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The National Certificates

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXAMINEE


In this test, you will have an opportunity to show how well you can speak and write a foreign language, how well you understand written and spoken language, and how well you master the grammar and vocabulary. Be active and always try to give an answer. Further information: www.oph.fi, search for yleiset kielitutkinnot. BEFORE THE TEST Because the tasks and instructions in the test are mostly in either Finnish or Swedish, taking the test requires a knowledge of Finnish or Swedish. Listen to and try to speak the language as much as possible, practise and revise the basics. If you are, for example, dyslexic or hard of hearing, you can apply for special arrangements for taking the test. Special arrangements mean that your potential difficulties will be taken into account in the testing situation. Ask for more information from the test centre where you have registered as a testtaker. Candidates should notify the test centre of any special requirements when they apply. Pay the examination fee according to the instructions. Bring with you a pencil, an eraser and a document with your photography to verify your identity (issued by the police). The driving licence is not an official ID card. Using a dictionary or any other assistance is not allowed. DURING THE TEST Make sure that you arrive in time for the test. If you are late, you will not be allowed to participate. Show your identity document to the supervisor. You will need 3,54 hours for the basic and the intermediate test, and 56 hours for the advanced test. The test is taken in two parts: 1) reading comprehension, writing, and mastery of vocabulary and structures, which are tested in the classroom, and 2) listening comprehension and speaking, which are tested in the language lab. In addition to the language lab session, the advanced test of each language includes a short face-toface interview which is videoed for assessment/evaluation. Listen to and read all the instructions and be sure to follow them carefully. Instructions are usually in Finnish or in Swedish. At the advanced level, instructions may also be given in the language to be tested (target language). In the Finnish test, all instructions are given in Finnish and in the Swedish test, in Swedish. Use the time available prudently so that you will be able to perform all the tasks. Do not spend too much time on individual tasks, but do them with care. Pay special attention to the language in which you are asked to give your answer. There are always some tasks/items in the test booklet that are easier than others; do these first and you will have more time for the more demanding tasks. Always try to give an answer to a question. Try not be nervous about speaking in the lab as it is just a medium through which you can demonstrate your speaking skills. Do not speak too quietly in the lab and do not give short yes/no answers. At the basic level, speaking in Finnish and in Swedish are tested in the language lab but face to face with an interviewer. Spoken language tests are recorded for assessment. Your test performance will be failed if you do not follow the instructions given. Your test performance will be failed if you cheat (i.e., speak with another test taker or take a look at someone else's answers). AFTER THE TEST About two months after the test you will receive a certificate. The certificate contains skill level assessments of your language sub-skills a general assessment of your level of language proficiency short descriptions of the skill levels overleaf Please remember that the skill level assessments in the certificate are based on your test performance. If you take copies of your certificate, remember to copy both sides. The examination fee covers one certificate. Additional certificates / copies can be ordered from the Centre for Applied Language Studies, University of Jyvskyl, for 15 /each (yki-info@jyu.fi / Centre for Applied Language Studies/YKI, PL 35, 40014 University of Jyvskyl, tel. 014-260 3531). If after having taken the test your address changes before you receive the certificate, please inform us about it immediately. (yki-info@jyu.fi / tel. 014-260 3531). If you are disagree with the assessment of your language skills, you can ask for a reassessment within 14 days after having received the certificate. Please send a written request for reassessment to: Yleisten kielitutkintojen tutkintotoimikunta / Opetushallitus, PL 380, 00531 Helsinki.

NOTE! Does not apply to the basic level in Finnish and basic level Swedish INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING IN THE ANSWER SHEET The answers to some test tasks are given on a separate answer sheet. These tasks are marked with the letter M in the test booklet. The answer sheet is two-sided. In the test, you should use the side with the text Osallistuja tytt. The other side is for the assessors use only. First, fill in your personal data (name, sex, date of birth, language, and level). Below is an example of a completed form.

When you give an answer to a test item, mark the box corresponding to your answer on the answer sheet with an "X". Each question number in the test booklet has a corresponding number on the answer sheet. Remember to be CAREFUL. Please use a pencil to mark an "X" in the box. The "X" should not go beyond the sides of the box. If you happen to put an "X" in a wrong box, please erase it very carefully and mark an "X" in the correct box. Do not bend or crumble up the answer sheet. The answer sheet contains more boxes than you will need. Do not worry about that. An example from a test booklet: Task 1. Vocabulary Link the explanation with the word to which it refers. Choose the most appropriate word among the alternatives (A, B, C). Mark the box corresponding to the correct word on the answer sheet M1M3 with an "X". M1 puu M2 vihannes M3 vaate A A A aivastus saaste takki B B B tuhka varasto lankku C C C lehmus sipuli tyhj

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