by InTrieste
Today marks a significant milestone for more than half a million final-year students across Italy as they commence the maturità, the rigorous state exams required for the Italian public high-school diploma.
At precisely 8:30 AM, students will begin the first phase of their examination with a written Italian test. This initial exam allows up to six hours for students to craft an essay that offers an analysis or critical reflection on one of seven selected literary texts. This portion of the exam is a critical assessment of their comprehension and analytical abilities in the Italian language.
The maturità examination process is comprehensive, consisting of two written tests followed by an oral examination. The written tests evaluate students’ grasp of the Italian language and another subject pertinent to their particular course of study—whether it be classical, scientific, technical, or another focus. The subsequent oral examination covers the range of subjects the student has studied during their high school years.
Performance is scored on a scale up to 100 points, with a minimum of 60 points required to pass. The stakes are high, and the pressure palpable, as these exams play a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional futures of Italy’s youth.
As students across the nation settle into their exam halls, the culmination of years of study and preparation will be put to the test, marking both an end and a beginning in their educational journey.
