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NCEA Level 2 Cook Islands Māori study materials
NCEA Level 2 Cook Islands Māori study resources

NCEA Level 2 Cook Islands Māori practice questions

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Question 1Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori, which greeting is used to say 'hello' to one person?

  1. Aere rā
  2. Pe'ea koe
  3. Kia ora rā
  4. Kia orāna Correct answer.

Explanation

Kia orāna is the standard Cook Islands Māori greeting meaning 'hello' or 'good health to you', used when addressing one person. The long vowel marked with a macron on the final ā distinguishes it from related forms.

Question 2Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori word means 'water'?

  1. Rā
  2. Vai Correct answer.
  3. Vaka
  4. Kai

Explanation

Vai is the Cook Islands Māori word for 'water'. It appears in many everyday expressions and place names across the islands.

Question 3Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

What does the Cook Islands Māori word 'māori' most commonly mean when used in everyday speech?

  1. A chief's title
  2. Ordinary, normal, or genuine Correct answer.
  3. A type of canoe
  4. A sacred place

Explanation

In Cook Islands Māori, 'māori' carries the sense of 'ordinary', 'normal', or 'genuine', distinguishing something unremarkable from something special or sacred. This is why the language itself is called Māori, meaning the ordinary or native speech.

Question 4Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which pronoun would you use in Cook Islands Māori to refer to 'we two, excluding the person spoken to'?

  1. Mātou
  2. Kōrua
  3. Tāua
  4. Māua Correct answer.

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori pronouns distinguish number and whether the listener is included. Māua means 'we two, but not you', while tāua means 'we two, including you'.

Question 5Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of these sentences correctly uses the dual form to say 'Those two are going to the beach'?

  1. Ka aere tātou ki te one
  2. Ka aere mātou ki te one
  3. Ka aere rāua ki te one Correct answer.
  4. Ka aere au ki te one

Explanation

Rāua is the third-person dual pronoun meaning 'those two', so it matches the sentence's reference to exactly two people. The verb phrase 'ka aere ... ki te one' means 'will go to the beach'.

Question 6Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori, the particle 'te' is most commonly used to mark which of the following?

  1. A plural noun
  2. A singular definite noun Correct answer.
  3. A question
  4. A past tense verb

Explanation

The article 'te' marks a singular definite noun, roughly equivalent to English 'the'. Plural nouns typically take 'ngā' instead.

Question 7Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which article would you use before a plural noun in Cook Islands Māori, as in 'the houses'?

  1. Tētahi
  2. Tā
  3. Ngā Correct answer.
  4. Te

Explanation

Ngā is the plural definite article, so 'ngā 'are' means 'the houses'. It pairs with plural nouns where 'te' would mark a single item.

Question 8Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori, which particle typically marks a completed action, similar to English past tense?

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

Explanation

The particle 'kua' signals that an action is completed or has already happened, functioning in a way similar to the English past or perfect. It is placed before the verb.

Question 9Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which particle would you place before a verb to express an action that is happening now, as in 'She is singing'?

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

Explanation

The particle 'e' before a verb marks ongoing or progressive action, so 'e 'īmene ana' describes singing in progress. The particle 'ana' often follows to reinforce the continuous sense.

Question 10Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

How would you say 'I will go tomorrow' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Kua aere au āpōpō
  2. Kāre au e aere āpōpō
  3. Ka aere au āpōpō Correct answer.
  4. E aere au āpōpō

Explanation

Future action is marked by 'ka' before the verb, and āpōpō means 'tomorrow'. Together 'ka aere au āpōpō' expresses 'I will go tomorrow'.

Question 11Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which word is the Cook Islands Māori numeral for 'five'?

  1. Toru
  2. Rima Correct answer.
  3. Iva
  4. Rua

Explanation

Rima is the numeral 'five' in Cook Islands Māori. The same word also means 'hand', reflecting the counting pattern based on the fingers of one hand.

Question 12Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

If someone says 'E rima nga'uru' in Cook Islands Māori, what number are they referring to?

  1. Five hundred
  2. Fifteen
  3. Fifty Correct answer.
  4. Five

Explanation

Nga'uru means 'ten', and 'rima nga'uru' means five tens, which is fifty. The pattern multiplies the unit by ten rather than adding to it.

Question 13Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori word refers to a traditional meeting ground or communal gathering place in a village?

  1. Vaka
  2. Marae Correct answer.
  3. Tua
  4. Are

Explanation

Marae refers to the open communal space used for meetings, ceremonies, and gatherings in a village. It is a central social and cultural institution.

