Finnish matriculation Russian advanced - independent language foundations key terms

A place where aircraft take off and land and where travellers check in, pass through security and collect luggage. In listening tasks it often appears in announcements and directions.

A short public message read aloud or displayed to inform people of something, such as a gate change, delay or lost item. Recognising its key details is a common listening task.

A table or list showing the times when trains, buses, planes or classes depart and arrive. Listening questions often require matching a stated time to the correct service.

The fact of arriving or departing later than the planned time. Announcements frequently explain the reason for a delay, and candidates must identify how long it will last.

Time not taken up by work, study or duties, used for hobbies and rest. It is a frequent topic in short listening dialogues about weekend and evening plans.

A spoken or written request for someone to come to an event or take part in an activity. Listeners must note who invites whom, when, where and what reply is given.

A positive response showing that someone accepts an offer or invitation. In dialogues it is often expressed indirectly, so candidates must infer agreement from tone and wording.

A negative response declining an offer, request or invitation. It is usually softened with an explanation or apology, which candidates must identify to answer inference questions.

The state of the atmosphere at a particular time, including temperature, rain, wind and sun. Weather forecasts and small talk about conditions are common listening and reading topics.

A statement predicting future conditions, especially weather. Candidates listen for specific details such as temperature ranges and expected rain to complete gap-fill items.

A person's physical and mental condition. Dialogues at a clinic or pharmacy test vocabulary for symptoms, advice and appointments, and require identifying the speaker's problem.

The act of arranging a time to see a doctor or other professional. Listening texts often include a phone call where the caller offers and confirms available times.

A statement describing a problem or discomfort, such as pain or a fault. Recognising the specific complaint helps candidates choose the correct response in multiple-choice listening.

An institution where children are taught. Listening and reading passages often involve timetables, subjects, rules and students' opinions about their school day.

A formal test of knowledge or skill. Texts may describe preparation, stress, results and requirements, and candidates must distinguish facts from personal opinions.

A mark or judgement of the quality of work or performance. In reading passages about education, candidates must understand how marks are awarded and what they mean.

Paid employment or the tasks done in a job. Reading texts frequently cover job advertisements, duties, hours and conditions, requiring candidates to match details accurately.

The money a person receives regularly for their work. Job advertisements and interviews include figures and payment terms that candidates must locate and compare.

A formal meeting where an employer asks a candidate questions to decide whether to hire them. Texts describe preparation, questions asked and qualities employers value.

A group of people related by birth, marriage or adoption who live together or stay close. Family descriptions are a standard reading topic testing kinship vocabulary and relationships.

The set of qualities that makes a person distinct, such as patience, humour or shyness. Reading tasks ask candidates to infer personality from behaviour described in a text.

A custom or practice passed down within a group and repeated over time. Passages about festivals and family life test understanding of what is done, when and why.

A day or period of celebration marking an event or custom. Reading texts describe dates, food, gifts and activities, and candidates must separate main ideas from details.

A person's view or judgement about something, which may not be a fact. Candidates must identify whose opinion is expressed and whether the writer agrees or disagrees.

A reason or piece of evidence given to support a position. In written tasks candidates must present arguments clearly and link them logically to their point of view.

A concluding statement drawn from the points made earlier. A strong response ends with a clear conclusion that answers the task question without introducing new ideas.

The opening part of a piece of writing that introduces the topic and purpose. It should state the focus briefly and engage the reader before the main points are developed.

A group of sentences on one idea, separated from other groups by a line break. Clear paragraphing helps the reader follow the structure of an argument or description.

A formal letter written to an institution or stranger, using polite forms of address and a structured layout. It requires appropriate register, clear purpose and conventional opening and closing formulae.

The words used to address the person a letter or speech is directed to. Russian formal writing uses established forms, and choosing the wrong register can lower the mark.