CILS A1 key terms

The part of the exam where you hear short recordings, such as announcements or conversations, and answer questions about them. You usually hear each recording twice, so you can check your answers the second time.

The recorded segment you listen to during the listening test. Each track is short and played a limited number of times, so you must catch names, times, prices, and places while it plays.

A short public message, for example at a station or in a shop, giving information like a departure time or an opening hour. Listening tasks often ask you to pick out one detail from it.

A dialogue between two or more people, often about everyday topics such as shopping, work, or free time. You listen for who says what and for the specific detail the question asks about.

The skill of understanding spoken Italian. At A1 level this means catching simple, slow speech about familiar things like family, home, food, and daily routines, without needing every single word.

A question on the exam paper. In listening and reading tasks you usually choose one answer from several options, so read the question before you listen or read the text.

The answer you give to an exam question. For multiple-choice items you mark one option; for open items you write a short word or phrase, keeping to what the text or recording actually says.

One of the choices offered in a multiple-choice question. Only one option is correct, and the others are distractors that may repeat a word you heard but give the wrong detail.

A phone number. In listening tasks you often hear a number dictated, and you must write the digits correctly, watching for similar-sounding pairs and for double digits.

A time or a timetable, such as when a train leaves or a shop opens. Listening and reading tasks often test clock times, so practise the difference between, for example, una and mezza.

The part of the exam where you read short texts, such as notices, emails, adverts, or simple articles, and answer questions. You may read the texts as often as you like within the time allowed.

Any written passage on the exam, from a one-line sign to a short message or article. Read it once quickly for the general idea, then again to find the exact detail the question needs.

The skill of understanding written Italian. At A1 level this covers familiar words, simple sentences, and short practical texts about everyday life, such as menus, timetables, and personal messages.

A short public notice, for example about a closure, a change of room, or a rule in a building. Reading tasks often use these because they are brief and contain one clear piece of information.

A sign you see in public places, such as an exit sign, a no-smoking sign, or a direction arrow. You must match the sign to its meaning, so learn common fixed phrases used on them.

An electronic message. A1 reading tasks often include a short email with a greeting, one or two pieces of news, and a closing, and ask who wrote it or what it is about.

A short written communication, such as a text message or a note left for someone. These are common in reading tasks because they are brief and use everyday language.

A form you fill in with personal details, such as name, address, and date of birth. Reading tasks may ask you to find information on one, and writing tasks may ask you to complete one.

Basic information about you, including your name, surname, nationality, address, and date of birth. You need to recognise and write these accurately in forms and short messages.

The part of the exam where you write short texts in Italian, for example a message, a postcard, or a simple form. You are expected to use basic vocabulary and correct simple sentences.

A short written text of a few lines, such as a note to a friend or a reply to an invitation. It should include a greeting, the main information, and a closing formula.

A postcard. Writing tasks sometimes ask you to write one from a holiday, so you need set phrases for greeting, describing the place and weather, and signing off.

The opening words of a letter, email, or message, such as a greeting to the person you are writing to. Choosing the right one depends on whether the reader is a friend or a stranger.

The closing words of a letter, email, or message, used to end politely before your name. Learn a friendly version for friends and a more formal one for offices or strangers.

The first name of a person, as opposed to the family name. Forms and messages often ask for it separately, so do not confuse it with cognome.

A person's family name or surname. Italian forms usually ask for nome and cognome in separate boxes, so write each one in the correct place.

The part of the exam where you speak Italian with an examiner. It usually includes a short introduction about yourself and a simple task, such as describing a picture or asking for information.

A short talk about yourself at the start of the speaking test, covering your name, age, where you live, your work or studies, and your hobbies. Prepare a few sentences for each point.

A spoken exchange with the examiner, often based on a everyday situation such as buying a ticket or ordering food. You must both ask and answer simple questions clearly.

A picture shown during the speaking test that you describe or talk about. Say what you see, who is in it, where they are, and what they are doing, using simple present-tense sentences.

Saying what something or someone is like. In the speaking test you may describe a picture, a place, or a person, using basic adjectives for size, colour, and appearance.

A word that describes a noun, such as big, red, or happy. In Italian most adjectives change form to agree with the noun in gender and number, so learn both forms together.

Agreement between words in a sentence, for example an adjective matching its noun, or a verb matching its subject. Mistakes here are common at A1, so check endings when you write and speak.

A word that expresses an action or a state, such as to go, to be, or to have. At A1 you need the present tense of common regular verbs and a few important irregular ones.

The present tense of a verb, used for current actions, habits, and general facts. It is the main tense tested at A1, so practise regular endings and forms like sono and ho.

A figure or quantity, such as a price, age, or house number. Listening and reading tasks often test numbers, so practise hearing and writing them correctly in context.