Extended Matura in English: How to Master Use of English (Knowledge of Language Means)?
The section Use of English, formally knowledge of language means, is for many students the most demanding part of the extended matura in English. It requires not only a rich vocabulary but also precision, knowledge of exceptions, and flawless grammar. In this article, we break down this section into its components. You will learn what to expect, what typical tasks look like, and how to avoid matura traps.
What to expect on the extended matura in English?
On the extended matura in English, tasks assessing knowledge of language means (Use of English) aim to test your linguistic flexibility. Examiners check whether you can express the same thought in several different ways and whether you correctly apply advanced grammatical structures (e.g., inversion, conditional sentences, reported speech, passive voice) and lexical (idioms, phrasal verbs, collocations).
Typical tasks Use of English and strategies for solving them
To effectively prepare for the English matura, you need to develop appropriate tactics for each type of task. Here are the most important ones:
1. Sentence transformations (Key Word Transformations)
This is an absolute classic. Your task is to transform the given sentence in such a way that its original meaning is preserved, using the provided word (the key word), which you are not allowed to change.
Example:
I have never met such an intelligent person before.
EVER
He is the most intelligent person I …………………… met.
Answer: have ever
Strategy: Always check the word limit (usually from 3 to 6). Pay attention to the grammatical tense in the original sentence – the transformation usually requires maintaining the same tense or using a compensatory structure. Analyze what exactly „disappears” from the original sentence and what you need to replace it with.
2. Word Formation
In this task, you receive a text with gaps and base words in parentheses. You must change the part of speech (e.g. noun to adjective) or add a prefix/suffix so that the word fits grammatically and logically into the context.
Example:
The company was criticized for its …………………… (RESPONSIBLE) attitude towards the environment.
Answer: irresponsible
Strategy: First, determine what part of speech is missing (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb). Then read the entire sentence to check its tone – is it positive or negative? If negative, you probably need to add a negating prefix (e.g. un-, in-, ir-, dis-).
3. Open Cloze
A text with empty spaces where you must write exactly one word. You are not given any options to choose from (unlike Multiple Choice Cloze).
Strategy: In this task, there is rarely a lack of words carrying the main meaning (so-called content words). Usually, there is a lack of prepositions (in, on, at), conjunctions (although, however), articles (a, an, the), auxiliary verbs, or pronouns (which, who, that). Always read the sentence to the end, as the word conditioning the correct answer may be after the gap.
4. Translation of sentence fragments (Translation)
You must translate the fragment from Polish to English so that it grammatically and logically fits with the rest of the sentence.
Strategy: Do not translate literally (a calque is a mistake!). Look for English equivalents and collocations. Pay attention to the given words before and after the gap – they often require the use of a specific construction (e.g., a verb with the -ing ending after a preposition).
Most common traps in the English exam – what to watch out for?
- Spelling mistakes: In Use of English, there is no mercy. A word with a typo means 0 points. Pay special attention to double letters (e.g., accommodation, disappointment).
- Missing negations: In word formation tasks, students often create the correct part of speech but ignore the context of the sentence, which requires a word with a negative meaning (e.g., they write patient instead of impatient).
- Calques from Polish: When translating in your head, it’s easy to fall into a trap. For example, „zależeć od” is depend on, not „depend from”. Always learn verbs in combination with prepositions (so-called dependent prepositions).
- Exceeding the word limit: In transformations, the limit is strict. Using a contracted form (e.g., don’t) usually counts as two words in exam scoring (though it’s always worth checking in the task instructions for that year).
Summary: How to effectively practice Knowledge of Language Means?
Mastering Use of English in the extended matura is a process. The best strategy is daily, regular work with revision books, reading English-language articles that naturally build vocabulary, and – above all – solving past matura papers. Only in this way will you understand the „logic” of task creation by CKE and eliminate silly mistakes.
Remember: regularity is the key to success! Good luck on the maturity exam!