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NCEA L1 Cook Islands Māori study materials
NCEA L1 Cook Islands Māori study resources

NCEA L1 Cook Islands Māori practice questions

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Question 1Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which greeting is used in Cook Islands Māori when meeting someone in the morning?

  1. Kia orāna i te pō
  2. Ka kite āpōpō
  3. Kia orāna i te ata Correct answer.
  4. Meitaki ma'ata

Explanation

Kia orāna is the general greeting, and i te ata specifies morning, so the phrase means good morning. The other phrases refer to night, farewell, or thanks, so they do not suit a morning greeting.

Question 2Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What does the Cook Islands Māori word 'meitaki' most commonly express?

  1. Anger or displeasure
  2. Sleepiness
  3. Goodness or being well, as in thanks Correct answer.
  4. Hunger or wanting food

Explanation

Meitaki carries the sense of good, well, or fine, and Meitaki ma'ata is the standard way of saying thank you very much. The other options name unrelated states and do not match the meaning of the word.

Question 3Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, which word means 'water'?

  1. Are
  2. Kai
  3. Moana
  4. Vai Correct answer.

Explanation

Vai is the everyday word for fresh water. Kai refers to food, are to a house, and moana to the open sea, so none of them names water itself.

Question 4Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which number word in Cook Islands Māori means 'five'?

  1. Toru
  2. Rima Correct answer.
  3. Rua
  4. 'Ā

Explanation

The Cook Islands Māori counting sequence runs ta'i, rua, toru, ā, rima, so rima is five. Rua is two, toru is three, and 'ā is four.

Question 5Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which phrase would you use to thank someone warmly in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Meitaki ma'ata Correct answer.
  2. Ka kite
  3. Kia orāna
  4. Aere mai

Explanation

Meitaki ma'ata is the standard strong expression of thanks, literally great goodness. Kia orāna is a greeting, aere mai means come here, and ka kite is a farewell.

Question 6Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the Cook Islands Māori word for 'house'?

  1. Vaka
  2. Maunga
  3. Ika
  4. Are Correct answer.

Explanation

Are is the word for a house or building. Vaka is a canoe, ika is a fish, and maunga is a mountain, so only are fits.

Question 7Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which word correctly completes the sentence 'Te ___ nei au ki te 'āpi'i' meaning 'I am going to school'?

  1. tā
  2. kai
  3. 'aere Correct answer.
  4. moe

Explanation

The verb 'aere means to go or travel, so te 'aere nei au ki te 'āpi'i expresses going to school. The other words describe eating, sleeping, or writing and would change the meaning entirely.

Question 8Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which word pair correctly matches 'big' and 'small' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Mata and rima
  2. Ma'ata and meangiti Correct answer.
  3. Roa and poto
  4. Meangiti and ma'ata

Explanation

Ma'ata means big or great, and meangiti means small, so this pair gives the correct order. The reversed pair swaps the meanings, while roa and poto describe long and short, and mata and rima mean eye and hand.

Question 9Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In the sentence 'Kua kai au i te ika', what role does the word 'au' play?

  1. It is the object noun meaning fish
  2. It is the subject pronoun meaning I Correct answer.
  3. It is a possessive marker
  4. It marks the past tense

Explanation

Au is the first person singular pronoun used in the subject position, so the sentence means I ate the fish. The tense is carried by kua, the object is te ika, and no possessive marker appears here.

Question 10Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which particle is used in Cook Islands Māori to mark a completed or past action, as in 'Kua 'aere au'?

  1. Kua Correct answer.
  2. E
  3. Kia
  4. Ka

Explanation

Kua marks an action that is completed or has already happened, so kua 'aere au means I have gone or I went. E marks ongoing action, ka marks future or planned action, and kia introduces a wish or purpose.

Question 11Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the difference in meaning between 'Ka 'aere au' and 'Kua 'aere au'?

  1. The first is a question, the second a statement
  2. The first refers to future or intended going, the second to completed going Correct answer.
  3. The first uses a plural subject, the second a singular subject
  4. Both mean exactly the same thing

Explanation

The particle ka signals an action that is future or intended, while kua signals one already completed. The pronoun au stays first person singular in both, and neither form is inherently interrogative.

Question 12Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the plural pronoun 'mātou'?

  1. Kua 'aere au ki te moana
  2. Kua 'aere ia ki te moana
  3. Kua 'aere mātou ki te moana Correct answer.
  4. Kua 'aere koe ki te moana

Explanation

Mātou is the first person plural exclusive pronoun meaning we, so it pairs with a plural subject reference. Au is singular I, koe is singular you, and ia is singular he or she.

Question 13Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, what does the prefix 'tā-' commonly indicate when attached to a verb?

  1. A negative meaning
  2. A plural subject
  3. A past tense
  4. A causative or instrumental sense, as in tā- forms relating to causing or using something Correct answer.