Question 14Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori culture, what does the term 'tapu' refer to?

  1. A woven mat
  2. A fishing net
  3. A type of dance
  4. Something sacred or restricted Correct answer.

Explanation

Tapu denotes something sacred, set apart, or restricted from ordinary use. The concept governs behaviour around sacred places, objects, and persons.

Question 15Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

The Cook Islands Māori word 'ariki' refers to which of the following?

  1. A commoner
  2. A high chief Correct answer.
  3. A canoe builder
  4. A priest

Explanation

Ariki is the term for a high chief, a person of chiefly rank holding authority within a tribal group. The term denotes hereditary leadership status.

Question 16Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of these is a traditional Cook Islands Māori dance often performed with rapid hip movements?

  1. Siva
  2. 'Ura Correct answer.
  3. Poi
  4. Haka

Explanation

'Ura is the Cook Islands Māori term for dance, including the energetic drum dance style with rapid hip movements. It is a signature performance art of the Cook Islands.

Question 17Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence correctly uses the negative construction 'Kāre' to say 'I do not have a pen'?

  1. Ka āku peni
  2. Kāre āku peni Correct answer.
  3. Kua āku peni
  4. E āku peni

Explanation

Kāre is the negative particle used to state absence or non-possession, so 'Kāre āku peni' means 'I do not have a pen'. The possessive 'āku' agrees with the speaker.

Question 18Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori, which word is the question word meaning 'who'?

  1. A'a
  2. Ēhea
  3. Pe'ea
  4. Ai Correct answer.

Explanation

Ai is the interrogative word meaning 'who' in Cook Islands Māori. It is used to ask about a person's identity.

Question 19Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of these Cook Islands Māori words means 'where'?

  1. Āpōpō
  2. A'a
  3. Ēhea Correct answer.
  4. Ai

Explanation

Ēhea is the question word used to ask 'where' or 'which'. It is used when enquiring about a location or a choice among places.

Question 20Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of the following correctly translates 'the big house' into Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Ngā 'are nui
  2. Te 'are nui ia
  3. Te 'are nui Correct answer.
  4. Te nui 'are

Explanation

In Cook Islands Māori, the modifier follows the noun, so 'te 'are nui' means 'the big house'. The article 'te' precedes the noun and the adjective 'nui' follows it.

Question 21Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In a Cook Islands Māori noun phrase, where does the adjective typically appear relative to the noun?

  1. At the end of the sentence only
  2. After the noun Correct answer.
  3. Before the article
  4. Before the noun

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori typically places modifiers after the noun they describe, as in 'te 'are nui' for 'the big house'. This contrasts with the English order where the adjective precedes the noun.

Question 22Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori word means 'to eat'?

  1. Moe
  2. Aere
  3. Inu
  4. Kai Correct answer.

Explanation

Kai means 'to eat' as a verb and 'food' as a noun. The same form serves both functions depending on sentence context.

Question 23Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which possessive marker in Cook Islands Māori is used for things like food or items considered 'ā' class possessions?

  1. Ā Correct answer.
  2. Ō
  3. Mā
  4. Tā

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori distinguishes 'ā' class and 'ō' class possession. The 'ā' class typically covers food and things the possessor controls or consumes, such as 'āku kai' for 'my food'.

Question 24Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence correctly uses the 'ō' class possessive to say 'my father'?

  1. Tāku kai
  2. Tōku metua tāne Correct answer.
  3. Tāku metua tāne
  4. Tōku kai

Explanation

Relatives such as a father belong to the 'ō' class of possession, so 'tōku metua tāne' means 'my father'. The 'ō' class covers people in close relationship and body-related items.

Question 25Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of the following best explains the difference between 'tāua' and 'māua' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. Tāua is formal; māua is informal
  2. Tāua includes the listener; māua excludes the listener Correct answer.
  3. Tāua refers to three or more; māua refers to two
  4. Tāua is used for objects; māua for people

Explanation

Both pronouns refer to two people, but tāua includes the person being spoken to while māua excludes them. This inclusive/exclusive distinction is a core feature of Cook Islands Māori pronoun use.

Question 26Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori pronoun is used for 'we two, excluding the person addressed'?

  1. tāua
  2. kōrua
  3. rātou
  4. māua Correct answer.

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori distinguishes inclusive and exclusive first-person dual pronouns. 'Māua' means the speaker plus one other person, but not the listener, so it is exclusive. 'Tāua' is the inclusive dual, covering speaker, one other and the listener.

Question 27Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

A speaker says 'Kua kai au'. Which English rendering best captures the aspect marked by 'kua'?

