In the picture, there is a man and a woman in a kitchen. They are probably a couple, maybe a husband and wife. The room is in light colors. In this room, I see white cabinets and a hood. There is a sink behind him and maybe a fridge on the left.
The woman is wearing a blouse and jeans. Her hair is long and tied up. The man has medium-length hair, and he is wearing a t-shirt and jeans as well. They are young adults because they look like they are in their twenties. She is handing a garbage bag to the man with a slight smirk on her face, while he looks unhappy. She is standing in a way that allows us to see her face clearly, while the man is looking at her with slumped shoulders, as if showing reluctance or resignation.
She seems to be asking him to take out the trash while he listens. It could be a typical situation at home. I think this picture represents house chores—small tasks like taking the rubbish out, vacuuming, or cleaning—that people often don’t want to do because they take attention away from more important things. In particular, men often dislike these tasks. I imagine she is saying to him, Why does it always have to be up to women to clean?
Another interesting detail is that the kitchen countertops behind them are completely empty, with no dishes, suggesting that the place was recently cleaned.
Matura-style Questions:
1. Describe the scene in the picture.
- The picture shows a man and a woman in a kitchen. The woman is handing a garbage bag to the man, and he looks unhappy. The room is clean and well-organized, with white cabinets and a sink in the background. The woman has her hair tied up and wears a blouse and jeans, while the man has slumped shoulders, as if reluctant to do the chore.
2. What emotions can you see in the picture?
- The woman has a slight smirk on her face, which might mean she is teasing or insisting. The man looks reluctant and unhappy, as if he does not want to take out the trash. Their body language suggests a typical household disagreement about chores.
3. What do you think the woman is saying to the man?
- She might be saying, Can you take out the trash? or perhaps something more frustrated like, Why do I always have to remind you? The expression on her face suggests she is making a point rather than simply asking.
4. Why do you think people don’t like doing house chores?
- Many people don’t like house chores because they see them as time-consuming and repetitive. They would rather spend their time on more interesting or important activities.
5. Do you think house chores should be shared equally? Why or why not?
- Yes, I think house chores should be shared equally because both partners live in the same home and benefit from a clean environment. However, some couples prefer to divide tasks based on preference or availability.
6. How have household responsibilities changed over time?
- In the past, household chores were often seen as the woman’s responsibility, but nowadays, men and women are more likely to share them. Many people also use modern technology, like dishwashers and robotic vacuum cleaners, to make chores easier.
7. What are some ways to make house chores less boring?
- People can listen to music or podcasts while cleaning, set timers to finish tasks quickly, or turn chores into a game by making small competitions with family members.
8. What is your least favorite house chore? Why?
- My least favorite house chore is probably washing dishes because it takes a lot of time and can be messy. However, I don’t mind vacuuming because it’s quick and easy.
The photograph shows four people, probably a teacher, and on her right side, three children—a boy, a girl, and behind them, another girl. They may be students. The boy has short hair and is wearing a t-shirt. Both girls have straight, long hair, and they are wearing light sleeveless tops.
They are probably in a library because I can see a bookcase filled with many books in the back room. In the background, there is a clock, and several lamps hang from the ceiling.
There is a woman showing them something on the computer screen. I think she is explaining some tasks to them. The boy looks very interested, and the girls are laughing, so they seem happy.
She might be a teacher or a librarian; I am not sure. If this picture was taken in a British school, then I can say that it is not a school library because the children are not wearing uniforms. So, the picture might have been taken during the summer holidays, and it could be a public library.
One interesting detail in the picture is that the boy is slightly leaning his head to the left. This might suggest that they are watching something funny rather than reading, but it could also indicate that they are simply relaxed.
Another interesting detail is that the library appears to be a very large room, which makes it more likely to be a public library rather than a school library. Public libraries in the UK are not only used for books and studying; you can also rent films, use the internet, and print documents. They are not always about serious work but often serve as places for meeting people and having fun. The situation in the picture seems more relaxed than a typical school setting.
Matura-style Questions and Answers:
1. Describe the scene in the picture.
- The picture shows a group of four people, possibly a teacher or a librarian and three children. They are gathered around a computer screen, and the teacher seems to be explaining something. The children look interested and happy. The setting appears to be a library because of the bookshelves in the background.
2. What are the people in the picture doing?
- The teacher is showing something on the computer screen, and the students seem engaged. The boy is leaning slightly to the left, which suggests he is focused on the screen, while the girls are smiling, indicating they might be watching something entertaining or educational.
3. Do you think this is a school library or a public library? Why?
- I think this is a public library because the children are not wearing uniforms, which are usually required in British schools. Also, the room looks large, which is more typical of a public library.
4. Why do people visit public libraries?
- People visit public libraries not only to read books and study but also to rent films, use the internet, or print documents. Libraries are also social spaces where people can meet, participate in activities, and sometimes even relax.
