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Czech Maturita English - independent language practice study materials
Czech Maturita English - independent language practice study resources

Czech Maturita English - independent language practice practice questions

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Question 1English written-script comprehension

Read this written notice at Václav Havel Airport Prague. "Attention passengers booked on flight BA 857 to London Heathrow. Please note an immediate gate change. Due to scheduled hydraulic maintenance on the jet bridge at Gate C12, boarding will now take place at Gate B04. Passengers requiring special wheelchair assistance should notify our ground staff at the information desk near B04 immediately. Flight departure remains on schedule at 16:40." Why was the departure gate changed?

  1. Flight BA 857 was delayed until the evening.
  2. The jet bridge at Gate C12 needs maintenance work. Correct answer.
  3. There was a severe thunderstorm over London.
  4. Security staff closed Terminal 2 for an inspection.

Explanation

The announcement states the change is 'Due to scheduled hydraulic maintenance on the jet bridge at Gate C12.'

Question 2English written-script comprehension

Read the message left on an office voicemail. "Hello, Ms. Horáková, this is Martin Kovář calling regarding the junior graphic designer position. Thank you very much for inviting me to an interview on Thursday at ten in the morning. I am calling to confirm that I will be there on time. As requested in your email, I will bring my printed portfolio book and two reference letters from my previous internship. I look forward to meeting you and your design team." What is Martin calling to do?

  1. Request a postponement of the interview time
  2. Confirm his attendance at the scheduled job interview Correct answer.
  3. Ask for directions to the company's headquarters
  4. Inquire about the starting salary for the position

Explanation

Martin states: 'I am calling to confirm that I will be there on time' for the interview scheduled on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Question 3English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "Tom _______ to London three times in his life, but he _______ there for the first time in 2022."

  1. has been / went Correct answer.
  2. was / has gone
  3. has gone / went
  4. was / goes

Explanation

We use the Present Perfect ('has been') to talk about life experience without a specific past time, and the Past Simple ('went') for an action completed at a specific past time ('in 2022').

Question 4English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the first conditional sentence: "If the train _______ on time, we _______ our flight at the airport."

  1. won't arrive / miss
  2. doesn't arrive / will miss Correct answer.
  3. isn't arriving / would miss
  4. didn't arrive / will miss

Explanation

In a first conditional sentence expressing a real future possibility, the 'if' clause uses the Present Simple ('doesn't arrive') and the main clause uses 'will' + base verb ('will miss').

Question 5English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the second conditional sentence: "If I _______ enough money, I _______ a new laptop for university, but right now I can't afford it."

  1. had / would buy Correct answer.
  2. have / will buy
  3. had had / would have bought
  4. would have / bought

Explanation

The second conditional is used for hypothetical or unreal situations in the present: 'if' + Past Simple ('had'), main clause: 'would' + bare infinitive ('would buy').

Question 6English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the passive sentence: "The historic Charles Bridge _______ in the 14th century and _______ several times after severe floods."

  1. was built / has been repaired Correct answer.
  2. built / was repaired
  3. was built / is repairing
  4. had built / has repaired

Explanation

'Was built' is the Past Simple passive for an event completed in the 14th century; 'has been repaired' is the Present Perfect passive for repeated historical actions whose results continue into the present.

Question 7English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "While Peter _______ dinner in the kitchen, the smoke alarm suddenly _______ off."

  1. was cooking / went Correct answer.
  2. cooked / was going
  3. is cooking / went
  4. has cooked / had gone

Explanation

We use the Past Continuous ('was cooking') for an ongoing background activity and the Past Simple ('went off') for an event that interrupted it.

Question 8English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "Look at the freezing snowstorm outside! You _______ wear a thick winter coat, or you _______ catch a bad cold."

  1. can't / shouldn't
  2. should / might Correct answer.
  3. must / can't
  4. ought / will

Explanation

We use 'should' to offer strong practical advice, and 'might' to express a real possibility or negative risk in the future.

Question 9English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the relative pronoun that correctly completes the sentence: "The young architect _______ designs won the international urban competition was educated at Brno University of Technology."

  1. who
  2. which
  3. whose Correct answer.
  4. whom

Explanation

'Whose' is the possessive relative pronoun indicating that the architectural designs belong to the young architect.

Question 10English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "After driving continuously for four hours, Martin stopped _______ a quick coffee at a roadside petrol station."

  1. having
  2. have
  3. had
  4. to have Correct answer.

Explanation

'Stop' followed by an infinitive of purpose ('to have') means interrupting an activity in order to do something else. Martin stopped driving so that he could have a coffee.

