Suomen kielen keskitaso

Keskitaso, the intermediate level test, is best suited for skill levels 3–4 (on the 6-level scale). The test is aimed at adults who use Finnish both in everyday life and in work situations but who do not know Finnish well enough to take on linguistically demanding work tasks such as that of an active presenter or negotiator for their employer/company. Their knowledge of Finnish and their skill in using it is fairly good in general, however.

The National Certificate keskitaso test consists of five subtests:

1. Reading comprehension (approx. 50 minutes)
2. Writing (approx. 50 minutes)
3. Structures and vocabulary (approx. 50 minutes)
4. Listening comprehension (approx. 30 minutes)
5. Speaking (approx. 20 minutes).

The testing time is about 3 hours 30 minutes in all.

Reading

Candidates are expected to understand brief newspaper articles, advertisements or any other similar short (authentic) texts related to the topic areas described in the test specifications. There are usually 3–4 separate tasks; one task may include several short texts. The questions concentrate on the comprehension of the main points and the most important details. Several task types are used on each testing occasion (constructed response and selected response).

Writing

Candidates are expected to write informal and semi-informal letters or messages. Topics vary from writing letters to contacting companies or service providers for various purposes. The main requirement for successful accomplishment of the task is to convey the message to the reader as comprehensibly and naturally as possible.

There are 2–3 tasks, each relatively short, which aim to simulate tasks the candidates might encounter in real-life situations.

Structures and Vocabulary

The candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of Finnish structures and vocabulary at this level. The tasks are mainly contextualised, but when appropriate, decontextualised task-types may also be used.

This subtest contains 4–6 tasks, including multiple choice, gap-filling, elaboration.

Listening

Candidates are expected to understand short dialogues or radio programmes/ announcements spoken at normal speed or at times at a slightly moderated tempo.

The test takes place in a language laboratory, and there are usually 3–4 tasks. Several task types, both constructed response and selected response, are used.

Speaking

Candidates are expected to express themselves orally as naturally and effectively as possible in situations that simulate real-life functions at the appropriate level.

This subtest is conducted in a language laboratory. There are usually three separate tasks that aim to tap different kinds of oral skills (e.g. simulated conversations, reactions in situations, more extended speech).

Weighting of components

Each of the test sections is given a separate grade. The overall grade is based on these and is usually the mode of the subtest grades.

Results

Results are given using skill levels 3–4. A grade of "below 3" is awarded if the candidate has not been able to meet the criteria set for the intermediate level test.