The Italian high school final exams, known as the Maturità, have long been a pivotal milestone for students across the country. This year's second written exam, held on June 19, 2026, brought both relief and surprise to many candidates. The most anticipated and feared text was Tacito, a renowned but notoriously difficult Roman historian. However, the reality proved less daunting than expected, as the Ministry of Education opted instead for Quintiliano’s *Institutio Oratoria*, a foundational work on rhetoric and education. This decision sparked mixed reactions among students, educators, and critics alike.
For many students, the relief was palpable. As they emerged from their schools, the collective sigh of relief echoed through the corridors. One student from Rome’s Liceo Tasso described the experience as manageable, noting that while the translation of Quintiliano’s passage was challenging, it was ultimately feasible. She appreciated the novelty of the topic—music as a cornerstone of education—which she felt had not appeared in previous years. Another student admitted initial nerves about facing Tacito but expressed gratitude that the exam turned out to be more approachable than feared. He noted that while some parts of the text were complex, he managed to navigate them successfully, especially after overcoming early anxiety.
The choice of Quintiliano marked a return to the classical canon after a 13-year absence. His *Institutio Oratoria* is considered one of the most comprehensive works on rhetorical training and educational philosophy in ancient Rome. The selected passage emphasized the role of music in shaping character and intellect, drawing parallels between musical harmony and moral balance. It also highlighted how music could aid soldiers and workers, a practical application that resonated with modern interpretations of its value.
Despite the positive reception from many students, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Professor Luciano Canfora, a well-known classicist, criticized the selection of Quintiliano as one of the most tedious authors possible. He argued that texts from historians such as Caesar, Livy, or Tacito would have been more engaging and accessible for students. Canfora pointed out that Quintiliano’s focus on music as a tool for oratory might seem outdated to today’s youth, who are more familiar with contemporary forms of expression.
Meanwhile, the second written exam for students in the Scientific track took a distinctly different route. They faced a mathematical challenge centered around the water level of Lake Bracciano, located north of Rome. This task required analyzing data collected during water withdrawals in 2016 and 2017, which were later suspended due to environmental concerns. Students were asked to construct a mathematical model describing the lake’s water levels over time, incorporating factors such as the suspension of withdrawals. Alongside this, another problem focused on traditional function analysis, testing students’ ability to apply abstract concepts to concrete scenarios.
The inclusion of real-world contexts extended beyond mathematics. For instance, the opening quote from Albert Einstein on the uncertainty of applying mathematical theories to reality set the tone for the exam. Similarly, the closing reflection attributed to Richard J. Trudeau framed mathematics as a universal game, echoing the playful yet rigorous nature of the subject. Among the eight questions available, students could choose four, ranging from sports-related problems—such as analyzing a volleyball tournament—to historical references, including the 50th anniversary of the Friuli earthquake in 1976.
Beyond the academic challenges, the Maturità also became a stage for unique stories. One such story involved Pupo, the 71-year-old singer who returned to school to complete his studies. He chose a track on Giuseppe Saragat’s speech at the Constituent Assembly, expressing deep emotional satisfaction with the experience. Another touching narrative came from Ermanno Laurino, a 63-year-old father who enrolled in evening classes after losing his job during the pandemic. He sat the exam alongside his 18-year-old son, Giovanni, who has a cognitive disability, choosing the same track on the power of wonder and astonishment.
These varied experiences underscore the multifaceted nature of the Maturità. While some students found comfort in the unexpected choice of Quintiliano, others grappled with the complexity of the material. Educators and critics offered contrasting views, highlighting the ongoing debate over the relevance of classical texts versus more contemporary approaches. Regardless of these differing perspectives, the Maturità remains a defining moment in the lives of Italy’s young people, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood with a blend of academic rigor, personal growth, and societal reflection.
17 reports
Il GiornaleParty-alignedCenterFactual 100Objective 9515 days agoThe article reports on the second written exam for students at Italian high schools. At the Classical Lyceum, students were asked to translate a passage from Quintilian's 'Institutio Oratoria,' focusing on the educational value of music. They also had to analyze and interpret the text, including linguistic and stylistic elements, along with personal reflections. At the Scientific Lyceum, one math problem involved studying the water level of Lake Bracciano, while the other focused on function analysis.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of the exam content without any apparent ideological framing or emphasis. It does not take a stance on the curriculum choices or their implications, merely relaying information about the exams.
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 95): Precise reporting on the exam content for both tracks. Neutral tone with clear factual information.
Il Sole 24 OreParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 100Objective 9515 days agoThe article discusses the second written exam for Italian high school students, focusing on the different subjects for those in the Classical and Scientific tracks. Classical track students are tasked with translating and analyzing a passage from Quintiliano's 'Institutio Oratoria,' while Scientific track students must solve a math problem involving water level measurements from Lake Bracciano.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the exams without taking a stance or showing bias. It describes the content of the exams neutrally, focusing on academic tasks rather than political or controversial issues.
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 95): Accurate description of the exam content for both Classical and Scientific tracks. Neutral and informative tone.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 9014 days agoStudents reacted positively to the unexpected Latin exam question on Quintilian's praise of music, which replaced the feared text by Tacito. The exam was deemed feasible but somewhat disconnected from other Latin literature themes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on students' reactions to an academic exam without taking a stance on the subject matter or presenting biased language. It focuses on factual descriptions of student responses and does not exhibit ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 90): Accurate account of student reactions and the content of the exam. Slightly informal but balanced in tone.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 100Objective 9015 days ago Maturity, Quintiliano returns to the Classic after 13 years: the full track of the test and what it is about The photosThe article discusses the return of Quintilian's text in the Italian high school final exam (maturità) for Classical Lyceum students. The passage selected comes from Quintilian's 'Institutio Oratoria,' focusing on music's role as an educational pillar. The text references ancient philosophers like Plato and Pythagoras, linking music to universal harmony and human development. This marks the third time Quintilian has appeared in this exam, with the last occurrence in 2013.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the inclusion of Quintilian's work in the Italian high school exam without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any ideological perspective. It focuses on academic content and historical context, avoiding any partisan language or framing.
Why these scores (Factual 100 · Objective 90): Fully accurate with details about Quintiliano’s return after 13 years and the educational themes of his text. Slight emphasis on the novelty of the choice.
la RepubblicaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 98Objective 9515 days agoThe article discusses the mathematics exam questions for the 'Scientifico' track at the Italian high school final exams (Maturità). It highlights the inclusion of real-world contexts such as water level measurements in Lake Bracciano and earthquake data from the Friuli region 50 years ago, alongside more abstract mathematical problems. The exam opens with a quote from Albert Einstein and ends with a quote from Richard J. Trudeau about the beauty of mathematics.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the content of the mathematics exam without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political perspective. It focuses on describing the structure and themes of the exam questions, including both real-world applications and theoretical problems.
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 95): The article is highly accurate in describing the math exam, including the opening and closing quotes, the problems involving the lake levels and earthquake data, and the list of questions. The presentation is very neutral and balanced.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 98Objective 9015 days ago A huge emotion, almost a chill P, Pup after the first test of maturity: Now I will decide whether to become Doctor Pup The videoEnzo Ghinazzi, known as Pupo, took his high school final exam at age 71 at the Istituto Minerva in Rome. He chose a track based on Giuseppe Saragat's speech at the 1946 Constituent Assembly, focusing on themes like democracy and reconstruction. Pupo described the experience as emotionally intense and expressed interest in furthering his education.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural event involving a public figure taking an academic exam. The content focuses on personal experience and educational achievement without overt political commentary or framing. There is no evidence of biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context.
Why these scores (Factual 98 · Objective 90): Very accurate with direct quotes from Pupo and specific details about the exam track he chose. The tone remains mostly neutral despite some personal reflections from Pupo.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9215 days ago Maturity, the photos of the second test to the scientist: the quote of Einstein, the questions about sport, the "beauty" of mathematicsThe second exam of Mathematics for students at the Scientific High School included two problems. One focused on analyzing water levels in Lake Bracciano, referencing real events related to water withdrawals between 2016 and 2017. The other involved studying a mathematical function. The exam also featured eight questions, some of which referenced real-world scenarios such as a card game, a volleyball tournament, and an earthquake in Friuli.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual summary of the content of the mathematics exam without any apparent ideological framing or bias. It describes the exam topics and their real-world references neutrally, without emphasizing any particular political or social perspective.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 92): This article provides detailed and accurate information about the math exam, including Einstein’s quote, the lake level study, and the various questions. The tone remains neutral and informative throughout.