5. How has the role of libraries changed over the years?
- In the past, libraries were mainly used for reading and studying, but nowadays, they serve multiple functions. They provide free internet access, host events, and offer digital resources. Some libraries also have cafés or discussion areas, making them more inviting and interactive.
6. What advantages do libraries have over studying at home?
- Libraries provide a quiet environment without distractions, access to a wide range of resources, and sometimes professional assistance from librarians. They also offer study spaces where students can concentrate better than at home.
7. Do you think libraries will still be needed in the future?
- Yes, even though digital resources are becoming more popular, libraries still play an important role. They provide access to books and the internet for people who might not have them at home. They also create a sense of community and encourage lifelong learning.
TOPIC 2 Describing a picture for a competition entitled “New Beginnings”
I have chosen picture number one. It shows two young people moving in—I think so because they are carrying or handling some boxes. These are large boxes, which probably contain clothes, everyday items, maybe some kitchenware, or even toys if they have children.
The first person I can see is a young woman inside the house, and there is also a young man bringing boxes in. They are both chatting and seem to be in good spirits. The woman looks happy, which makes me think they are moving into a new place, and that’s an exciting and joyful moment for them. It’s possible they are joking around or simply having a good laugh.
The reason I have chosen this picture is that it shows the most action—essentially, it captures two people engaged in something active, and it clearly represents a “new beginning.”
The second picture shows a calendar page with “New Year – Fresh Start” handwritten on it. The third picture depicts three young women sitting on a bed, laughing. One of them, sitting in the middle, has curlers in her hair, and the other two seem to be helping her get ready for something—perhaps a first date? I’m not sure. If this picture is meant for a competition about new beginnings, then perhaps the new beginning it represents is her getting ready for an important event, possibly a date. However, it is quite difficult to determine exactly why it symbolizes a new beginning.
Polish translation:
Wybrałem obrazek numer jeden. Przedstawia on dwoje młodych ludzi, którzy się wprowadzają – tak myślę, ponieważ niosą lub trzymają pudła. Są to duże pudła, które prawdopodobnie zawierają ubrania, przedmioty codziennego użytku, może jakieś rzeczy do kuchni, a nawet zabawki, jeśli mają dzieci.
Pierwsza osoba, którą widzę, to młoda kobieta znajdująca się wewnątrz domu, a obok niej jest młody mężczyzna, który wnosi pudła do środka. Rozmawiają i wyglądają na zadowolonych. Dziewczyna wydaje się szczęśliwa, co sugeruje, że właśnie wprowadzają się do nowego miejsca, a to zazwyczaj jest radosnym momentem. Możliwe, że żartują lub po prostu dobrze się bawią.
Powodem, dla którego wybrałem ten obrazek, jest to, że przedstawia najwięcej akcji – zasadniczo uchwycono na nim dwie osoby wykonujące aktywną czynność, a jednocześnie wyraźnie symbolizuje on “nowy początek”.
Drugi obrazek przedstawia stronę kalendarza z odręcznym napisem „Nowy Rok – Nowy Początek”. Trzeci obrazek ukazuje trzy młode kobiety siedzące na łóżku i śmiejące się. Jedna z nich, siedząca pośrodku, ma wałki na włosach, a pozostałe dwie wydają się jej pomagać w przygotowaniach do czegoś – może to jej pierwsza randka? Nie jestem pewien. Jeśli ten obrazek został wybrany do konkursu o nowych początkach, to możliwe, że symbolizuje on moment przygotowań do ważnego wydarzenia, być może właśnie randki. Jednak dość trudno jednoznacznie określić, dlaczego miałby przedstawiać nowy początek.
TOPIC 3 IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE PICTURE DESCRIPTION
In this picture, I see two people standing behind a car that is parked in the middle of the road. The car is just before a crossroads, where there is a road turning left, a road turning right, and one continuing straight ahead. It is a country road in what could be described as the “middle of nowhere.”
The two people are shouting at each other. The woman is pointing to the left, and the man is pointing to the right. However, they are facing each other, with their hands held behind their backs, pointing in opposite directions. The man is holding an object that looks like a map. They are both dressed in light clothing, and the man’s hat is placed on the boot of the car. The woman is wearing a knee-length skirt and a sleeveless shirt, so it is probably a hot summer day. They do not look happy—perhaps they are late for an appointment.
If we look at this picture in a more abstract way—not literally—it could represent a couple who are not in sync, suggesting that they tend to quarrel. However, I am not entirely sure.
Polish translation:
Na tym obrazku widzę dwoje ludzi stojących za samochodem, który jest zaparkowany na środku drogi. Samochód znajduje się tuż przed skrzyżowaniem, gdzie jedna droga skręca w lewo, druga w prawo, a trzecia prowadzi prosto. To wiejska droga, którą można by opisać jako „środek niczego”.
