Finnish – Basic Level – Speaking

  • The basic-level speaking subtest is a studio test.

Read more about the speaking subtest here: https://www.jyu.fi/hytk/fi/laitokset/solki/yki/yleista/tietoakielitutkinnoista/osakoekuvaus

PRACTICE TEST

Start the speaking test recording and answer the tasks according to the practice situation. Keep the recording running continuously throughout the practice.
 

Task 1. Talking About Yourself

Preparation time: 1 minute

Tell about yourself. You have 1 minute to think about what you will say. You may take notes. Speak only when you hear: “Speak now.”

You have 1½ minutes to speak. Keep talking the whole time!

Tell about yourself.

  • Where do you live?
  • What is the place like?
  • What do you usually do in the morning?
  • What is your favorite animal? Why?
  • What do you usually do in Finland during the winter?
  • Where would you like to travel in Finland? Why there?

Speaking time: 1½ minutes

Task 2. Describing a Picture

Preparation time: 1 minute

Describe the picture. You have 1 minute to think about what you will say. You may take notes. Speak only when you hear: “Speak now.”

You have 1½ minutes to speak. Keep talking the whole time!

Describe the picture and answer the following questions:

  • Who is he/she?
  • How old is he/she and where does he/she live?
  • Where is he/she now?
  • What is he/she doing?
  • What are his/her hobbies?
  • What kind of family does he/she have?
  • What did he/she do before the picture was taken?
  • What will he/she do later today?

Speaking time: 1½ minutes

Task 3. Conversations

There are two conversation situations below.

  • Before the situations, you have time to read them.
  • You will hear the conversation partner’s lines from the recording. They are marked with stars (*****).
  • The instructions in brackets tell you what you should say in Finnish.
  • Speaking time is shown in brackets.

You are in a café.

Woman: *****
YOU: [Greet and order something to drink.] (15 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [Answer.] (15 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [You would like something sweet. Ask the salesperson for help.] (15 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [Tell what you would like.] (15 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [You do not want to order anything else. You want to pay.] (20 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [Ask where the toilet is and whether there is a fee for using it.] (20 s)

Woman: *****
YOU: [Thank and say goodbye to the salesperson.] (10 s)

Task 4. Opinion

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Below are two topics.

  • Choose one topic (A or B) and give your opinion about it in Finnish.
  • Read the questions.
  • You have 2 minutes to think about what you will say. You may take notes.
  • Speak only when you hear: “Start speaking now.”
  • You have 2 minutes to speak. Keep talking the whole time.
  • Give clear reasons for your opinion.

Sports

  • What sports do you do? Tell about your own sports hobby.
  • Do you watch sports on television or online, or do you attend sporting events? What sports? Why do you follow that sport?
  • Who do you think is the best athlete in the world? Tell about him/her, what he/she is like, and why you think he/she is the best.
  • Why is it important for people to exercise?
  • What sports can be done for free?

This is the end of the practice test.

Sample Responses

Narrative Task: A Good Friend

Tell the interviewer about a good friend. You can answer the questions below while speaking. You may think for a couple of minutes first and write down important words if you wish.

What is a good friend like?

  • Who is your best friend?
  • What is he/she like?
  • Why do you like him/her?
  • What does a good friend do?
  • What would make you a good friend?
  • What do you do with a good friend?

Sample answer:

Narrative Task: Holiday Trip

Tell about a holiday trip. You may answer the questions below while speaking. You can think for a few minutes first.

Holiday Trip

For example, tell:

  • Where do you travel on holiday and why?
  • How do you travel there?
  • When do you travel?
  • Who would you like to travel with?
  • How much does the trip cost?
  • What do you do on holiday?
  • What is the best holiday destination you have visited? Why?
  • What is your dream holiday trip? Why?
  • What is a good holiday destination like? What can people do there?

Sample answer: