The advanced Italian examination included well-known subjects with novel wording. Despite this, the examination encapsulated rehearsed concepts and dialogue areas. Erika Capello, an Italian language educator at the Institute of Education, stated that the examination provided something for all participants, offering the high achievers an opportunity to flaunt their linguistic abilities.
“This paper was quite accessible; however, certain challenging parts will demand students to consider carefully and maintain their calm,” she expressed.
She expanded by saying the subjects like pollution and Italian vacations are quite commonly studied, with the latter being a critical point of discussion in oral, hence most of the examination content would be recognised by the students.
The commencement reading passage was an editorial on pollution, but solely focused on ocean pollution. The specificity of the topic ‘dell’ambiente marino’ (marine environment) may have propelled students out of their comfort zone.
Capello noted that every paragraph comprised phrases or concepts unfamiliar to most students. For instance, ‘lavorano in maniera sinergica’ required students to relate ‘sinergica’ to ‘synergistic’; this would test their comprehension of the English language, to fully comprehend the particular concept of ‘working together in a synergistic way’. This challenging aspect was balanced by amicable questions, meaning task-focused students could effectively traverse this section, assuming they remained cool-headed in the stressful circumstance.”
Capello mentioned that numerous students were satisfied when they saw the studied text, ‘Marcovaldo’ on the examination.
“‘Marcovaldo’ can be overwhelmingly intricate; however, the essay was quite manageable this time.”
The third question in the third section was tricky than many students had expected.
“The letter prompt asked students to forward an application for a ‘tironcinio’ (internship), demanding them to specify their preferred work sector. Though it opens a creative space for intelligent students, the less confident ones might find it challenging to adapt to such an expansive prompt.”
She proposed a practice question where, in higher-level Italian section C, question 2, you are prompted to articulate an experience of visiting Sardinia for the first time with friends. It requires weaving six of the following ideas:
Finalmente finiti esami di maturità
Organizzare viaggio in Sardegna con amici.
Extremely warm in Sardinia
Getting acquainted with Italian students
Engaging in various activities
Getting lost
Dining at a traditional restaurant
Meeting a favourite singer while on holiday
Returning to the hotel very late
Sharing all the experiences upon return to Ireland