UNIVERSITY OF MALTA
THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
GERMAN
MAY 2014
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
MATRICULATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
EXAMINATIONS BOARD
IM EXAMINERS’ REPORT MAY 2014
IM GERMAN
MAY 2014 SESSION
EXAMINERS’ REPORT
The results achieved by the candidates are as indicated hereafter:
Grade
No. of candidates
% of Total
A
4
19.0
B
5
23.8
C
9
42.8
D
2
9.5
E
1
4.7
F
0
0
Abs
0
0
Total
21
100
All scripts were seen by three markers. Both new and old German orthography were accepted.
Overall, the candidates demonstrated a good basic knowledge of German language and culture. The
following is an overview on the overall performance in the different sections of the written examination:
The answers to the questions on text 1 of the listening comprehension section show an overall good
performance; as in the previous year though, difficulties were more evident in the questions on text 2,
where candidates were asked to answer in complete sentences. Typical mistakes made were related
to prepositions and sentence structure.
The overall performance in the essay and communicative writing sections showed difficulties in the
production of texts. Surprisingly though, the largest number of candidates chose the argumentative
type of text in the essay writing section which is usually considered to be one of the more demanding
text types. Although most candidates chose the argumentative topic, many produced a
descriptive/narrative essay instead of discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the given topic.
Common language mistakes could be identified in relation to syntax, especially with regard to
conjunctions, orthography and the declension of the adjective.
The overall performance of the candidates in the reading comprehension section was good and
indicated a detailed understanding of the content, although the answers given often contained
grammatical mistakes and/or missing details. Less mistakes were made in the exercise on
Sprachbausteine, i.e. grammar, than in the previous year. Mistakes were mainly made in the
declension of the definite and indefinite articles, the possessive article, and the adjective declension.
In contrast to last year, there was no evidence of a firm general knowledge on German culture
required for the section on Landeskunde. This is suprising since the syllabus gives quite a clear
indication of the possible areas and topics covered in the examination.
The following points are of a general nature:
a) Candidates should be encouraged to double check that they have replied to all the questions to
avoid getting a zero. Furthermore, candidates should make sure to reply in full sentences where
required. Candidates should also include the number of the question answered.
b) In the section on communicative writing, candidates should be reminded not to sign the letter using
their real names or to write down their real postal or email address in the letter head. Candidates are
to sign with the name indicated in the respective section or with XXX.
Chairperson
2014 Examination Panel
2