and sometimes even dress up in costumes. We also bake Halloween-themed snacks, like witch finger cookies, which look horrible but taste great. It’s a fun way to spend time together and enjoy something different from the usual holidays.

2. Why do we celebrate different days and occasions throughout the year?

We celebrate different days and occasions because they help us remember important events, spend time with our loved ones, and break the daily routine. Religious holidays allow people to express their faith, while secular celebrations, like birthdays or national holidays, bring communities together. Some celebrations, like Christmas or Halloween, create a special atmosphere and give us a chance to enjoy traditions that have been passed down for generations.

3. What is your opinion on celebrating the Christmas time abroad?

I think celebrating Christmas abroad could be an interesting experience, especially in a place with unique traditions, like Germany with its Christmas markets or New York with its festive decorations. However, for me, Christmas is a family holiday, so I’d rather spend it at home with my relatives. The atmosphere of decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, and having dinner together is something I wouldn’t want to miss. Traveling during Christmas could be fun, but I believe it’s more meaningful when celebrated with family.

4. What parades or marches are organized in Poland and why?

There are some. But they all usually take place on Independence Day, or when there’s another public holiday. Unfortunately, we don’t have parades in carnivals, such as those in South America. However, we have Equality Parade (Parada Równości) in June. People dress up in colourful clothes and march to promote equality of all.