Explanation

Prefixes such as tā- and 'aka- add a causative or instrumental sense, showing that something is caused or done with an instrument. Negation, plurality, and tense are handled by separate particles rather than by this prefix.

Question 14Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which word means 'sea' or 'ocean' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Moana Correct answer.
  2. Vai
  3. Maunga
  4. Rākau

Explanation

Moana refers to the sea or ocean, an important concept in Cook Islands voyaging tradition. Vai is fresh water, maunga is mountain, and rākau is tree or wood.

Question 15Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which expression is a suitable farewell in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Ka kite Correct answer.
  2. 'Aere mai
  3. Kia orāna
  4. Meitaki

Explanation

Ka kite is used when parting, roughly meaning see you. Kia orāna is a greeting on meeting, meitaki expresses thanks, and 'aere mai is an invitation to come, so none of those fits a farewell.

Question 16Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What does the Cook Islands Māori term ''āpi'i' refer to?

  1. A type of food
  2. A traditional canoe
  3. A chief's title
  4. School or a place of learning Correct answer.

Explanation

'Āpi'i refers to school or learning, and 'āpi'i also appears in contexts of study. Canoes, foods, and chiefly titles have their own distinct vocabulary.

Question 17Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence uses the correct word order for a simple Cook Islands Māori statement with a verb and object?

  1. Kua i te kai kai te tamaiti
  2. Kua kai i te kai te tamaiti
  3. Kua kai te tamaiti i te kai Correct answer.
  4. Kua te tamaiti kai i te kai

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori commonly places the tense particle first, then the verb, then the subject, then the object marked by i. Only the first option follows that pattern cleanly, while the others scramble the elements.

Question 18Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the function of the particle 'i' before 'te ika' in 'Kua kai au i te ika'?

  1. It marks the subject
  2. It marks a question
  3. It marks future tense
  4. It marks the object of the verb Correct answer.

Explanation

The particle i here introduces the object that the action affects, so te ika is what was eaten. The subject is au, tense is carried by kua, and questions are marked by intonation or question words rather than by this i.

Question 19Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which pronoun means 'you' when addressing one person in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Mātou
  2. Koe Correct answer.
  3. Ia
  4. Au

Explanation

Koe is the second person singular pronoun used for one person being addressed. Au is I, ia is he or she, and mātou is we, so only koe fits.

Question 20Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which word best describes a traditional Cook Islands canoe used for voyaging?

  1. Are
  2. Vaka Correct answer.
  3. Toka
  4. Pua

Explanation

Vaka is the general term for a canoe or boat, including voyaging craft. Are is a house, toka is a rock, and pua refers to a flower or seed, so vaka is the only fitting term.

Question 21Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

A speaker says 'Kua roa taku noho ki te 'āpi'i'. Which English rendering best captures the meaning?

  1. The school is very small
  2. I will go to school tomorrow
  3. I do not like school
  4. My stay at school has been long Correct answer.

Explanation

Kua marks completed or established state, roa means long, and taku noho means my staying, so the sentence describes a long period spent at school. The other options introduce future, negative, or size meanings that are absent from the words used.

Question 22Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which statement about the use of 'e' versus 'ka' in Cook Islands Māori is accurate?

  1. E typically marks ongoing or habitual action, while ka typically marks future or intended action Correct answer.
  2. E marks past action, while ka marks completed action
  3. E is used only with plural subjects, ka only with singular subjects
  4. Both particles mark negation

Explanation

The particle e signals an action in progress or done habitually, as in te 'aere nei au, while ka points to something future or intended. Neither particle carries negation, and neither is restricted by the number of the subject.

Question 23Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In a sentence such as 'Te 'aere nei au', what does the combination of 'te ... nei' contribute?

  1. It marks the object of the verb
  2. It presents the action as finished long ago
  3. It turns the sentence into a command
  4. It presents the action as happening now, in progress Correct answer.

Explanation

The frame te ... nei presents an action as currently going on, so the sentence means I am going now. Completed past action uses kua, commands use a different structure, and object marking is done by i.

Question 24Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which option correctly explains why 'Kua kai au i te ika' and 'Kua kai i te ika au' can both be acceptable?

  1. The second sentence refers to a different tense
  2. The subject pronoun may follow the object phrase without changing the basic meaning, since word order is relatively flexible Correct answer.
  3. The second sentence is ungrammatical and should be avoided
  4. The two sentences have opposite meanings

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori allows some flexibility in the position of a pronoun subject, so au can follow the object phrase while the core meaning stays the same. Tense is still set by kua, and the participants do not change roles.

Question 25Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

A learner reads 'Kāre e kai ana te tamaiti'. Which description of the sentence is correct?