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9015 days agoThe article reports on the 2026 Italian high school final exams (maturità), detailing the topics for the written exams across different tracks. For the 'Scientifico' track, mathematics problems include studying the water level of Lake Bracciano, analyzing functions, and questions related to the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake. The 'Classico' track includes a text by Quintilian. The 'Scienze Umane' track focuses on themes such as digital literacy and educational challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about exam topics without any apparent ideological framing or biased language. It simply reports on the content of the exams without taking a stance or emphasizing particular viewpoints.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): The article provides specific details about the 2026 Italian high school exam topics, including subjects like the level of Lake Bracciano, digital literacy, and the 50th anniversary of the Friuli earthquake. These details are consistent across multiple sections of the article and align with typical
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8514 days ago Loses his job at 60 and goes to school with his son, Giovanni and Ermanno's exams in Salerno: "We chose the same path"A father and his son with cognitive disabilities took their high school final exams together at the same institute in Salerno, choosing the same essay prompt. The father, who enrolled in evening classes after the pandemic, and his 18-year-old son both faced the exam separately but shared the same topic.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on an educational event involving a father and son with no explicit political commentary, framing, or bias. It highlights inclusion and personal achievement without leaning toward any political ideology.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Accurate account of Ermanno and Giovanni Laurino's shared experience. The narrative includes some emotional elements but remains largely factual and balanced.
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8515 days ago Maturity 2026, Luciano Canfora: Quintiliano is one of the most boring authors, he would have been better a historianLuciano Canfora, an Italian classical philologist and historian, criticizes the choice of Quintilian's text for the Italian high school final exam (Maturità). He finds Quintilian's work boring and suggests that texts by historians like Caesar, Livy, Sallust, Tacitus, Suetonius, or Cicero would have been more accessible for students. The article discusses Quintilian's views on music as a formative discipline for future orators.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a critique of the educational content chosen for the Maturità exam without taking a political stance. It reports on academic opinion regarding the difficulty of the selected text but does not frame the discussion with political bias or ideological slant.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed quotes from Canfora and context about Quintiliano’s work. Slightly opinionated in presenting Canfora’s preference for other authors.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 8516 days ago Maturity, from Pupo to Blanco to Andrea Arru dei Cesaroni: here are all the VIPs at the state exam The photosThe article discusses several celebrities who are taking the Italian high school final exam (maturità) in 2026. Among them are Pupo, a singer who is 70 years old and attending a private institute in Arezzo, and Blanco, a musician who has returned to school after interrupting his studies. The article highlights their personal motivations and backgrounds, including Pupo’s desire to honor his late parents.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural figures participating in an educational event without any overt political commentary, framing, or bias. It presents facts about individuals' decisions and backgrounds without favoring any particular ideological perspective.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed quotes from Pupo and mentions of specific institutions. However, some emotional language like 'intense journey' slightly reduces objectivity.
OpenIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8515 days ago Maturity 2026, here are the traces of the second test: Quintiliano to the Classic, Lake Bracciano to the Scientific The liveThe article reports on the second written exam for Italy's 2026 high school graduation exams (maturità). It details the topics assigned to different tracks, including Quintiliano for the Classical track and monitoring of Lake Bracciano for the Scientific track. The article provides real-time updates on the exam questions and mentions other topics such as digital literacy in Human Sciences and discussions around adultescent society.