Question 11English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "When my grandfather was a young schoolboy in the 1950s, he _______ walk five kilometers through deep snow every morning to reach school."

  1. used to Correct answer.
  2. was used to
  3. got used to
  4. is used to

Explanation

'Used to' + bare infinitive describes a regular habit or routine in the past that is no longer done in the present.

Question 12English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the third conditional sentence: "If we _______ the mountain weather forecast before setting off on the hike, we _______ our waterproof jackets in the hotel room."

  1. checked / won't leave
  2. had checked / wouldn't have left Correct answer.
  3. would check / hadn't left
  4. have checked / didn't leave

Explanation

The third conditional discusses counterfactual situations in the past: 'if' + Past Perfect ('had checked'), main clause: 'would (not) have' + past participle ('wouldn't have left').

Question 13English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct question tag to complete the sentence: "Your older sister has already passed her driving test, _______?"

  1. didn't she
  2. doesn't she
  3. hasn't she Correct answer.
  4. isn't she

Explanation

The main sentence is positive and uses the auxiliary verb 'has' (Present Perfect: 'has passed'). Therefore, the matching question tag must be negative and use 'has': 'hasn't she?'.

Question 14English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the comparison: "The new express train travels _______ than the old diesel locomotive, and its passenger seats are _______ comfortable."

  1. much faster / far more Correct answer.
  2. more fast / much
  3. faster / most
  4. fastest / more

Explanation

'Faster' is the comparative form of the adverb 'fast' (intensified by 'much'); 'far more comfortable' is the correct comparative for a multi-syllable adjective (intensified by 'far').

Question 15English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the prepositions that correctly complete the sentence: "Our final English Maturita exam is scheduled _______ Monday morning _______ 9:00 AM sharp in the main hall."

  1. in / at
  2. at / on
  3. on / at Correct answer.
  4. on / in

Explanation

We use the preposition 'on' for specific days of the week and dates ('on Monday morning'), and 'at' for specific clock times ('at 9:00 AM').

Question 16English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence expressing a present regret: "I have so many assignments to finish tonight. I really wish I _______ more free time to play guitar with my friends."

  1. have
  2. would have had
  3. have had
  4. had Correct answer.

Explanation

After 'wish' referring to a present desire or regret that things are different from reality, we use the Past Simple form ('had').

Question 17English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct prepositions to complete the sentence: "Jakub has always been extremely fond _______ classical violin music and keen _______ learning to play an instrument."

  1. in / at
  2. about / with
  3. of / on Correct answer.
  4. for / in

Explanation

The adjective 'fond' takes the dependent preposition 'of' ('fond of'), and 'keen' takes 'on' ('keen on').

Question 18English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the verbs that form the correct English collocations: "Before you _______ a final decision about your career path, you should _______ thorough research into future job prospects."

  1. make / do Correct answer.
  2. do / make
  3. take / have
  4. give / do

Explanation

In standard English collocations, we 'make a decision' (produce a choice) and 'do research' (carry out an investigation).

Question 19English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the phrasal verb that best completes the sentence: "The driver had to pull over at the nearest motorway service station because the car was about to _______ petrol."

  1. run out of Correct answer.
  2. run into
  3. run away with
  4. run down

Explanation

'Run out of' means to completely exhaust a supply of something (fuel, money, milk, time).

Question 20English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "I need to look up the _______ bus timetable on the transport app because the printed schedule on the wall is three years out of date."

  1. actual
  2. current Correct answer.
  3. contemporary
  4. eventual

Explanation

'Current' means happening or existing right now at the present time (Czech: 'aktuální'). 'Actual' is a false friend meaning 'real/fact-based' rather than 'present-day'.

Question 21English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: "All the high school seniors in our class are really looking forward to _______ the open-air graduation ball in June."

  1. attend
  2. be attended
  3. attending Correct answer.
  4. have attended

Explanation

In the phrasal idiom 'look forward to', 'to' is a preposition, not an infinitive marker. Prepositions must be followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), hence 'attending'.

Question 22English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct dependent preposition to complete the sentence: "After two years of rigorous training, David finally succeeded _______ earning his private pilot's license."

  1. in Correct answer.
  2. at
  3. on
  4. with

Explanation

The verb 'succeed' is followed by the dependent preposition 'in' + gerund ('succeeded in earning').

Question 23English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct derivative adjective to complete the sentence: "The cyclist made a _______ mistake by glancing down at his smartphone screen while turning into a busy intersection, causing a minor crash."

