How to pass your zkouška (and get an A)

Pass the essay: The essay will be sat on the same day as your zápočtový
test and will count for 50% of the marks for your final exam. It will be
marked according to the following criteria:
Content Does your essay effectively answer the entire question? An A candidate
will answer the question effectively including their own ideas and explanations
that show original insight.
Grammar Range and Accuracy
Has the candidate used a wide range of different grammatical structures
accurately? An A candidate will use extensive advanced structures correctly.
Candidates will lose marks for using informal English, e.g. I, you, we, can’t, etc,
Vocabulary Range and Accuracy
Has the candidate used a wide range of different vocabulary accurately? An A
candidate will use a range of synonyms, and academic words and expressions
accurately. Candidates will lose marks for using informal English, e.g. phrasal
verbs, get, shorter ‘Germanic’ words.
Organisation and Cohesion
Is the text logically organised, does it use a range of appropriate linking words,
phrases and reference links? An A candidate will use connecting sentences to join
paragraphs, have a strong introduction and conclusion and well-organised
paragraphs. They will make very effective use of linking words and referencing
devices.

Pass the oral exam In January, there will be a final oral examination.
Candidates will be given 15 minutes to read a text and informed as to
which areas of the AP syllabus will be tested using that text. They will
need to find examples of those areas (e.g. passives, nominalisation) in the
text and be ready to talk about them and about the text, its meaning and
some vocabulary in it. They will then sit a 15 minute spoken examination,
during which they will be marked according to the following criteria:
Content Have you understood and answered the questions you were asked? An
A candidate will answer questions thoroughly and show originality and insight.
Grammar Range and Accuracy
Has the candidate used a wide range of different grammatical structures
accurately? An A candidate will use extensive advanced clauses correctly.
Vocabulary Range and Accuracy
Has the candidate used a wide range of different vocabulary accurately? An A
candidate will use a range of synonyms, and academic words and expressions
accurately.
Organising your speech and linking words
Do you give longer, structured answers, which are well-argued, organised and
connected using appropriate spoken linking words? An A candidate will produce
longer, well-organised answers, ideas will be linked with a range of appropriate
linking words.
The pass mark for the zkouška is 50%
You may retake it up to three times