WACE Indonesian Second Language key terms

A word class showing an action, event, or state, such as 'menulis' (to write) or 'tinggal' (to live). Verbs change form with prefixes and suffixes to show voice, transitivity, and aspect in Indonesian sentences.

A word class naming a person, place, thing, or idea, such as 'guru', 'sekolah', or 'kebebasan'. Nouns can be expanded with adjectives, determiners, and relative clauses to build longer noun phrases.

A word class describing or qualifying a noun, such as 'besar', 'ramah', or 'mahal'. In Indonesian, adjectives normally follow the noun they describe and do not change form for number or gender.

A word class modifying a verb, adjective, or whole sentence, giving information about time, place, manner, or degree. Examples include 'cepat', 'sangat', and 'kemarin'. These words help candidates add precision to written and spoken responses.

Affixes attached to base words to change meaning or grammatical function, including prefixes such as 'me-', suffixes such as '-kan', and circumfixes such as 'ke-...-an'. Recognising affixes helps candidates infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary in reading texts.

The root or base form of a word before any affixes are added, for example 'tulis' in 'menulis' or 'ajar' in 'pelajaran'. Identifying the base word is a key strategy for working out meaning in examination reading passages.

A group of words built around a noun that functions as a single unit in a sentence, such as 'anak yang rajin belajar'. Word order places the head noun first, followed by modifiers, which differs from English.

A joining word linking words, phrases, or clauses, such as 'dan', 'tetapi', 'karena', and 'meskipun'. Accurate use of conjunctions shows control of complex sentences in the writing task and helps candidates follow logical relationships in texts.

A complex or compound sentence containing more than one clause, joined by conjunctions such as 'karena', 'sehingga', or 'walaupun'. Candidates are expected to produce some complex sentences in extended writing to demonstrate grammatical range.

A sentence construction where the object of the action becomes the grammatical subject, often marked by 'di-' or 'ter-', as in 'Buku itu ditulis oleh dia'. Passive forms are common in formal and report-style Indonesian writing.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a unified whole, achieved through pronouns, conjunctions, repetition, and reference words. Strong cohesion is assessed in the written examination's extended response tasks.

A group of related sentences developing one main idea, usually beginning with a topic sentence. Organising a response into clear paragraphs with linking devices is essential for the writing section of the examination.

The main idea or central point of a paragraph or text, often stated in a topic sentence and supported by details. Identifying main ideas quickly is a core skill for the reading comprehension section.

Drawing a conclusion or inference from information in a text rather than locating it word for word. Questions often ask candidates to infer a writer's attitude or the likely outcome of a situation described.

A word with a similar meaning to another, such as 'besar' and 'raksasa'. Recognising synonyms helps candidates match information across a text and answer vocabulary questions where the exact word is not repeated.

A word with an opposite meaning to another, such as 'murah' and 'mahal'. Antonym questions test whether candidates understand contrast relationships signalled by words like 'tetapi' or 'sebaliknya' in a passage.

The accepted spelling system of a language, including rules for capital letters, hyphens, and word separation in Indonesian. Accurate spelling contributes to the assessment of written accuracy in the examination.

Punctuation marks such as full stops, commas, question marks, and quotation marks used to clarify meaning in writing. Correct punctuation is part of the accuracy criteria applied to written responses.

A formal letter following fixed conventions, including a heading, salutation, body paragraphs, and closing formula. Candidates may be asked to write or respond to formal letters such as applications or complaints in the written examination.

An informal personal letter written to a friend or relative, using everyday language and a relaxed structure. Understanding the difference between personal and formal letter conventions is useful for the writing tasks.

A factual text presenting information about an event, activity, or investigation in an organised way. Report writing requires objective language, clear structure, and accurate use of the passive voice and formal vocabulary.

A text type that explains or argues a point of view with supporting evidence, such as an opinion piece on an issue. Candidates may be asked to produce or analyse this text type in the written examination.

A structured conversation in which one person asks questions and another responds, used to gather information or opinions. In the oral examination, candidates may role-play an interview or answer questions in an interview format.

A spoken exchange between two or more people involving turn-taking, natural intonation, and appropriate register. The oral examination assesses the ability to sustain a conversation on familiar topics with reasonable fluency.

A word or phrase used to address someone directly, such as 'Bapak', 'Ibu', 'Kak', or a person's name. Choosing the right greeting shows awareness of social relationships, age, and formality in spoken interaction.

The variety or register of language used according to context, ranging from formal to informal. Candidates must shift between formal language for presentations and relaxed language for conversations with peers.

The standard, formal variety of Indonesian used in official writing, news, and academic contexts, following prescribed grammar and spelling. Using standard language appropriately is expected in formal written tasks and presentations.

The way words are pronounced, including vowel sounds, stress, and consonants in Indonesian. Clear pronunciation is assessed in the oral examination and affects how easily a listener can understand the candidate.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, used to signal questions, emphasis, and emotion. Appropriate intonation helps candidates convey meaning clearly and sound natural during the oral examination.

The ability to speak smoothly with reasonable speed and without excessive hesitation or long pauses. Fluency is a key assessment criterion in the oral examination, alongside accuracy and range of vocabulary.

The range of words a learner knows and can use appropriately. A wide vocabulary allows candidates to express ideas precisely and to understand unfamiliar words through context in reading and listening tasks.

A view or opinion expressed about a topic, often introduced with phrases such as 'menurut saya' or 'saya berpendapat bahwa'. Giving and justifying opinions is a central requirement of both oral and written tasks.

A spoken exchange in which participants share and compare views on an issue, often agreeing, disagreeing, or adding reasons. The oral examination may include a discussion task where candidates respond to prompts and justify positions.

A structured spoken delivery of information on a topic to an audience, usually with an introduction, main points, and conclusion. Candidates may be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation in the oral examination.

A question asked to obtain information, formed in Indonesian with question words such as 'apa', 'siapa', 'kapan', 'di mana', or by using rising intonation. Forming and answering questions accurately is fundamental to oral interaction.

A fixed phrase or expression whose meaning is not obvious from its individual words, such as 'tangan terbuka' for a warm welcome. Recognising common expressions improves comprehension and makes speech sound more natural.