VCE Indonesian Second Language key terms

The central idea that a spoken or written text is built around; identifying it helps a candidate answer comprehension questions and summarise what a speaker or writer is really saying.

Details, examples or reasons that back up the main idea of a text; recognising them lets a candidate distinguish important information from background or repeated material.

Specific pieces of information such as names, numbers, times or places given in a text; exam questions often ask candidates to locate and record these accurately.

Working out a meaning that is suggested but not stated directly; candidates use clues in the text, tone and context to reach a reasonable conclusion.

The situation surrounding a word or statement, including who is speaking, where and why; it guides the choice of meaning when a word has more than one sense.

An important word or short phrase in a question or text that signals where the answer lies; scanning for key words saves time during reading and listening tasks.

Reading quickly through a text looking only for particular information, such as a date or a name, without reading every word in order.

Reading rapidly to grasp the general topic and structure of a text before answering questions; it is done before close reading and scanning.

The reason a writer produced a text, for example to inform, persuade, entertain or warn; recognising it helps candidates interpret tone and choose the best answer.

The attitude a writer or speaker conveys through word choice, such as humour, irritation, sympathy or seriousness; it is often asked about in response questions.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual speech among friends to formal writing for official purposes; choosing the right register matters in both writing and speaking.

Language suited to official letters, reports, articles and formal speeches, using complete sentences, standard vocabulary and few contractions or slang expressions.

Everyday language used with friends and family, including colloquial words, shortened forms and relaxed grammar; it is appropriate in personal messages but not in formal tasks.

Casual slang used mainly by younger speakers in conversation and social media; candidates should recognise it in listening texts but avoid it in formal writing.

Affixes attached to a root word, including prefixes, suffixes and combined forms, which change meaning or grammatical function; control of affixes is central to accurate Indonesian.

The basic form of a word before any prefix or suffix is added; identifying it helps candidates work out the meaning of unfamiliar derived words in reading texts.

A very common verb prefix marking an active verb, often translated as doing or making; its form changes to mem-, men-, meng- or menge- depending on the root word.

A prefix forming passive verbs, showing that the subject receives the action rather than performing it; recognising it is essential for understanding news reports and formal texts.

A sentence in which the person or thing affected by the action comes first as the subject, often with the prefix di-; common in news writing and formal reports.

A sentence in which the doer of the action is the subject and comes first, usually with a me- verb; it is the more direct and common sentence pattern.

A word such as dan, tetapi, karena or meskipun that links words, phrases or clauses; using them well makes writing flow and shows logical relationships between ideas.

A group of related sentences developing one idea, usually opened by a topic sentence; clear paragraphing is expected in extended writing tasks.

A formal letter written for official purposes such as applying for a job, complaining to a company or requesting information; it follows fixed conventions of layout and polite language.

A personal letter to a friend or relative, written in a warm and informal style; it still needs a greeting, an opening, a body and a closing.

A piece of writing on a topic for a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or website, usually with a headline, an introduction, developed points and a conclusion.

A structured text presenting facts about an event, activity or situation, often with headings and objective language; it informs rather than persuades the reader.

A speech delivered to an audience, often to persuade or inspire, with an opening greeting, a clear message and a closing appeal; it is written to be spoken aloud.

A spoken talk in which a candidate explains or argues a topic, often supported by visual aids; it requires clear structure, signposting language and eye contact.

The rise and fall of the voice when speaking, used to show questions, emphasis and emotion; appropriate intonation makes spoken Indonesian sound natural and clear.

How clearly and correctly words are pronounced, including vowels, consonants and stress; accurate pronunciation helps the listener understand and is assessed in the oral examination.

The ability to speak smoothly with reasonable speed and few long pauses; it is judged alongside accuracy and range of vocabulary in the oral examination.

The range of words a candidate knows and can use; a wider vocabulary allows more precise expression in speaking and writing and better comprehension in listening and reading.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as besar and raya; knowing synonyms helps candidates paraphrase questions and avoid repeating the same word.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, such as mahal and murah; antonym questions test whether a candidate understands contrast within a text.

A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as panjang tangan; recognising common expressions prevents literal mistranslation.

Retelling the content of a text or conversation in one's own words; this checks understanding and is a common task after listening or reading.

A personal view or judgement about something, which may be supported by reasons; candidates are often asked to give and justify opinions in writing and speaking tasks.

A reason or set of reasons offered to support a position; strong arguments are relevant, clearly stated and backed by evidence or examples.

A spoken exchange in which participants share and respond to views on a topic; it requires turn-taking, agreement and disagreement language and active listening.