  1. I will eat.
  2. I want to eat.
  3. I am eating.
  4. I have eaten. Correct answer.

Explanation

The particle 'kua' marks an action as completed or already achieved, so 'Kua kai au' presents eating as a finished event. English present perfect 'I have eaten' is the closest natural equivalent for that completed aspect.

Question 28Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori word names the traditional carved staff or genealogical rod used to recite descent lines?

  1. pā tūpāpāku Correct answer.
  2. 'are korero
  3. taunga
  4. kōrero

Explanation

'Pā tūpāpāku' refers to the carved staff associated with reciting genealogies and chiefly descent. Genealogical recitation is a highly valued skill connected to land rights and status.

Question 29Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence correctly uses 'kāre' with 'i' to say 'I did not go yesterday'?

  1. Kāre i 'āere au inapō.
  2. Kāre au i 'āere inapō. Correct answer.
  3. Kāre au i te 'āere inapō.
  4. Kāre au 'āere i inapō.

Explanation

In negated past clauses, 'kāre' is followed by the subject, then the past marker 'i', then the verb. 'Kāre au i 'āere inapō' follows that order exactly. The time word 'inapō' comes after the verb phrase.

Question 30Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori term refers to the extended family group or descent group that holds rights to land?

  1. ngāti
  2. 'are ariki
  3. 'ui tupuna
  4. kopu tangata Correct answer.

Explanation

'Kopu tangata' denotes the extended family or descent group, the basic social unit that holds land and other rights. It is the group within which obligations and resources are shared.

Question 31Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of these is the Cook Islands Māori name for the traditional tapa cloth made from beaten bark?

  1. pāreu
  2. 'ei
  3. tīvaevae
  4. tapa 'a' Correct answer.

Explanation

Beaten bark cloth in the Cook Islands is known as 'tapa', and 'tapa 'a'' names this decorated cloth. It is made by beating bark and then painting or stamping patterns onto it.

Question 32Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which directional particle would you use to say that someone is going inland, away from the sea?

  1. mai
  2. ake Correct answer.
  3. atu
  4. iho

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori directional particles are orientated to landscape: 'ake' indicates movement upward or inland, away from the coast. 'Mai' indicates movement toward the speaker, and 'atu' movement away.

Question 33Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In a Cook Islands Māori sentence, which particle typically introduces a definite object marked for specific reference?

  1. ki
  2. ma
  3. i Correct answer.
  4. e

Explanation

The particle 'i' marks a definite object or a specific referent in many transitive constructions. It signals that the object is particular and identifiable rather than indefinite.

Question 34Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori expression is used to thank someone politely?

  1. 'Aere rā
  2. Pē'ea koe
  3. Meitaki ma'ata Correct answer.
  4. Kia orāna

Explanation

'Meitaki ma'ata' means 'thank you very much', built on 'meitaki' meaning good or well. It is the standard expression of gratitude in everyday speech.

Question 35Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which numeral construction correctly expresses 'twenty' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. rua nga'uru Correct answer.
  2. 'āpiti 'ia
  3. rua 'āpiti
  4. nga'uru mā rua

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori counts in tens with 'nga'uru'. 'Rua nga'uru' is literally 'two tens', giving twenty.

Question 36Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

A chiefly title in the Cook Islands is formally held by a person chosen by the family. Which term describes the title itself, as distinct from the person holding it?

  1. 'Ariki
  2. Kōpū tangata
  3. Tumu 'āriki Correct answer.
  4. 'Ī'ī

Explanation

'Tumu 'āriki' refers to the chiefly title or the foundational chiefly line, as distinct from the individual chief. The title is a permanent family asset, whereas the holder changes.

Question 37Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which word completes the sentence 'E ___ au ki te 'are' to mean 'I am going to the house'?

  1. tuatua
  2. 'āere Correct answer.
  3. moe
  4. kai

Explanation

The verb 'āere' means to go or travel, so 'E 'āere au ki te 'are' means 'I am going to the house'. The 'e' here marks the verbal predicate.

Question 38Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence uses 'ka' to express a future action correctly?

  1. E 'āere ana au āpōpō.
  2. Kua 'āere au āpōpō.
  3. Kāre au i 'āere āpōpō.
  4. Ka 'āere au āpōpō. Correct answer.

Explanation

The particle 'ka' marks future or prospective action, so 'Ka 'āere au āpōpō' means 'I will go tomorrow'. The time word 'āpōpō' confirms the future reading.

