Dear readers,
Sorry
that I have not written for so long – basically, I have been busy
with work & studies, as you can imagine.
However,
this is a brief update, mainly to inform you of progress, and about
the important dates.
Monday
2.5. - 13.00 - English Essays
Tuesday
3.5. - 8.00 – Czech Didactic
13.00
– Czech Essay
Wednesday
4.5. - 8.00 – English Didactic
(the
results to these exams should be by 18th
May!)
Monday
23.5. - (afternoon, from about 12.30/13.00) – oral exams in
English, Czech Literature (talking about 1 of 20 books), History
(talking about 1 of 25 topics), & Geography (talking about 1 of
25 topics).
As
for my progress:
- Czech language in general – I have made a lot of progress, but am certainly not proficient by any means. However, I feel more confident about the Didactic Test (I've passed 7/8 tests from recent years, only failed 1 by 1 point!). My comprehension is much better. However, the Czech Essay represents the greatest challenge. We have prayed about it & have found a way to at least improve my syntax.
- Czech Literature – I have read all of my list of 20 books, and seen films too. I have read 5 books in Czech & 2 poems...and I also read Animal Farm in Czech for good measure! I feel much more confident in the oral exams, and have done some trials with my teacher – and she is very pleased with my progress & knowledge. Being older, I have an advantage ;-) And last Saturday, I finally finished 'Babicka'!! It was hard going...but I did it!
- History – I have been seeing my teacher regularly. It's been hard work, especially to remember lots of information, and ALL of it in Czech – but again, my age & knowledge has been a great asset. I'm confident I can pass, but still have a lot of revision to do.
- Geography – again, I have seen my teacher regularly and progress has been good. In the more technical parts, I need a bit of work, but the geographical knowledge etc is fine. My teacher is very happy with my progress.
- English – well, I will treat it with respect, but it certainly holds not fears for me! Indeed, I do have a certificate to examine in this exam, so I should be ok... The really interesting thing is that it looks highly likely that one of my ex-students could be examining me! :-) What a cool twist to these exams!