  1. It is a positive statement that the child is eating
  2. It is a negative sentence stating that the child is not eating Correct answer.
  3. It is a question about whether the child eats
  4. It is a command telling the child to eat

Explanation

Kāre is a negative word, and the e ... ana frame presents ongoing action, so the sentence negates an action in progress. There is no interrogative word or command form here, and the polarity is negative rather than positive.

Question 26Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, which word is used to greet someone in the morning?

  1. Mārena
  2. Pōpongi Correct answer.
  3. Ariki
  4. 'Akaroa

Explanation

The greeting 'Pōpongi' is used in the morning, similar to 'good morning'. It derives from the word for morning and is a standard greeting in Cook Islands Māori.

Question 27Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which option best describes the traditional Cook Islands Māori concept of 'tapu'?

  1. A type of feast
  2. A fishing method
  3. A style of dance
  4. A sacred restriction or prohibition Correct answer.

Explanation

Tapu refers to something sacred or forbidden, often due to spiritual beliefs. It imposes restrictions on behaviour or access to certain places or objects.

Question 28Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the Cook Islands Māori word for 'teacher'?

  1. Orometua Correct answer.
  2. Pāpā
  3. Metua
  4. Tamaiti

Explanation

The word 'orometua' is used for teacher or pastor, often referring to a respected leader or educator. It is a term of respect in Cook Islands Māori.

Question 29Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the dual pronoun 'kōrua'?

  1. Kua 'aere mātou ki te moana.
  2. Kua 'aere kōrua ki te moana. Correct answer.
  3. Kua 'aere au ki te moana.
  4. Kua 'aere rātou ki te moana.

Explanation

'Kōrua' is the dual pronoun meaning 'you two'. It is used when addressing exactly two people, so it fits in a sentence where two people are going to the sea.

Question 30Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What does the Cook Islands Māori word 'kai' commonly mean?

  1. Food or to eat Correct answer.
  2. Friend
  3. House
  4. Water

Explanation

'Kai' functions as both a noun meaning 'food' and a verb meaning 'to eat'. It is a common word in everyday Cook Islands Māori.

Question 31Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which phrase would you use to thank someone in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Aere rā
  2. Pōpongi
  3. Kia orana
  4. Meitaki Correct answer.

Explanation

'Meitaki' means 'good' or 'thank you', and is commonly used to express gratitude. It can also be part of 'meitaki ma'ata' meaning 'thank you very much'.

Question 32Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which word means 'woman' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Tāne
  2. Metua
  3. Vaine Correct answer.
  4. Tamaiti

Explanation

'Vaine' is the Cook Islands Māori word for woman. It is distinct from 'tāne' meaning man.

Question 33Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, what does the word 'maunga' refer to?

  1. Island
  2. River
  3. Mountain Correct answer.
  4. Sky

Explanation

'Maunga' means mountain or hill. It is a common geographical term in Cook Islands Māori.

Question 34Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the negative marker 'kāre' to say 'I am not going'?

  1. Kua kāre au 'aere.
  2. Kāre au e 'aere ana. Correct answer.
  3. Kāre au 'aere nei.
  4. Kāre au i te 'aere.

Explanation

The negative construction typically uses 'kāre' followed by the subject and 'e' plus the verb with 'ana' for ongoing or general negation. 'Kāre au e 'aere ana' follows this pattern.

Question 35Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the function of the particle 'ki' in the sentence 'Kua 'aere au ki te 'āpi'i'?

  1. It indicates direction towards a place. Correct answer.
  2. It marks the subject.
  3. It shows past tense.
  4. It marks the direct object.

Explanation

The particle 'ki' is used to indicate movement towards a place or goal, similar to 'to' in English. Here it introduces the destination 'te 'āpi'i' (the school).

Question 36Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence uses the correct possessive marker for 'my house' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Tana 'are
  2. Tōna 'are
  3. Tōku 'are
  4. Taku 'are Correct answer.

Explanation

The possessive 'taku' is used for 'my' with alienable possession, which includes most objects like houses. 'Tōku' is used for inalienable possession, such as body parts or relatives.

Question 37Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the meaning of the Cook Islands Māori idiom 'kua pakari te ngākau'?

  1. To be sick
  2. To be brave or courageous Correct answer.
  3. To be old
  4. The heart is strong

Explanation

The phrase literally means 'the heart is firm/strong', but it is used idiomatically to mean being brave or courageous. It reflects a cultural value of resilience.

Question 38Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which option correctly explains the use of the particle 'e' in the sentence 'E tangata koe'?

  1. It marks the object.
  2. It marks the subject.
  3. It is a predicate marker for a nominal sentence. Correct answer.
  4. It indicates future tense.

Explanation

In Cook Islands Māori, 'e' is used as a predicate marker before a noun phrase in a nominal sentence, meaning 'you are a person'. It equates the subject with the noun.

Question 39Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the Cook Islands Māori term for the traditional dance that involves rapid hip movements?