Question 39Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which of the following is the Cook Islands Māori word for the sea or ocean?

  1. maunga
  2. tua
  3. moana Correct answer.
  4. vai

Explanation

'Moana' means sea or ocean and is widely used across Polynesian languages. It refers to the open sea rather than inland water.

Question 40Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which phrase correctly asks 'How many people are coming?' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. 'Ia toko'ia te tangata e 'āere mai? Correct answer.
  2. 'Ē'a te tangata e 'āere mai?
  3. 'Aea te tangata e 'āere mai?
  4. 'Ea'a te tangata e 'āere mai?

Explanation

'Ia toko'ia' is the numeral interrogative asking 'how many', used with human referents. The rest of the clause follows the normal order with 'e 'āere mai'.

Question 41Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which particle is used before a proper personal name functioning as subject in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. e
  2. ko Correct answer.
  3. o
  4. a

Explanation

'Ko' is the proper article used before personal names and place names, including when the name is the subject. It marks the referent as a specific named entity.

Question 42Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which word means 'big' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. meangiti
  2. ma'ata Correct answer.
  3. teitei
  4. potopoto

Explanation

'Ma'ata' means big or large and is commonly used to describe size. It also forms part of 'meitaki ma'ata', meaning very good.

Question 43Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In the phrase 'te 'are ma'ata', what function does 'ma'ata' perform?

  1. It marks the phrase as possessive.
  2. It marks the phrase as a question.
  3. It acts as the head noun of the phrase.
  4. It modifies the preceding noun as an adjective. Correct answer.

Explanation

In Cook Islands Māori noun phrases, the article comes first, then the head noun, then any modifiers. Here 'ma'ata' follows 'te 'are' and describes it, so it is an attributive adjective meaning 'big'.

Question 44Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which possessive construction correctly says 'my house' in Cook Islands Māori?

  1. tōku 'are Correct answer.
  2. taku 'are
  3. taku kai
  4. tāku 'are

Explanation

Houses are 'ō' class possessions, so the singular possessive is 'tōku'. 'Tōku 'are' therefore means 'my house'.

Question 45Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which Cook Islands Māori word refers to the traditional earth oven used for cooking?

  1. umu Correct answer.
  2. pā
  3. ta'ua
  4. 'ou

Explanation

An 'umu' is the earth oven in which food is cooked over heated stones. It is central to communal feasts and food preparation.

Question 46Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence correctly uses the 'ei' construction to express purpose, meaning 'He went to fetch water'?

  1. Kua 'āere ia ki te vai.
  2. Kua 'āere ia 'ei tiki vai. Correct answer.
  3. Kua 'āere ia i te vai.
  4. Kua 'āere ia ei vai.

Explanation

'Ei' introduces a purpose clause and is followed by the verb of the intended action, here 'tiki' meaning to fetch. So 'Kua 'āere ia 'ei tiki vai' means 'He went in order to fetch water'.

Question 47Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which word is the Cook Islands Māori term for a village or settlement?

  1. ngā'ī
  2. vaka
  3. motu
  4. 'ōire Correct answer.

Explanation

'Ōire' means village, settlement or town. It refers to a community and its physical locality.

Question 48Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which sentence correctly expresses 'She is singing' using the progressive construction?

  1. E 'īmene ana ia. Correct answer.
  2. Kāre ia i 'īmene.
  3. Kua 'īmene ia.
  4. Ka 'īmene ia.

Explanation

The progressive construction uses 'e' before the verb and 'ana' after it, with the subject following. 'E 'īmene ana ia' therefore means 'She is singing'.

Question 49Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

In Cook Islands Māori oratory, what is the role of a 'kōrero' during a formal welcome?

  1. It is a silent prayer offered before the meal.
  2. It is a dance performed to welcome visitors.
  3. It is a gift of food presented to guests.
  4. It is a formal speech or address delivered on behalf of a group. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Kōrero' means speech or talk, and in formal settings it refers to the oratorical address given on behalf of a group. Such speeches follow protocol and often respond to earlier speakers.

Question 50Cook Islands Māori (subject page not available at source)

Which pair correctly contrasts 'tērā' and 'tēnei' as demonstratives?

  1. Both mean the same thing and are interchangeable.
  2. 'Tērā' means that over there and 'tēnei' means this near me. Correct answer.
  3. 'Tērā' means this and 'tēnei' means that.
  4. 'Tērā' refers to a person and 'tēnei' to an object.

Explanation

Cook Islands Māori demonstratives encode distance from the speaker. 'Tēnei' points to something near the speaker, while 'tērā' points to something further away.