Lesson 14

As you advance in your Polish learning journey, it’s crucial to practice real-world skills that will help you communicate effectively and pass the B1 exam. In this lesson, we will explore three key activities that will strengthen your language abilities: listening to Polish news, writing short essays, and taking mock B1 tests.

1. Listening to Polish News 📰

Listening to Polish news is a fantastic way to improve comprehension, expand vocabulary, and familiarize yourself with natural speech patterns.

Why Listen to the News?

Exposes you to real-life vocabulary and expressions.
Improves your listening comprehension for fast and natural speech.
Helps you understand Polish culture, politics, and current events.

Where to Find Polish News?

Here are some great sources for Polish news:

🎧 Polskie Radio (https://www.polskieradio.pl) – National radio station with news segments.
📺 TVP Info (https://www.tvp.info) – Polish television news channel.
📰 Onet Wiadomości (https://www.onet.pl) – Online news articles with simple and advanced Polish.
🎙️ Podcast: “Raport o stanie świata” – Great for intermediate learners.

How to Practice?

Step 1: Choose a short news clip or article (2-5 minutes long).
Step 2: Listen or read once without stopping.
Step 3: Listen again and write down new words.
Step 4: Summarize the news in your own words in Polish.
Step 5: Discuss the news with a tutor or language partner.

👉 Example Summary:

“Dzisiaj w wiadomościach mówiono o nowym prawie podatkowym w Polsce. Minister finansów ogłosił zmiany, które wejdą w życie w przyszłym roku.”

2. Writing Short Essays ✍️

Writing in Polish helps you solidify grammar, build sentence structures, and express your thoughts clearly.

Common B1 Writing Topics

Moje ulubione miejsce w Polsce. (My favorite place in Poland.)
Jak wygląda mój typowy dzień? (What does my typical day look like?)
Czy warto uczyć się języków obcych? (Is it worth learning foreign languages?)
Opis mojego najlepszego przyjaciela. (Description of my best friend.)

How to Write a Strong Essay?

Start with an Introduction – Briefly introduce the topic.
Write the Main Paragraphs – Provide 2-3 supporting arguments or descriptions.
Use Connectors – Words like “ponieważ” (because), “dlatego” (therefore), “ale” (but), “więc” (so) help create smooth transitions.
Conclude the Essay – Summarize your thoughts in 1-2 sentences.

👉 Example: “Moje ulubione miejsce w Polsce to Kraków. Jest to piękne miasto z bogatą historią. Lubię spacerować po Starym Mieście i odwiedzać Wawel. W Krakowie jest także wiele dobrych restauracji, gdzie można spróbować tradycyjnej polskiej kuchni. Myślę, że każdy powinien odwiedzić to miasto.”

3. Taking Mock B1 Tests 📝

The best way to prepare for the Polish B1 exam is by taking practice tests.

Why Take Mock Tests?

Helps you get familiar with the exam format.
Improves your time management skills.
Identifies areas for improvement.

Where to Find B1 Practice Tests?

Certyfikatpolski.pl – Official sample exams.
PassB1.com – Practice tests and study materials.
YouTube – Search for “Polish B1 Exam Practice” for listening exercises.

Mock Test Structure

Listening (Słuchanie) – Answer questions based on audio clips.
Reading (Czytanie) – Comprehend written texts and answer questions.
Writing (Pisanie) – Write a short essay or email.
Speaking (Mówienie) – Engage in a structured conversation.

👉 Tip: Set a timer and complete each section under real exam conditions.

Summary 🎯

Listening to Polish News improves comprehension and vocabulary.
Writing Short Essays helps with grammar and expression.
Taking Mock B1 Tests prepares you for exam conditions.

By integrating these activities into your study routine, you’ll gain confidence and fluency in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be ready to ace your B1 exam! 💪🇵🇱