  1. careful
  2. careless Correct answer.
  3. caring
  4. uncare

Explanation

The suffix '-less' means 'without'. 'Careless' means not giving sufficient attention or thought, which directly describes making a mistake.

Question 24English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct airport term to complete the sentence: "Once passengers clear security screening, they should proceed directly to the _______ to wait until their flight gate number appears on the information screens."

  1. baggage reclaim
  2. check-in desk
  3. customs area
  4. departure lounge Correct answer.

Explanation

The 'departure lounge' (or departure area) is the seated waiting hall airside where passengers wait after security before boarding.

Question 25English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "When Lucie explained to her teacher that she had fallen ill before the exam, the teacher was very _______ and agreed to reschedule the oral testing for next week."

  1. friendly
  2. pleasant
  3. sympathetic Correct answer.
  4. congenial

Explanation

In English, 'sympathetic' means showing understanding, compassion, and sensitivity toward someone who has a problem or misfortune. (Czech speakers often confuse this with 'pleasant/likeable', but here its true English meaning of understanding someone's hardship applies).

Question 26English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the three-part phrasal verb that best completes the sentence: "The constant noise from the street renovation outside our office was intolerable, and we could no longer _______ the endless jackhammering."

  1. put up with Correct answer.
  2. put out
  3. put off
  4. put through

Explanation

'Put up with' means to tolerate or endure an unpleasant or annoying situation without complaining.

Question 27English grammar and vocabulary in context

Choose the correct noun derivative of the verb 'improve' to complete the sentence: "Adopting regular aerobic exercise and proper sleep habits results in a significant _______ in mental focus and academic performance."

  1. improval
  2. improvingness
  3. improveance
  4. improvement Correct answer.

Explanation

The suffix '-ment' attaches to the verb 'improve' to form the standard noun 'improvement' (meaning the action or process of making or becoming better).

Question 28English reading comprehension

A passage states: "The committee's recommendation was hardly novel; it had been floated, and rejected, a decade earlier." What does the writer imply about the recommendation?

  1. It was received with enthusiasm by the committee.
  2. It was too recent to be evaluated fairly.
  3. It was rejected again by the same committee.
  4. It was largely a restatement of an earlier proposal. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase "hardly novel" signals that the idea is not new, and the clause about its being floated and rejected a decade earlier identifies the earlier version. Together they imply the current recommendation recycles an old proposal rather than introducing anything fresh.

Question 29English reading comprehension

A writer wants to signal that a cited study is methodologically weak without openly disputing its findings. Which sentence best achieves this?

  1. The study was published in a reputable journal.
  2. The study is worthless and should be ignored entirely.
  3. The study's conclusions are certainly false.
  4. The study's conclusions rest on a small, self-selected sample. Correct answer.

Explanation

Hedged critique works by describing a specific limitation and letting readers draw the inference, which is what pointing to a small, self-selected sample does. The finding itself is left standing while its evidential weight is quietly reduced.

Question 30English reading comprehension

Read: "Sales rose sharply in the first quarter. By the third, the trend had reversed." What is the relationship between the two sentences?

  1. Chronological contrast Correct answer.
  2. Concession
  3. Cause and effect
  4. Exemplification

Explanation

The second sentence reports a later period whose movement opposes the first, so the link is temporal sequence combined with contrast. No causal claim or example relationship is stated.

Question 31English reading comprehension

A paragraph opens: "Critics of the reform have raised three objections." Which sentence most appropriately continues the paragraph?

  1. Cost overruns are common in large infrastructure projects.
  2. In conclusion, the reform should be abandoned.
  3. The first concerns cost; the second, feasibility; the third, timing. Correct answer.
  4. The minister, however, remained optimistic about the vote.

Explanation

A topic sentence announcing three objections creates an expectation that the paragraph will enumerate them. The sentence listing them in order satisfies that discourse promise directly.

Question 32English reading comprehension

In an argumentative passage, a writer concedes a point and then immediately rebuts it. What is the rhetorical function of the concession?

  1. It signals that the passage is fictional.
  2. It shows the writer has abandoned the main thesis.
  3. It strengthens credibility before the rebuttal. Correct answer.
  4. It replaces evidence with personal opinion.

Explanation

Conceding a valid point demonstrates fairness and awareness of opposing views, which makes the subsequent rebuttal more persuasive. The thesis is reinforced, not surrendered.

Question 33English reading comprehension

A text says: "Far from resolving the dispute, the ruling deepened it." What does "far from" accomplish here?

  1. It introduces a supporting example.
  2. It states the precise distance involved.
  3. It reverses an expectation the reader might hold. Correct answer.
  4. It softens a claim already made.

