UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
THE MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
ADVANCED LEVEL
SPANISH
MAY 2008
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATIONS BOARD
AM Examiners’ Report – May 2008
AM SPANISH
MAY 2008 SESSION
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
1.0 Statistical Information
Table 1: Grade Distribution of Candidates from 2001 to 2008
TOTAL
A
B
C
D
E
F
Absent
Total
2001Candidates
Percentage
2002Candidates
Percentage
2003Candidates
Percentage
2004Candidates
Percentage
2005Candidates
Percentage
2006
Candidates
Percentage
2007Candidates
Percentage
2008Candidates
Percentage
7
17%
7
17%
14
34%
7
17%
3
7%
2
5%
1
2%
41
100%
5
29%
6
35%
3
18%
0
0%
1
6%
1
6%
1
6%
17
100%
8
20%
8
20%
14
35%
2
5%
3
8%
2
5%
3
8%
40
100%
7
15%
14
30%
12
26%
8
17%
4
9%
0
0%
1
2%
46
100%
12
30%
8
20%
9
22%
4
10%
3
8%
2
5%
2
5%
40
100%
7
17%
4
10%
7
17%
6
15%
9
22%
4
10%
4
10%
41
100%
2
3%
17
27 %
19
31%
11
18%_
6
10%
4
6%
3
5%
62
100%
6
20.5%
13
45%
6
20.5%
0
2
7%
0
2
7%
29
100%
Table 1 shows a marked decrease in the number of candidates sitting for the exam in the May
session. Indeed it represents the lowest level since 2001, except for the year 2002. It is to be hoped
that this does not represent a general decline in the interest of students for this language.
On the other hand the table amply shows that the results obtained in general were far better than
last year, and probably the best result ever if one takes the three highest grades as a yardstick. As
a percentage, 86% obtained an A to C grade compared with 61% last year. Last year it was noted
that the result obtained in the first 3 grades at 61 % was higher than the 44% obtained in 2006.So
this year’s performance was extremely satisfactory, surpassing the result in any previous year. No
candidate failed this year , that is with a lower than E grade.
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AM Examiners’ Report – May 2008
2.0 Comments on Candidates’ Performance in May 2008
2.1 Paper I – Redacción
The average mark in this exam was 20 from a possible 30. 4 candidates obtained more than 25
marks, and 13 obtained more than 20 marks representing 48%(against 40% in 2007).This is a
marked improvement in this section.
There were some very good and well structured essays with one obtaining 29 marks. There was
little incidence where candidates reverted to Italian as a safety exit when unable to find the correct
word in Spanish. It was good to see that the majority this year took some time to plan and structure
their essay. Most had a good and logical sequence and flow of ideas. There was a slight
improvement in the use of grammar.
All in all it was good to see that many candidates took notice of the points raised in last year’s
report.
2.2 Paper II - Comprensión and Resumen
The average total mark in this paper was 22.5 out of a possible 30, split into an average of 12 for
the Comprensión and 10.5 for the Resumen. Here again the average total mark was considerably
higher than the 17 obtained last year.
Candidates made an effort to reply to the Comprensión questions in their own words, rather than
copying from the text itself, a condition for this test. Candidates should move away from giving
superflous information in their answers, which sometimes leads to their missing the actual point.
On the Resumen, candidates are advised to work out a quick outline of what they intend to say
before putting pen to paper, thus avoiding putting the emphasis on unimportant details.
2.3 Paper III Textos Literarios/Temas Culturales.
The average mark increased only marginally from 19 last year to 20 this year. The examiners state
that most of the failings which were highlighted last year were still present this year. Hence
candidates are advised to refer to the 2007 report and take note of the points raised then.
None of the candidates opted for the Temas Culturales test.
2.4 Conversación
With an average of 7 out of 10 marks, the same level of last year was maintained. Teachers should
create more opportunities for their students to speak the language, whereas students should look
for every opportunity to read Spanish literature and listen to the language being spoken by native
Spaniards on TV and radio on a regular basis.
2.5 General Comments
The results overall have showed that students are taking their studies of the language more
seriously. The marks obtained seem to bear this out. The decline in the number of candidates may
be attributed to a temporary change of interest which will probably be reversed in the coming year
or so.
Chairperson
Examiners Board
September 2008
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