Students taking part in the Maturita school leaving exam. (source: TASR)
This week, graduating secondary school students in Slovakia are sitting a part of their mandatory school leaving exams, or 'Maturita'.
Today was foreign language exams, with more than 36,000 sitting English tests - high school students were tested at either B1 or B2 level, and students at bilingual secondary schools at C1 level.
Meanwhile, more than 900 students chose German, 554 chose Russian, 11 picked French, 10 Spanish, and one Italian.
You can give the English Maturita test a try without having to worry about time constraints or results, at the links below. Here's a list of tests, audio recordings, essay topics, and correct answers from this year. Instructions are in Slovak.
LEVEL B1
Essay: Your friend from Britain is interested in your future job plans. Write a letter (160-180 words) to him/her mentioning the following points: the possibilities of searching for a job and job opportunities in Slovakia; your plans to work either in your country or abroad; your dream job.
Test with 60 questions (100 minutes): Link
Recording:Link
Correct answers:Link
LEVEL B2
Essay: In your English class, you were asked to write an opinion essay entitled "A Career or a Family Life?". In your essay (200-220 words), discuss the following points: an example of a person with a successful career; the influence of work on a family life; your vision for a career in your future.
Test with 80 questions (120 minutes): Link
Recording: Link
Correct answers: Link
LEVEL C1
Essay: Your bilingual school has announced a competition to write an opinion essay (260–320 words) entitled "Another language means another perception of the world". Discuss the following points: the meaning of linguistic diversity – what it means; why language diversity matters – its significance; its promotion – how to promote it.
Test with 90 questions (150 minutes):Link
Recording: Link
Correct answers: Link
