MATSEC IM English case studies
MATSEC IM English · Put your knowledge to work in context.
MATSEC Intermediate Level English is a subject examination offered under the MATSEC Examinations Board, the examinations body of L-Università ta' Malta. The Board publishes its own pages for Regulations, Guidelines and policies, Syllabi, Current Session Information, Applications, Past Papers, Marking Schemes and Exemplars, and Research and Reports, so candidates should treat the syllabus document for the current session as the authoritative statement of what the paper contains. The MATSEC IM English case studies are 5 cases and about 3,818 words.
1Summary under a word limit: fidelity versus fluency
The summary question on the Intermediate English paper gives candidates a 430-word article about Valletta's car-free Sunday pilot and asks for a summary of no more than 70 words. The instructions read: 'Use your own words.
785 words, about 4 min2A complaint letter that reads like a text message
Mark Vella lives on Triq il-Kbira and has had no refuse collection for three consecutive weeks; the scheduled dates were 12, 19 and 26 April. Bags are stacked against his front door and neighbours have begun adding theirs to the pile.
758 words, about 4 min3A library notice that can be read two ways
A librarian has drafted a notice for the reference collection: 'Items borrowed from the reference collection must be returned within two weeks or a fine of 50c per day will be applied.' The committee's intended policy is that reference items may be borrowed for 14 days; after the due date a charge of 50c per day accrues until the item is returned; and an item remains overdue until it is returned, whatever has been paid. At the meeting two members read the draft differently.
788 words, about 4 min4Peer feedback: error, disputed usage, or style?
Elena has written a 250-word opinion article for the school magazine arguing that first-year students should have no more than 45 minutes of homework per night. The class is doing peer feedback, and each student may leave exactly three comments.
758 words, about 4 min5Reading between the lines of a course advertisement
An advertisement for an adult evening course reads: 'Join our evening English course at Msida Adult Learning Centre. Small groups (maximum 10 students).
729 words, about 4 min