Explanation

"Far from X" denies an anticipated outcome and substitutes its opposite, creating a corrective contrast. It is a rhetorical device for overturning expectation, not a literal or softening phrase.

Question 34English reading comprehension

Which option best paraphrases: "The policy was implemented with unseemly haste"?

  1. The policy was delayed by administrative obstacles.
  2. The policy was implemented without any legal basis.
  3. The policy was introduced after careful deliberation.
  4. The policy was introduced so quickly that it seemed improper. Correct answer.

Explanation

"Unseemly haste" carries a negative judgment about speed, so the paraphrase must preserve both the rapidity and the impropriety. Only the first option retains both elements.

Question 35English reading comprehension

A passage notes that a drug "showed a statistically significant effect in a trial of 40 patients." Which inference is best supported?

  1. Statistical significance proves the effect is large.
  2. The drug is proven effective for the whole population.
  3. The result is promising but the sample limits its generalizability. Correct answer.
  4. The trial was methodologically fraudulent.

Explanation

Significance addresses the probability that an observed effect arose by chance, not the size or generality of that effect. A 40-patient trial can yield a significant result while remaining too small to generalize confidently.

Question 36English reading comprehension

Which sentence most clearly expresses a hedged claim?

  1. Everyone knows the practice reduces costs.
  2. The practice definitely reduces costs everywhere.
  3. The evidence suggests that the practice may reduce costs. Correct answer.
  4. The practice reduces costs.

Explanation

Hedging uses modals and tentative verbs such as "suggests" and "may" to limit the strength of a claim. The other options assert the conclusion without qualification.

Question 37English reading comprehension

Read: "The report is thorough. It is also unreadable." What is the effect of the second sentence's brevity?

  1. It introduces a new topic unrelated to the first.
  2. It delivers a blunt verdict that undercuts the praise. Correct answer.
  3. It provides detailed evidence for the first claim.
  4. It softens the criticism in the first sentence.

Explanation

The short, clipped second sentence lands like a verdict, and "also" signals an added drawback that neutralizes the compliment. The abruptness intensifies rather than softens the criticism.

Question 38English reading comprehension

An author writes: "One might object that the costs are prohibitive. This objection, while understandable, mistakes a short-term expense for a long-term investment." What move does the author make?

  1. Conceding the objection is decisive
  2. Introducing a new thesis
  3. Anticipating and reframing an objection Correct answer.
  4. Providing statistical evidence

Explanation

The author raises a likely counterargument and then reinterprets its key term, turning expense into investment. This is the classic anticipate-and-reframe strategy, not genuine concession.

Question 39English reading comprehension

A passage describes a policy as "a solution in search of a problem." What does the phrase suggest?

  1. The policy has not yet been funded.
  2. The policy solves a problem that others ignored.
  3. The policy addresses a need that has not been demonstrated. Correct answer.
  4. The policy was designed by outside consultants.

Explanation

The idiom inverts the usual order of problem and solution to imply that the alleged problem is fabricated or unproven. It is a criticism of the policy's rationale, not of its origin or funding.

Question 40English reading comprehension

Read: "The novelist's later work is admired more than it is read." What does this imply?

  1. Its reputation exceeds its actual readership. Correct answer.
  2. It is read widely but poorly understood.
  3. It was published posthumously.
  4. It is more popular than the earlier work.

Explanation

The comparison sets admiration above reading, implying that esteem for the work is not matched by people actually engaging with it. The claim concerns reputation versus readership, not popularity or publication history.

Question 41English reading comprehension

A writer cites only studies funded by the industry whose product is under review. Which critical comment is most apt?

  1. The writer has cited too many sources.
  2. The studies must be fabricated.
  3. The evidence base may reflect a conflict of interest. Correct answer.
  4. The studies are irrelevant to the topic.

Explanation

Selective reliance on industry-funded research raises a legitimate concern about bias without asserting misconduct. The proportionate critique names the conflict of interest rather than alleging fraud.

Question 42English reading comprehension

A text shifts from past tense narration to present tense in its final paragraph to state a general truth. What is this shift called?

  1. The gnomic or timeless present Correct answer.
  2. Stream of consciousness
  3. An unreliable narrator
  4. Free indirect discourse

Explanation

The gnomic present expresses statements held to be generally or timelessly true, which is why it appears when narration moves from event to generalization. The other terms name narrative techniques, not tense functions.

Question 43English reading comprehension

Which option best restates the claim "Correlation does not imply causation" in a reading passage about two rising trends?