  1. Ura Correct answer.
  2. Tīvaevae
  3. Pāreu
  4. Haka

Explanation

'Ura' is the Cook Islands Māori word for dance, and it encompasses various traditional dances. The fast hip movements are characteristic of the 'ura' style.

Question 40Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the causative prefix 'aka-'?

  1. Kua akakino au i te tamaiti.
  2. Kua akakis au i te tamaiti.
  3. Kua ora au i te tamaiti.
  4. Kua akaora au i te tamaiti. Correct answer.

Explanation

The prefix 'aka-' forms causative verbs, meaning 'to cause to be/do'. 'Akaora' means 'to save' or 'cause to live', which fits the sentence 'I saved the child'.

Question 41Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What does the Cook Islands Māori word 'enua' refer to?

  1. Sky
  2. Land or island Correct answer.
  3. House
  4. Sea

Explanation

'Enua' means land, island, or country. It is a fundamental term in Cook Islands Māori geography and identity.

Question 42Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, what is the difference between 'mātou' and 'māua'?

  1. mātou is inclusive we, māua is exclusive we
  2. mātou is dual, māua is plural
  3. mātou is exclusive we (three or more), māua is exclusive we (two) Correct answer.
  4. mātou is they, māua is we

Explanation

'Mātou' is the exclusive first-person plural pronoun (we, but not you), used for three or more people. 'Māua' is the exclusive first-person dual pronoun, used for exactly two people.

Question 43Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the particle 'ai'?

  1. Kua 'aere au ki te 'āpi'i ai.
  2. Kua 'aere ki te 'āpi'i ai au.
  3. Kua 'aere au ai ki te 'āpi'i.
  4. Kua 'aere ai au ki te 'āpi'i. Correct answer.

Explanation

The particle 'ai' typically follows the verb and precedes the subject in certain constructions, especially when there is a locative or other complement. 'Kua 'aere ai au ki te 'āpi'i' is a standard order.

Question 44Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the meaning of the Cook Islands Māori proverb 'E kore e ngaro te kai a te rangatira'?

  1. A chief's generosity is never forgotten Correct answer.
  2. Chiefs do not share food
  3. Food is scarce for chiefs
  4. The chief's food will not be lost

Explanation

This proverb literally means 'the food of the chief will not be lost', but it conveys that a chief's generosity and kindness are remembered. It emphasises the lasting impact of chiefly generosity.

Question 45Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which option correctly explains the use of 'ia' in the sentence 'Kua kite au ia ia'?

  1. It is a negative marker.
  2. It indicates past tense.
  3. It marks the subject.
  4. It is a preposition meaning 'him/her'. Correct answer.

Explanation

In this sentence, 'ia' is a preposition that introduces the object, meaning 'him' or 'her'. So 'Kua kite au ia ia' means 'I saw him/her'.

Question 46Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the future tense marker 'ka' with a pronoun?

  1. Kua 'aere au āpōpō.
  2. E 'aere ana au āpōpō.
  3. Ka 'aere au āpōpō. Correct answer.
  4. I 'aere au āpōpō.

Explanation

The particle 'ka' is used to indicate future tense or intention. 'Ka 'aere au āpōpō' means 'I will go tomorrow'.

Question 47Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the Cook Islands Māori term for the traditional quilt made by women?

  1. 'Are
  2. Ura
  3. Pāreu
  4. Tīvaevae Correct answer.

Explanation

'Tīvaevae' are colourful patchwork quilts traditionally made by Cook Islands women. They are important cultural items often given as gifts.

Question 48Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

In Cook Islands Māori, what is the function of the prefix 'tā-' in words like 'tā'anga'?

  1. It forms an adjective indicating size.
  2. It forms a verb indicating past action.
  3. It forms a noun indicating a tool or instrument. Correct answer.
  4. It forms a pronoun.

Explanation

The prefix 'tā-' is used to form nouns that denote tools or instruments, such as 'tā'anga' meaning 'a type of basket' or tool. It indicates something used for a purpose.

Question 49Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

Which sentence correctly uses the passive voice construction in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Kua kai te ika e te tamaiti.
  2. Kua kaihia te tamaiti i te ika.
  3. Kua kaihia te ika e te tamaiti. Correct answer.
  4. Kua kai te tamaiti i te ika.

Explanation

The passive is formed with the suffix '-hia' (or similar) on the verb and the agent marked by 'e'. 'Kua kaihia te ika e te tamaiti' means 'The fish was eaten by the child'.

Question 50Cook Islands Māori (subject content not enumerated in source)

What is the meaning of the Cook Islands Māori idiom 'kua mate te reo'?

  1. The person is dead
  2. The language is dead Correct answer.
  3. The language is lost
  4. The voice is tired

Explanation

Literally 'the language has died', this idiom is used to express that a language is no longer spoken or is endangered. It highlights language loss.