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NCEA L1 Gagana Tokelau study materials
NCEA L1 Gagana Tokelau study resources

NCEA L1 Gagana Tokelau practice questions

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Question 1Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a Gagana Tokelau greeting, which phrase is used to say 'good morning'?

  1. Malo te afiafi
  2. Malo te pō
  3. Malo te ao Correct answer.
  4. Malo te pōuli

Explanation

Gagana Tokelau greetings vary with the time of day, and 'malo te ao' is the morning greeting. The word 'ao' refers to the day/daylight, so it fits the morning context. Evening and night greetings use different time words.

Question 2Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'Ko au e nofo i Nukunonu.' What information is being given?

  1. The speaker's favourite food
  2. Where the speaker lives Correct answer.
  3. The speaker's job
  4. The speaker's age

Explanation

The phrase 'e nofo i' plus a place name expresses where someone lives. 'Nukunonu' is one of the three atolls of Tokelau, so the sentence states the speaker's place of residence.

Question 3Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which number word in Gagana Tokelau means 'five'?

  1. Ono
  2. Tolu
  3. Fā
  4. Lima Correct answer.

Explanation

Gagana Tokelau number words follow a set sequence, and 'lima' is the word for five. 'Lima' also means 'hand', which is a common Polynesian pattern since a hand has five fingers. The other options name different numbers in the sequence.

Question 4Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

You hear the question 'E ā koe?' in a friendly conversation. What is the speaker doing?

  1. Asking what time it is
  2. Asking how you are Correct answer.
  3. Asking your name
  4. Asking where you are going

Explanation

'E ā koe?' is a common informal way of asking how someone is. It functions as a greeting-and-wellbeing question in everyday conversation. It does not request a name, destination or time.

Question 5Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which word correctly completes the family term '____' meaning 'mother' in Gagana Tokelau?

  1. Mātua
  2. Tuagane
  3. Tinā Correct answer.
  4. Tamana

Explanation

'Tinā' is the Gagana Tokelau word for mother. 'Tamana' is the father, and the other options refer to other relatives. Knowing these core kinship terms is essential for understanding family descriptions.

Question 6Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A short announcement says 'E fia oku tauhaga e sefulu.' What is being announced?

  1. A person is ten years old Correct answer.
  2. A person lives in ten houses
  3. A person has ten dollars
  4. A person has ten siblings

Explanation

'Tauhaga' means years and 'sefulu' means ten, so the sentence states that someone is ten years old. The possessive 'oku' links the years to the speaker. The sentence contains no words for siblings, houses or money.

Question 7Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a spoken exchange, someone says 'Fakamolemole, e hē malamalama au.' What are they telling you?

  1. They agree with you
  2. They are leaving now
  3. They want to eat
  4. They cannot understand Correct answer.

Explanation

'Fakamolemole' is a polite 'please/excuse me', and 'e hē malamalama au' means 'I do not understand'. Together they politely signal a comprehension problem. The other options describe agreement, departure or hunger, none of which are expressed here.

Question 8Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which word in Gagana Tokelau names the sea, as distinct from the land?

  1. Moana Correct answer.
  2. Afa
  3. Maunga
  4. Vao

Explanation

'Moana' is the word for sea or ocean, an important term in a Pacific atoll context. 'Vao' relates to bush or forest, 'maunga' to a mountain, and 'afa' to a storm or hurricane.

Question 9Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A recorded message says 'Kā nofo au i Apia ā te vaiaso.' When will the speaker stay in Apia?

  1. Next week Correct answer.
  2. Tomorrow morning
  3. Last year
  4. Every day

Explanation

'Ā te vaiaso' signals a coming week, and 'vaiaso' means week. The future marker 'kā' confirms the stay is ahead of the speaker. The other options name a past year, a daily routine or a single morning, none of which match the phrase.

Question 10Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a conversation, a person says 'Ko te ingoa o toku tinā ko Mele.' What is being shared?

  1. The age of the speaker's mother
  2. The name of the speaker's mother Correct answer.
  3. The village of the speaker's mother
  4. The job of the speaker's mother

Explanation

'Ko te ingoa' introduces a name, and 'toku tinā' means 'my mother'. The sentence therefore gives the mother's name, Mele. No age, village or occupation word appears in the sentence.

Question 11Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which sentence correctly uses the plural marker for people in Gagana Tokelau?

