ZADANIE 1 STR. 69

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

A: I was thinking that we could go on that hiking trip to the mountains during our summer holidays? I think July would be perfect.

B: Mountains in July? It’s very hot then so hiking in the mountains would be tiring. Actually, in July, I’m visiting my grandparents.

A: Oh, okay. So what about the last week of August? The temperatures probably won’t be so high. It won’t be too sunny, but also not cloudy or rainy.

B: End of August sounds much better.

A: And where would you like to go? I was thinking about Karpacz. There’re many mountain trails which begin there. For example, we could climb Śnieżka from two different sides.

B: Karpacz? Isn’t it too pricey?

A: Not really. It’s not more expensive than other towns in that area. I’ve compared the prices.

B: And what about accommodation? Where’re we going to stay?

A: Last week, I found one two-star hotel and two three-star hotels, which also offer meals. And they all have swimming pools and a spa and wellness zone. And they’re not expensive: 170 PLN per person per night, plus 70 PLN for breakfast and dinner. I think it’s a very reasonable price.

B: Indeed, it is. Can you send me an e-mail with the details about those hotels so that I can check them out?

A: Sure. And one more thing. Each of us should pack two pairs of comfortable hiking boots, at least ten t-shirts, comfortable shorts and trousers. And some raincoats in case it rains.

ZADANIE 2 STR. 69

[przykładowa wypowiedź, przykładowe pytania egzaminatora]

In the foreground, I can see two men arguing about something. And in the background, there are four other people. Two of them are sitting at the table, and the other two are standing by the window. They look confused and uncomfortable. They don’t like the situation they’re witnessing. They’re looking at the two men who seem to be arguing. You can tell by their faces. The place looks like an office because there are white desks with computers on them. On the screens, I can see some data and graphs. What’s more, all people are dressed according to their company’s dress code – they all have shirts (most of them have white ones) and dark trousers. It’s hard to tell why the men are arguing. Is it an important project? The man on the right is pointing at it.

1. What do you think is going to happen next?

Those two arguing men seem to have higher positions in the company, and all the ‘spectators’ are their subordinates. So I don’t think anyone will intervene. They’ll probably finish their dispute when they have nothing else to say or argue about. Also, a senior manager may come and calm them down, and try to help them resolve the conflict.

2. Do you tend to interrupt and try to get involved when other people are arguing?

I have never taken part in a dispute that didn’t concern me. For me, it doesn’t make any sense to intervene in an argument when you don’t have an idea what it is about. But I imagine I would intervene if someone started physical violence against another person. Well, I believe there’re people who have the skills and knowledge to help in such situations.

Once at school I witnessed a friend of mine who arguing with a teacher because he wasn’t happy with his mark. I intervened and calmed him down. And I even apologised for him. Arguments happen. It’s good to know how to handle them.

ZADANIE 3 STR. 70

[przykładowa wypowiedź, przykładowe pytania egzaminatora]

If I were to choose between learning foreign languages, horse-riding and art classes, I’d say that the best extra classes for kids in primary school would be learning foreign languages. Foreign languages are very important, especially when you start working. In a lot of jobs, you need to speak fluent English. A second or even third foreign language wouldn’t do any harm either. And the earlier you start learning them, the better results you’ll achieve. It will take you less time to learn them. Plus, I think it’s also a great activity to develop your other skills like speaking and working in groups. These are very useful in life.

I’d reject horse-riding because there isn’t much value in it for kids. You don’t really keep fit while doing it once or twice a week for 30 minutes. And the only thing you can gain is a concussion or other injury when a horse steps on your foot by accident, kicks you. Or when you fall off it.

And I also think there’s no point in making children attend extra art classes. It would be boring for most of them. They’d rather go outside and play some games with their friends than sit in a classroom for one or two extra hours. Some kids like it, though, and if they do, they should go for it.

1. Do extracurricular activities at school make sense? Why/why not?

Yes, extracurricular activities at school make sense because they help students develop skills that are useful in life. Learning foreign languages, for example, improves communication and teamwork. Sports clubs help students stay active, and extra lessons in subjects like maths or science can prepare them for future careers. However, not every activity is beneficial for every student. It’s important to choose something that is both useful and enjoyable.

2. What are the reasons why people start learning foreign languages?

People learn foreign languages for different reasons. Many do it for work because speaking English or another language is often required in many jobs. Others learn because they want to travel and communicate with people from different countries. Some enjoy learning new cultures through languages, while others start learning at school because it’s part of the curriculum. The earlier you start, the easier it is to achieve fluency.

3. Do you think schools should organize extra classes for students like playing chess?

I think it’s great if schools organize extracurricular activities. That way parents don’t waste time driving their kids first to school and then to other extra classes. More kids will attend such classes if they are at their school. And the school would earn some extra money.

4. What’s your opinion of field trips organized by school?

I think school trips which last three, four or even seven days are a great experience for kids, and also teenagers. They can socialize, do some group activities like playing games or sports. This will help them become open and sociable. Also, it’s great fun, at least for most of them.