'Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Poeżija' and 'Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Proża Fittizja'
Taħriġ prattiku dwar test mhux imħejji
Author: Clare Azzopardi
Design: Faye Paris
Publisher: Merlin Publishers

As the exam season approaches, Merlin Publishers are pleased to announce the publication of two essential books for students preparing for the SEC Maltese O-Level exam: Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Poeżija and Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Proża Fittizja, written by renowned author Clare Azzopardi.

These twin volumes, specifically designed for students in their final years of secondary school, are being launched at a timely point, as this year's Maltese O-Level exam paper will, for the first time, include an unseen text component. These books provide students with the tools they need to approach this change with confidence while thoroughly preparing for the new exam format.

Each book offers a structured journey, guiding students in developing both the technical skills required for literary analysis and a genuine appreciation of Maltese literature. The contemporary design by artist Faye Paris gives the books a fresh and engaging look, making them especially appealing to today's students.

"I hope these books equip students with the tools needed to read and experience poetry and prose in a more profound and personal way," explains Clare Azzopardi. "Above all, these books will help them understand how a poem and a narrative passage work - but not only that. The books also serve as specific training for the unseen text component, which will appear for the first time in the Maltese O-Level exam paper."

Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Poeżija and Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Pro?a Fittizja align closely with the SEC syllabus, focusing on key aspects of literary texts with particular emphasis on the new unseen text component. Each book is divided into ten sections, each featuring a poetry or prose excerpt accompanied by a concept map. The texts are followed by graded questions covering all syllabus levels, along with exam-style questions covering the second and third levels.

Additionally, students will find detailed notes on four fundamental literary elements - sound, figurative language, rhetorical devices, and structure - along with writing exercises and critical thinking prompts that encourage deeper engagement with the text. Students also have access to complete answers for all questions, helping them evaluate their progress and learn autonomously. As a unique bonus, two passages in each book feature QR codes that grant students access to audio explanations by Clare Azzopardi, simulating a classroom lesson experience.

Azzopardi, who has won numerous awards for her literary writing, is also an educator with extensive experience in teaching Maltese language and literature. Her dedication to Maltese literature, combined with her expert understanding of syllabus requirements, has resulted in these books that are an indispensable tool for students preparing for the exam.

"The content of these books is structured in such a way as to help students understand, analyse, think, write and critique literary texts," continues Azzopardi. "At the same time, these books offer clear answers that can reassure students when they encounter difficulties."

With these books, students now have access to an invaluable study companion, as if they have a personal Maltese teacher guiding them step by step through the experience of literary texts. This approach helps students engage in deeper learning while naturally reducing exam-related stress.

Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Poeżija and Kif Nesperjenzaw il-Proża Fittizja are available now from all bookshops and online at www.merlinpublishers.com.