  1. E fānau mai ki tamaiti
  2. E fānau mai ia te tamaiti
  3. E fānau mai ia tamaiti Correct answer.
  4. E fānau mai te tamaiti

Explanation

In Gagana Tokelau, the plural of 'tamaiti' (child) is marked with 'tamaiti' preceded by the plural article 'ia', giving 'ia tamaiti'. The singular uses 'te tamaiti'. Recognising the article change is key to telling singular from plural in listening and reading.

Question 12Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker uses the word 'matua' when describing an elderly person. What does 'matua' convey in this context?

  1. Old or elder Correct answer.
  2. Young and small
  3. Fast and strong
  4. Angry and loud

Explanation

'Matua' carries the sense of being grown, elder or old, and is used for senior people in the community. In family contexts it can also relate to parents. It does not describe size, emotion or speed.

Question 13Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

You hear 'E hē lava oku tupe.' What situation does this describe?

  1. The speaker has lost a wallet
  2. The speaker is saving money for later
  3. The speaker does not have enough money Correct answer.
  4. The speaker has plenty of money

Explanation

'Tupe' means money, and 'e hē lava' expresses that something is not sufficient. The sentence therefore says the speaker does not have enough money. It does not indicate abundance, saving, or a lost item.

Question 14Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a story told aloud, a character 'fano ki te fale koloa'. Where is the character going?

  1. To the school
  2. To the beach
  3. To the church
  4. To the shop Correct answer.

Explanation

'Fale koloa' is the term for a store or shop, literally a house of goods. The verb 'fano' means go, so the character is going to the shop. The other options name places with different Gagana Tokelau terms.

Question 15Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A radio item says 'E malosi te matagi i teianei.' What is the item reporting?

  1. That the rain has stopped
  2. That the sea is calm
  3. That the wind is strong now Correct answer.
  4. That the sun is hot today

Explanation

'Matagi' means wind and 'malosi' means strong, while 'i teianei' means now or at this time. The report therefore concerns strong wind at present. The other options involve rain, sun or calm sea, which use different vocabulary.

Question 16Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which response appropriately answers the question 'Ko ai tou ingoa?'

  1. Ko Hina toku ingoa Correct answer.
  2. E nofo au i Atafu
  3. E fia oku tauhaga e sefulu
  4. E lelei te matagi

Explanation

'Ko ai tou ingoa?' asks 'what is your name?', so the answer must supply a name using the 'Ko ... toku ingoa' pattern. Only the first option does this. The others answer questions about age, residence or weather.

Question 17Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a spoken narrative, a speaker says 'Ne hoki mai ia ki te kāiga.' What does the sentence tell the listener?

  1. That someone returned to the family Correct answer.
  2. That someone will travel far away
  3. That someone is cooking food
  4. That someone is building a house

Explanation

The past marker 'ne' plus 'hoki mai' expresses a return, and 'kāiga' refers to family or home. The sentence therefore reports that someone came back to the family. There is no building, cooking or distant travel in the sentence.

Question 18Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which pair correctly matches a Gagana Tokelau word with its meaning?

  1. Manu – fish
  2. Ika – bird
  3. Ika – fish Correct answer.
  4. Vaka – house

Explanation

'Ika' is the general word for fish, a staple food in Tokelau. 'Manu' refers to an animal or bird, and 'vaka' is a canoe. Matching vocabulary accurately matters when following a spoken description of food or fishing.

Question 19Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'E hē fia kai au.' Which meaning fits best?

  1. I like sweet food
  2. I am not hungry Correct answer.
  3. I want to cook
  4. I have already eaten

Explanation

'Fia kai' expresses wanting to eat, and the negative 'e hē' negates it, giving 'I do not want to eat'. This is normally understood as not being hungry. It does not say the person has eaten, wants to cook, or prefers sweet food.

Question 20Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a formal speech, a speaker begins 'Fakamolemole, fakaaloalo atu.' What is the speaker doing?

  1. Ending the meeting
  2. Complaining about the weather
  3. Showing respect before speaking Correct answer.
  4. Asking for directions

Explanation

'Fakaaloalo' relates to respect, and the opening formula signals polite deference before the main speech. Such openings are typical in formal Gagana Tokelau oratory. The phrase does not ask directions, complain, or close a meeting.

Question 21Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A text reads 'Na fakatū te fale i te tausaga e 2020.' What does the sentence report?

  1. The colour of the building
  2. The cost of the building
  3. The number of people in the building
  4. The year the building was completed Correct answer.

Explanation

'Na fakatū te fale' reports that a building was erected, and 'i te tausaga e 2020' gives the year. The sentence therefore records when the building was put up. Cost, occupants and colour are not mentioned.

Question 22Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A listening passage describes a fishing trip: 'Ne fano te tino ki te moana i te pō.' Which detail is confirmed by the sentence?