Dwie osoby kłócą się ze sobą. Kobieta wskazuje w lewo, a mężczyzna w prawo. Jednak stoją naprzeciwko siebie, trzymając ręce za plecami i wskazując w przeciwnych kierunkach. Mężczyzna trzyma przedmiot, który wygląda jak mapa. Oboje mają na sobie lekkie ubrania, a kapelusz mężczyzny leży na bagażniku samochodu. Kobieta ma na sobie spódnicę do kolan i koszulkę bez rękawów, więc prawdopodobnie jest gorący, letni dzień. Nie wyglądają na szczęśliwych – być może spóźniają się na jakieś spotkanie.
Jeśli spojrzymy na ten obrazek w bardziej abstrakcyjny sposób, a nie dosłownie, może on przedstawiać parę, która nie jest ze sobą zgodna, sugerując, że często się kłócą. Jednak nie jestem tego całkowicie pewien.
TOPIC 4 Święto Książki (Book Festival)
Some questions;
1. Pomysłodawcy święta (Originators of the event)
- Who came up with the idea for this event?
- How did the idea for the Book Festival come about?
- Was it a student-led initiative, or did teachers play a role in creating it?
- Have you organized similar events before at your school?
2. Program święta (Event program)
- What activities will take place during the Book Festival?
- Can you tell me about the schedule of the event?
- Will there be any special guests, like authors or librarians?
- Are there any competitions or workshops planned?
3. Zadania uczniów i nauczycieli (Roles of students and teachers)
- How are students involved in organizing the festival?
- What tasks do teachers have in preparing for the event?
- Are there any specific responsibilities assigned to student volunteers?
- How are you coordinating the work between students and staff?
4. Wybór organizacji charytatywnej (Choice of charity organization)
- How did you decide which charity to support?
- What organization will receive the funds raised from the event?
- Did students have a say in selecting the charity?
- Why do you think this particular organization is a good choice for the Book Festival?
Polish translation:
1. Pomysłodawcy święta
- Kto wpadł na pomysł zorganizowania tego wydarzenia?
- Jak narodziła się idea Święta Książki?
- Czy była to inicjatywa uczniów, czy nauczyciele również odegrali w tym rolę?
- Czy w waszej szkole organizowano wcześniej podobne wydarzenia?
2. Program święta
- Jakie atrakcje będą miały miejsce podczas Święta Książki?
- Czy możesz opowiedzieć mi o harmonogramie wydarzenia?
- Czy przewidziano udział specjalnych gości, na przykład autorów książek lub bibliotekarzy?
- Czy planowane są jakieś konkursy lub warsztaty?
3. Zadania uczniów i nauczycieli
- W jaki sposób uczniowie angażują się w organizację festiwalu?
- Jakie zadania mają nauczyciele podczas przygotowań do wydarzenia?
- Czy wyznaczono konkretne obowiązki dla uczniów-wolontariuszy?
- Jak koordynujecie pracę pomiędzy uczniami a nauczycielami?
4. Wybór organizacji charytatywnej
- Jak zdecydowaliście, którą organizację charytatywną wesprzeć?
- Na rzecz jakiej organizacji zostaną przekazane zebrane fundusze?
- Czy uczniowie mieli wpływ na wybór tej organizacji?
- Dlaczego uważasz, że ta organizacja jest dobrym wyborem dla Święta Książki?
TOPIC 1: Talk about Polish youth.
You were asked to prepare a presentation about Polish youth, these are some ideas:
- Interests
Polish youth have very diverse interests, which often depend on their lifestyle, place of residence, and available opportunities. Modern technologies, social media, and video games are popular, as they allow young people to connect with peers around the world. Many young people are interested in sports – football, volleyball, and basketball are particularly popular, and during winter, young people enjoy skiing or snowboarding. In addition, many young Poles are involved in music – they learn to play instruments, sing, or record their own music. Other popular hobbies include photography, filmmaking, art, and fashion. There are also many people who engage in social activities, volunteering, or organizing cultural events. - Peer Relationships
Polish youth maintain relationships both in person and online. Meeting with friends is an important part of teenagers’ lives – they often meet in cafes, parks, cinemas, shopping malls, or at concerts. In smaller towns, young people gather in homes, at sports fields, or organize bonfires. The internet plays a significant role – social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat are essential for daily contact. Popular communication tools like Messenger or Discord are also used for real-time conversations. For many young people, interest groups such as sports clubs, music bands, or scientific clubs are also important, where they meet new people and develop their passions. - Typical Clothing
Fashion among Polish youth is very varied and depends on personal preferences, trends, and lifestyle. In larger cities, Western trends have a significant influence – young people often wear clothes from popular sports brands like Nike or Adidas, but also choose streetwear styles inspired by hip-hop culture. Oversized hoodies, wide pants, fashionable sneakers, and accessories like caps or waist bags are very popular. Among girls, vintage-style dresses, crop tops, and various accessories, such as large earrings and rings, are also trendy. In smaller towns, youth clothing tends to be more practical and suited to everyday activities. During the winter, warm jackets, scarves, and trekking shoes dominate, while in the summer, lightweight sports and casual clothes are more common. Overall, youth in Poland values comfort but also likes to follow fashion trends. - Family Relationships
Family plays an important role in the lives of Polish youth, although the way time is spent with parents and siblings depends on individual relationships. In many families, teenagers still have meals together and spend time with their loved ones, especially on weekends or during holidays. In some households, parents have a significant influence on the decisions of young people, such as in matters of education or career choices. However, just like in other countries, many teenagers strive for independence and spend more time with friends than with family. Family relationships often become closer when young people leave the family home, for example, when they go to university. In Poland, there is also a tradition of helping the family – teenagers often assist younger siblings with homework or engage in household chores.
