Reading Comprehension
The reading section uses short, authentic-style Icelandic texts at A2: notices, emails, advertisements, schedules, forms, instructions, and simple articles. It tests whether you can find information, understand the main point, and interpret everyday written language.
Text types and tasks
- Skimming for gist: what is the text for, who is it for, what is the main message?
- Scanning for detail: opening hours, prices, dates, requirements, contact information.
- Matching headings or sentences to paragraphs.
- True/false/not given: deciding whether the text actually states the information.
- Vocabulary in context: guessing meaning from word parts and surrounding words.
Core rules and concepts
- Icelandic compounds are often transparent: “bókasafn” = book + collection, “sorphaugur” = rubbish + heap.
- Notice modality and obligation: “má” (may), “verður” (must), “ætti” (should), “ekki” (not).
- Formal and informal address differ: “þú” is standard; “þér” is formal and rarer.
- Times and ranges use “kl.” and en dashes: “kl. 13–16” means 13:00 to 16:00.
- Read the question first, then locate the relevant line rather than reading everything equally slowly.
Worked example
Text: “Íbúar á Hlíðarvegi 12: Sorphaugurinn verður tæmdur á mánudaginn. Setjið tunnurnar út fyrir kl. 7.00.” Question: What must residents do? Reasoning: “verður tæmdur” means will be emptied; “setjið út” is an imperative meaning put out; “fyrir kl. 7.00” means before 7:00. The answer is: put the bins out before 7:00 on Monday. “Tæmdur” is not “tímdur” (timed), a common misreading.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing an option because it repeats a word from the text, not because it matches the meaning.
- Missing a negative: “Lokað” means closed, not open.
- Confusing “þar sem” (because/where) with “þar til” (until).
- Over-inferring: if the text does not state it, “not given” may be correct.
- Ignoring word endings that signal case, number, or definite form.