  1. The trip was cancelled
  2. The trip happened at night Correct answer.
  3. The trip happened at noon
  4. The trip was by aeroplane

Explanation

'I te pō' places the action at night, and 'moana' confirms the sea as the destination. The sentence therefore confirms a night fishing trip. It does not mention noon, cancellation, or air travel.

Question 23Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Two speakers use 'toku' and 'tou' before the same noun. What grammatical difference do these words show?

  1. Toku is formal, tou is informal
  2. Toku is first person, tou is second person Correct answer.
  3. Toku is past tense, tou is future tense
  4. Toku is plural, tou is singular

Explanation

In Gagana Tokelau possessive markers, 'toku' refers to the speaker ('my'), while 'tou' refers to the person addressed ('your'). They differ in person, not in number, tense or register. Recognising this distinction is essential when following a dialogue.

Question 24Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a recorded dialogue, one speaker replies 'Io, e moʻi.' How should this reply be understood?

  1. Yes, that is true Correct answer.
  2. Perhaps later
  3. I do not know
  4. No, that is wrong

Explanation

'Io' is an affirmative particle meaning yes, and 'e moʻi' means it is true. Together the reply confirms what was said. It is not a denial, a postponement, or an expression of ignorance.

Question 25Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'Kā fakamatala au ki te fono ā te Pōlokalame.' What is the speaker going to do?

  1. Explain something at the meeting Correct answer.
  2. Travel overseas
  3. Attend a wedding
  4. Write a letter

Explanation

'Fakamatala' means to explain or report, and 'fono' is a meeting or assembly. The future marker 'kā' shows the action is planned, so the speaker intends to explain something at the meeting. The other options involve events and actions not named in the sentence.

Question 26Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a recorded conversation, a speaker says 'E fia oku tauhaga e lua sefulu ma lima.' What information is the speaker giving about themselves?

  1. Their address
  2. Their occupation
  3. Their travel plan
  4. Their age Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'tauhaga' refers to years of age, and 'e lua sefulu ma lima' means twenty-five, so the speaker is stating how old they are. Listening for the number plus 'tauhaga' confirms this is a statement of age rather than any other personal detail.

Question 27Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A radio announcement in Gagana Tokelau begins 'Fakamolemole, kā tapā te fono ā te 7 po.' What is the announcement telling listeners?

  1. A shop closes at 7 p.m.
  2. A bus leaves at 7 p.m.
  3. A programme ends at 7 p.m.
  4. A meeting will start at 7 p.m. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Fono' means a meeting or gathering, and 'kā tapā' signals that something will begin, with 'ā te 7 po' giving the time. Combining these parts shows the announcement is about a meeting starting at seven in the evening.

Question 28Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

You hear a person say 'E nofo au i Nukumonu, ko toku kāiga e toko lima.' Which two facts are confirmed?

  1. Their village and their favourite food
  2. Where they live and how many people are in their family Correct answer.
  3. Their school and their teacher
  4. Their age and their job

Explanation

'E nofo au i Nukumonu' states where the speaker lives, and 'ko toku kāiga e toko lima' gives the number of people in the family as five. Both details come directly from the sentence, so only this pairing is supported.

Question 29Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'Ko toku matua tāne te tino e pule i te fale.' Who is being described as the head of the household?

  1. The speaker's older brother
  2. The speaker's mother
  3. The speaker's uncle
  4. The speaker's father Correct answer.

Explanation

'Matua tāne' is the term for father, formed from 'matua' (parent or elder) plus 'tāne' (male). The sentence therefore identifies the speaker's father as the person in charge of the house.

Question 30Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a spoken story, a narrator says 'Ne ola te tamaiti ki te vai.' What did the child do?

  1. Called the mother
  2. Went to the water Correct answer.
  3. Fell asleep
  4. Ate the food

Explanation

The past marker 'ne' with the verb 'ola' indicates movement, and 'ki te vai' means to the water. The sentence therefore reports that the child went to the water.

Question 31Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A recorded message says 'E hēai he vai i te fale i teianei.' What problem is being reported?

  1. There is no food in the house
  2. There is no one in the house
  3. There is no water in the house right now Correct answer.
  4. There is no electricity in the house

Explanation

'E hēai he vai' means there is no water, and 'i teianei' means at this time or now. The message is therefore reporting a current lack of water in the house.

Question 32Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Which Gagana Tokelau word refers to the sky, as distinct from the land and the sea?

