MATSEC SEC Maltese as a Foreign Language key terms

A word meaning 'the same', used to compare two things as identical. It often appears in matching and multiple-choice tasks where you must decide whether two statements carry the same meaning.

The opposite of something. In exam tasks you may be asked to find the word or sentence that expresses the reverse meaning of what appears in the text.

A word that means nearly the same as another word. Recognising synonyms helps you match a question's wording to the different words used in the listening or reading text.

The main point or central message of a text or recording. Questions on the main idea ask what the whole passage is about rather than about one small detail.

A specific piece of information such as a time, price, name or place. Detail questions require you to locate exact facts stated in the text or audio.

Facts or data given in a text or spoken message. Listening and reading tasks often ask you to extract particular information and transfer it into a table or short answer.

The purpose or aim behind a text or spoken message, for example to inform, persuade, warn or invite. Identifying purpose helps you answer why-questions and tone questions.

The topic or theme of a text, recording or conversation. In Maltese grammar the same word also names the subject of a sentence, so context decides which meaning applies.

The speaker or writer producing the message. Questions may ask who is speaking, who the message is addressed to, or what relationship exists between the speakers.

A conversation between two or more people. Listening papers frequently use dialogues set in shops, schools or offices, and you must follow who says what.

A structured conversation in which one person asks questions and another answers. Interview recordings test your ability to pick out personal details, opinions and reasons.

A personal view or belief rather than a stated fact. Exam tasks often ask you to separate opinions from facts or to report what someone thinks about a topic.

Something that is true and can be verified, as opposed to a belief or feeling. Distinguishing facts from opinions is a common reading and listening skill tested in the exam.

A short public notice giving information, such as a change of opening hours or a cancelled lesson. Notices are typical short reading texts with a specific practical message.

A piece of communication sent from one person to another, such as a note, email or voicemail. Reading and listening tasks often ask you to identify the sender, recipient and purpose of a message.

The surrounding words or situation that help you understand a new word or phrase. Using context is a key strategy when you meet unfamiliar vocabulary in a reading passage.

The set of words a learner knows and can use. Vocabulary questions test whether you understand word meanings, word families and suitable word choices in context.

A word expressing an action or state, such as to run, to be or to think. Maltese verbs change form for person, number and tense, so recognising the root helps you decode new forms.

The root of a Maltese word, usually three consonants, from which related words are built. Knowing roots such as k-t-b helps you guess the meaning of unfamiliar derived words.

A word naming a person, place, thing or idea. Maltese nouns carry gender and number, and these features affect the adjectives and verbs that agree with them.

A word describing a noun, such as kbir (big) or sabiħ (beautiful). Adjectives in Maltese normally follow the noun and agree with it in gender and number.

The definite article il-, l-, id-, is-, iż-, it-, ix-, iċ- or ir-, which changes form depending on the first sound of the following word. Choosing the correct form is a frequent grammar point.

The pattern or form class a Maltese verb follows, which determines its vowels and prefixes. Common forms include kiteb, kien jikteb and inkiteb, each with a different meaning.

The past tense, used for actions already completed. Maltese has a simple perfect form such as kiteb (he wrote) and an imperfect past such as kien jikteb (he used to write).

The present tense, used for actions happening now or generally. In Maltese the imperfect form covers present and habitual meaning, for example jikteb (he writes or he is writing).

The future tense, referring to actions still to come. Maltese usually forms the future with the particle se or sa plus the imperfect verb, as in se jikteb (he will write).

Correct spelling according to the standard Maltese writing system. The exam penalises spelling errors, so attention to doubled consonants and the article's assimilation matters.

A written accent mark placed over a vowel to show stress or vowel quality, as in the letters à, è, ì, ò and ù. Maltese uses grave accents on final stressed vowels in certain words.

A speech sound such as a, e, i, o or u. Maltese distinguishes short and long vowels, and vowel length can change a word's meaning, so accurate pronunciation matters in the oral exam.

A speech sound such as b, d, g, k, l, m, n, r, s, t, x, ż or ħ. Maltese has distinctive consonants including x, ż and ħ, which learners must pronounce clearly in oral tasks.

The way words are spoken aloud. Oral marks depend partly on clear pronunciation, including correct stress and the sounds represented by għ, ħ, x and ż.

The extra stress placed on a particular word or syllable to give it prominence. Correct stress placement helps listeners understand meaning and shows control in spoken production.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase, used to show questions, surprise or emphasis. Natural intonation makes spoken Maltese easier to follow and is assessed in oral interaction.

An exchange of views between speakers on a topic. In the oral exam you may be asked to discuss a theme, give reasons and respond to another person's points.

A spoken or written account of events, real or imagined. Narrative tasks test your ability to use past tenses, linking words and a clear sequence of events.

A text that portrays a person, place or object in detail. Descriptive writing tasks reward precise adjectives, sensory detail and consistent agreement between nouns and adjectives.

A written message addressed to a person, in formal or informal style. Guided writing often asks for a letter or email with a set purpose, correct opening and closing formulas and suitable register.

A linking word such as u, imma, għax or meta that joins words, phrases or clauses. Using connectors well makes written and spoken Maltese flow logically.

A complete unit of meaning containing at least a subject and a verb. Writing tasks assess whether sentences are complete, correctly ordered and properly punctuated.