Polish Translation:
Zainteresowania
Polska młodzież ma bardzo różnorodne zainteresowania, które często zależą od ich stylu życia, miejsca zamieszkania oraz dostępnych możliwości. Popularne są nowoczesne technologie, media społecznościowe i gry komputerowe, które pozwalają na łączenie się z rówieśnikami na całym świecie. Wiele młodych osób interesuje się sportem – piłka nożna, siatkówka i koszykówka są szczególnie popularne, a zimą młodzież chętnie jeździ na nartach lub snowboardzie. Oprócz tego, wielu młodych Polaków angażuje się w muzykę – uczą się grać na instrumentach, śpiewają lub nagrywają własne utwory. Inne popularne pasje to fotografia, filmowanie, sztuka i moda. Nie brakuje także osób, które angażują się w działalność społeczną, wolontariat czy organizowanie wydarzeń kulturalnych.
Kontakty z rówieśnikami
Polska młodzież utrzymuje relacje zarówno na żywo, jak i przez internet. Spotkania z przyjaciółmi to ważna część życia nastolatków – często umawiają się w kawiarniach, parkach, kinach, galeriach handlowych czy na koncertach. W mniejszych miejscowościach młodzi ludzie spotykają się w domach, na boiskach sportowych lub organizują wspólne ogniska. Bardzo dużą rolę odgrywa internet – media społecznościowe, takie jak Instagram, TikTok czy Snapchat, są kluczowe dla codziennego kontaktu. Popularne są też komunikatory, na przykład Messenger czy Discord, które pozwalają na rozmowy w czasie rzeczywistym. Dla wielu młodych ludzi ważne są także grupy zainteresowań, takie jak kluby sportowe, zespoły muzyczne czy kółka naukowe, gdzie nawiązują nowe znajomości i rozwijają swoje pasje.
Typowy ubiór
Moda wśród polskiej młodzieży jest bardzo zróżnicowana i zależy od osobistych preferencji, trendów oraz stylu życia. W większych miastach widać duży wpływ zachodnich trendów – młodzi ludzie często noszą ubrania popularnych marek sportowych, takich jak Nike czy Adidas, ale też wybierają styl streetwearowy, inspirowany kulturą hip-hopową. Oversize’owe bluzy, szerokie spodnie, modne sneakersy oraz akcesoria, takie jak czapki z daszkiem czy nerki, są bardzo popularne. Wśród dziewcząt modne są także sukienki w stylu vintage, crop topy oraz różne dodatki, np. duże kolczyki i pierścionki. W mniejszych miejscowościach ubiór młodzieży jest zazwyczaj bardziej praktyczny i dopasowany do codziennych aktywności. W zimie dominują ciepłe kurtki, szaliki i buty trekkingowe, a latem lekkie ubrania sportowe i casualowe. Ogólnie młodzież w Polsce ceni wygodę, ale lubi także podążać za modą.
Relacje z rodziną
Rodzina odgrywa ważną rolę w życiu polskiej młodzieży, choć sposób spędzania czasu z rodzicami i rodzeństwem zależy od indywidualnych relacji. W wielu rodzinach nastolatkowie nadal jedzą wspólne posiłki i spędzają czas z bliskimi, zwłaszcza w weekendy czy podczas świąt. W niektórych domach rodzice mają dość duży wpływ na decyzje młodzieży, na przykład w kwestii nauki czy wyboru przyszłej kariery. Jednak, podobnie jak w innych krajach, wielu nastolatków dąży do niezależności i spędza więcej czasu ze znajomymi niż z rodziną. Relacje rodzinne często stają się bliższe, gdy młodzi ludzie opuszczają dom rodzinny, na przykład wyjeżdżając na studia. W Polsce panuje też tradycja pomagania rodzinie – nastolatkowie często pomagają młodszemu rodzeństwu w nauce lub angażują się w obowiązki domowe.