  1. Vao
  2. Moana
  3. Fenua
  4. Langī Correct answer.

Explanation

'Langī' is the word for sky or heavens, the region above the land and sea. The other options name the land, the sea, and the bush or forest respectively, so only 'langī' fits the question.

Question 33Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'E fia inu au i te vai malū.' What does the speaker want?

  1. To drink cold water Correct answer.
  2. To sleep early
  3. To go fishing
  4. To eat fresh fish

Explanation

'E fia inu au' expresses a wish to drink, and 'vai malū' means cold water. Together they show the speaker wants a cold drink of water.

Question 34Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a formal speech a speaker says 'Fakamolemole, e fakaaloalo atu au ki te kāiga o te mālō.' What is the speaker doing?

  1. Paying respects to the visiting family Correct answer.
  2. Asking the visitors to leave
  3. Introducing a new village rule
  4. Complaining about the visitors

Explanation

'Fakaaloalo atu' is a respectful expression of deference, and 'ki te kāiga o te mālō' directs it to the visitors' family. The speech act is therefore one of showing respect rather than making a request or complaint.

Question 35Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A text reads 'Na fakatū te fale i te tausaga e 2020 e te kāiga.' What does the sentence report?

  1. The family left the house in 2020
  2. The family built the house in 2020 Correct answer.
  3. The family sold the house in 2020
  4. The family cleaned the house in 2020

Explanation

'Na fakatū' marks that something was caused to stand, which for a building means it was built or erected, and 'e te kāiga' names the family as the agent. The year 2020 is the time given, so the sentence reports the family building the house that year.

Question 36Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

Two speakers each refer to a house: one says 'toku fale' and the other says 'tou fale'. What grammatical difference do these possessives show?

  1. Whether the house is near or far
  2. Whether the house is old or new
  3. Whether the house is big or small
  4. Whose house is meant, mine or yours Correct answer.

Explanation

'Toku' is the first-person singular possessive meaning my, while 'tou' is the second-person singular possessive meaning your. The difference is therefore one of person and ownership, not of size, age or distance.

Question 37Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A recorded dialogue includes the reply 'Io, e moʻi lava.' How should the listener understand this reply?

  1. As a polite refusal
  2. As an apology
  3. As a request for more information
  4. As strong agreement that something is true Correct answer.

Explanation

'Io' is an affirmative word meaning yes, and 'e moʻi lava' means it is indeed true. The reply therefore confirms the previous statement with emphasis rather than refusing, questioning or apologising.

Question 38Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a listening passage about a fishing trip, the speaker says 'Ne fano te tino ki te moana i te pō, ka hoki mai i te taeao.' Which detail is confirmed?

  1. The person went to sea at night and returned in the morning Correct answer.
  2. The person went to sea at dawn and returned at night
  3. The person did not return at all
  4. The person fished from the shore all day

Explanation

'I te pō' gives the time of going out as night, and 'ka hoki mai i te taeao' gives the return as the morning. Both time expressions must be read together, which supports only the first option.

Question 39Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A short written notice reads 'E hē kai ai te ika i te fale nei.' What does the notice prohibit?

  1. Selling fish in this building
  2. Eating fish in this building Correct answer.
  3. Catching fish near this building
  4. Buying fish in this building

Explanation

The negative 'e hē' with 'kai' forbids eating, and 'te ika i te fale nei' specifies fish in this building. The notice is therefore a rule against eating fish inside the building.

Question 40Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker describing a person says 'E hē fia fano ia ki te āvā.' What does this tell you about the person?

  1. They do not want to go to the wedding Correct answer.
  2. They forgot about the wedding
  3. They are going to the wedding
  4. They are hosting the wedding

Explanation

'E hē fia' expresses not wanting to do something, and 'fano ki te āvā' means go to the wedding. The sentence therefore says the person does not want to attend the wedding.

Question 41Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a Gagana Tokelau sentence, which word marks that an action happened in the past?

  1. Ke
  2. Ne Correct answer.
  3. Kā
  4. E

Explanation

'Ne' is the past tense marker used before a verb to show the action already happened. The other particles mark future, present or purpose, so only 'ne' signals past time.

Question 42Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A reader meets the sentence 'Ko te tino e nofo i te fale koloa e galue malosi.' Which statement best matches the meaning?

  1. The person who owns the storehouse is travelling
  2. The person who cleans the storehouse is singing
  3. The person who built the storehouse is resting
  4. The person who lives in the storehouse works hard Correct answer.

Explanation

'Ko te tino e nofo i te fale koloa' identifies the person living in the storehouse, and 'e galue malosi' says they work hard. Only the first option keeps both the identification and the description intact.