Bias read (Center): The article is purely informational, focusing on the content of the exams without any ideological framing, opinion, or emphasis on political aspects. It presents facts about the exam topics and does not take a stance or show bias toward any side.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This article provides precise information about the 2026 Maturità exams, mentioning Quintiliano again and the Bracciano Lake problem. It includes additional context such as the historical use of the lake during the 2016-2017 water crisis. The tone remains mostly neutral, though it briefly touches on
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8516 days ago Graduation 2026, Pupo: I chose Humanities, it's more in my strings also because I would like to continue with a degree in Communication Science VIDEOEnzo Ghinazzi, known as Pupo, has decided to take his high school final exams after leaving school at 16 to pursue a music career. He chose to study Human Sciences at the Minerva Institute in Rome, aiming to eventually earn a degree in Communication Science. Pupo stated he was motivated by personal challenges and a desire to honor his parents' wishes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on Pupo's educational choices without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents his motivations and decisions objectively, with no apparent ideological framing.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): The article reports on Enzo Ghinazzi (Pupo) taking the 2026 high school exam after leaving school at 16 to pursue music. It includes direct quotes from him and mentions his choice of Scienze Umane and future academic goals. The information appears credible but contains some subjective elements in qu
Il GiornaleParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8016 days ago Pupo returns to school: he too has his written exam tomorrowThe article discusses Pupo, an Italian singer born in 1955, who dropped out of high school at age 16 to pursue his music career. He has now decided to return to school to complete his diploma through the Istituto Minerva in Rome. The article highlights his early life, musical journey, and recent decision to resume education.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about Pupo's personal history and current educational pursuits without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on cultural and biographical details rather than political issues.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Accurate details about Pupo's background and motivations. The article includes some subjective commentary about his sacrifices and the value of the diploma, which affects objectivity.
la RepubblicaIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 9015 days ago Maturity, second test: Quintilian to the classical Einstein, games and Bracciano to the scientificThe article discusses the second exam of the Italian high school final exams (maturità 2026), focusing on the different subjects and texts assigned to students based on their track. For classical tracks, the text includes Quintiliano’s Institutio oratoria for Latin translation. Scientific tracks involve mathematical problems related to water levels at Lake Bracciano and questions involving team sports, board games, and the 1976 Friuli earthquake. Human sciences track students must analyze texts by Giuseppe Riva and Alberto Pellai on digital technology and youth development. For the linguistic,
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual overview of the exam topics without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It lists the subjects and texts used in the exams without taking a stance or emphasizing any particular perspective.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): The article accurately describes the content of the second exam for different high school tracks, citing specific texts and topics. It provides details about the subjects involved but lacks some specifics like exact quotes or full contexts, leading to a slightly lower score.
Il Fatto QuotidianoIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8015 days ago Maturity 2026, here are the exclusive photos of the traces of the second written test: the version of Quintiliano, the problem on the water level of Lake Bracciano and the study of the function FOTO PHOTOThe article discusses the exam topics for the Italian high school final exams (Maturità) in 2026, focusing on the second written test for students in Classical and Scientific tracks. For the Classical track, the Latin translation task involves a passage from Quintilian’s Institutio Oratoria discussing music's role in oratory training. For the Scientific track, the math problems include analyzing real-world data on water levels at Lake Bracciano.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the content of upcoming standardized tests without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political perspective. It reports on educational policies and curriculum choices in an objective manner.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports the content of the second written exam for the 2026 Maturità, including details about Quintiliano for Classical students and the Bracciano Lake problem for Scientific students. It references ANSA as a source but adds some contextual analysis. The factual claims align w
ANSAIndependentCenter14 days agoThe second written exam for Italy's high school graduation (Maturità) took place across various tracks, with different topics depending on the students' chosen specialization. At the Classical track, students analyzed a passage from Quintiliano's 'Institutio Oratoria' on music, though some critics noted a more bellicose tone. At the Scientific track, questions included studying water levels at Lake Bracciano, referencing the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Friuli earthquake, and scenarios involving sports like volleyball and card games. The exam also featured quotes from Albert Einstein and Richard J. Trudeau. At the Human Sciences track, discussions focused on AI ethics, including boundaries for chatbots and respect for human rights. Other tracks addressed digital revolution themes, youth and technology relationships, and the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026 through an UN Secretary-General message.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the Maturità exams, detailing the varied content across different educational tracks without showing clear ideological bias. It includes multiple perspectives and does not favor any particular viewpoint.
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