  1. The two trends may move together without one causing the other. Correct answer.
  2. The two trends cannot both be rising at once.
  3. The trends are unrelated and cannot be compared.
  4. One trend must be the cause of the other.

Explanation

The maxim warns that observed co-movement alone cannot establish a causal direction. The paraphrase must preserve the possibility of coincidence or a third factor.

Question 44English reading comprehension

In a passage, a narrator says: "I was, of course, entirely objective." Given surrounding evidence of clear bias, how should a reader interpret the statement?

  1. As an appeal to authority
  2. As ironic self-characterization Correct answer.
  3. As a shift in genre
  4. As a factual aside

Explanation

When a claim of objectivity clashes with the surrounding evidence, readers are expected to detect irony, where the surface meaning is inverted. The phrase "of course" often signals such knowing self-mockery.

Question 45English reading comprehension

A reading passage states: 'The committee's recommendation was not merely premature but positively reckless.' Which inference about the committee's action is best supported by this sentence?

  1. The committee's recommendation was cautious and widely supported.
  2. The committee acted too soon and with insufficient regard for consequences. Correct answer.
  3. The committee deliberately misled the public about its findings.
  4. The committee delayed its decision until all evidence was available.

Explanation

The phrase 'not merely premature but positively reckless' intensifies criticism: 'premature' means too early, and 'reckless' adds a lack of care about risks. The sentence supports an inference of hasty action with dangerous disregard, not delay, caution, or intentional deception.

Question 46English reading comprehension

In an academic passage, the author writes: 'The data, such as they are, hardly warrant the sweeping conclusion drawn from them.' What is the author's attitude toward the conclusion?

  1. Confused, because the author cannot interpret the data.
  2. Skeptical, because the evidence is weak relative to the claim. Correct answer.
  3. Neutral, because the author avoids evaluating the data.
  4. Strongly supportive, because the data are extensive.

Explanation

The parenthetical 'such as they are' signals doubt about the quality of the data, and 'hardly warrant' denies that the evidence supports the conclusion. Together these expressions convey skepticism rather than support, neutrality, or confusion.

Question 47English reading comprehension

A passage contains the sentence: 'The proposal, which had been debated for months, was finally shelved.' Which statement best captures the meaning of 'shelved' in this context?

  1. It was postponed indefinitely or set aside. Correct answer.
  2. It was revised and resubmitted for debate.
  3. It was rejected by a formal vote.
  4. It was formally approved and implemented.

Explanation

In legislative and planning contexts, to 'shelve' a proposal means to set it aside, often indefinitely, without necessarily rejecting it outright. The surrounding phrase 'finally shelved' after months of debate indicates it was put aside rather than approved, revised, or formally voted down.

Question 48English reading comprehension

Read the sentence: 'The senator's remarks were greeted with polite applause, if applause it could be called.' What does the qualification 'if applause it could be called' suggest?

  1. The response was so lukewarm that it barely counted as applause. Correct answer.
  2. The applause was unusually enthusiastic.
  3. The senator spoke for an unusually long time.
  4. The audience was unsure whether to applaud at all.

Explanation

The conditional qualification 'if applause it could be called' casts doubt on whether the response deserved the label, implying it was minimal or unenthusiastic. It does not indicate enthusiasm, genuine uncertainty about applauding, or the length of the speech.

Question 49English reading comprehension

A passage reads: 'Proponents argue that the tax will curb speculation. Opponents counter that it will dry up liquidity. Both sides, however, agree that the market will change.' Which statement best summarizes the passage's main point?

  1. The tax is likely to have no effect on the market.
  2. Proponents and opponents disagree about whether the market will change.
  3. Opponents have the stronger economic argument.
  4. The debate concerns the tax's effects, but its occurrence of change is uncontested. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents two competing predictions about the tax's effects and then notes agreement that the market will change. The main point is that the debate is about the nature of the effects, not about whether change will occur.

Question 50English reading comprehension

In a passage, the author writes: 'It is tempting to conclude that the policy caused the decline. Tempting, but premature.' What is the function of the fragment 'Tempting, but premature'?

  1. It introduces a new argument unrelated to the previous sentence.
  2. It corrects a factual error in the previous sentence.
  3. It concedes the appeal of the conclusion while cautioning against it. Correct answer.
  4. It restates the conclusion with stronger support.

Explanation

The fragment echoes 'tempting' to acknowledge the conclusion's appeal and adds 'but premature' to warn against accepting it yet. It does not strengthen the conclusion, introduce an unrelated argument, or correct a factual error.