Question 43Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'Kā fano au ki te fale o toku tuagane ā te Aho Fā.' Whose house is the speaker going to, and when?

  1. The parents' house on Sunday
  2. The sister's house on Friday
  3. The friend's house on Saturday
  4. The brother's house on Thursday Correct answer.

Explanation

'Tuagane' is the term for a brother of a female speaker, and 'ā te Aho Fā' names Thursday. The sentence therefore says the speaker will go to the brother's house on Thursday.

Question 44Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A listening text contains the line 'E hē mafai e ia o fano, auā e mamafa tona māhaki.' Why can the person not go?

  1. Because they are unwell Correct answer.
  2. Because they have no money
  3. Because they are travelling
  4. Because they are too busy

Explanation

'E hē mafai ... o fano' means they are unable to go, and 'e mamafa tona māhaki' describes them as feeling heavy with illness. The reason given is therefore poor health, not work, money or travel.

Question 45Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A written text says 'Na huke te kāiga i te umu, ka fai te tūlāfono i te afiafi.' Which sequence is described?

  1. The family prepared the earth oven, then held the gathering in the evening Correct answer.
  2. The family held the gathering first, then prepared the earth oven
  3. The family held the gathering instead of preparing the earth oven
  4. The family prepared the earth oven in the evening and cancelled the gathering

Explanation

The particle 'ka' links two clauses in sequence, so the oven preparation comes first and the evening gathering follows. Reading the order of the clauses is essential, since reversing them would misrepresent the narrative.

Question 46Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker says 'E hē lava oku malosi, ka e hē fia nofo au i te fale.' Which understanding best fits?

  1. They are strong but must stay home
  2. They are strong and want to stay home
  3. They lack strength but do not want to stay home Correct answer.
  4. They lack strength and are happy to stay home

Explanation

'E hē lava oku malosi' says their strength is not sufficient, and 'ka e hē fia nofo au i te fale' adds that they do not wish to remain at home. The two clauses contrast, so only the first option captures both parts.

Question 47Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A text contains 'Ko te mea e hē malamalama ai au, ko te tūlaga o te fono ā te Pōlokalame.' What is the writer saying?

  1. They want to cancel the programme meeting
  2. What they do not understand is the purpose of the programme meeting Correct answer.
  3. They have never heard of the programme
  4. They understand the programme meeting very well

Explanation

The construction 'ko te mea e hē malamalama ai au' identifies the thing the writer does not understand, and the following clause names it as the purpose or standing of the programme meeting. The statement is therefore a specific point of confusion, not total ignorance or a request to cancel.

Question 48Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

In a recorded interview, the speaker says 'Ne fanau au i Atafu, ka ne ola au ki Niu Hila i te tauhaga e sefulu ma tasi.' What is the speaker describing?

  1. Visiting Atafu and New Zealand as an adult
  2. Being born in New Zealand and moving to Atafu at eleven
  3. Being born in Atafu and moving to New Zealand at eleven Correct answer.
  4. Returning to Atafu after living abroad

Explanation

'Ne fanau au i Atafu' gives the birthplace, and 'ne ola au ki Niu Hila i te tauhaga e sefulu ma tasi' gives the move and the age of eleven. Both parts must be combined to reach the correct life history.

Question 49Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A written account says 'E hē gata i te mea na fai, e tatau ke fakamatala te kāiga ki te fono.' What is the account requiring?

  1. That the family pay a fine to the meeting
  2. That the meeting be cancelled by the family
  3. That the family stop attending the meeting
  4. That the family report to the meeting beyond what was already done Correct answer.

Explanation

'E hē gata i te mea na fai' means it does not end with what has already been done, and 'e tatau ke fakamatala te kāiga ki te fono' states the family must report to the meeting. The requirement is therefore an additional report, not a cancellation or payment.

Question 50Gagana Tokelau (listening, reading, viewing)

A speaker on a radio programme says: 'Ne fakamatala te toeaina ki te fono i te tūlaga o te kāiga.' Which understanding best matches what the speaker reports?

  1. The elder listened to the council's explanation about the family.
  2. The council explained the family's situation to the elder.
  3. The elder explained the family's situation to the council. Correct answer.
  4. The family explained the elder's situation to the council.

Explanation

In Gagana Tokelau the verb comes first and is followed by its subject, so 'Ne fakamatala te toeaina' means the elder did the explaining, and 'ki te fono' marks the council as the one addressed. The phrase 'i te tūlaga o te kāiga' names what was explained, namely the family's situation. Recognising who performs the action and who receives it is the key to reading this sentence correctly.