NCEA Te Reo Matatini - Te Reo Torohū Co-requisite (NZQA Standard 32413) key terms

The act of listening with attention and understanding. In this exam it means hearing a spoken passage in te reo Māori and working out its meaning, purpose and detail.

Reading written te reo Māori for understanding. It covers notices, letters, stories and reports, and requires working out meaning from context as well as from grammar.

Speech or talk, and also the act of speaking. In the exam it refers to spoken interaction: answering questions, giving information and keeping a conversation going in te reo Māori.

Writing in te reo Māori. It includes forming correct sentences, punctuating, choosing the right register and organising ideas into paragraphs for a reader.

Analysing how language works: identifying parts of a sentence, tense and aspect markers, particles and word classes so that meaning can be explained and corrected.

Customary practice and correct procedure. It shapes how people greet, speak, host visitors and behave on a marae, and it affects which words are appropriate in a given setting.

A word. Candidates need to recognise kupu in context, know whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective or particle, and choose the right word for the situation.

A new or unfamiliar word. In reading and listening questions, the meaning of an unknown kupu is often worked out from the words and ideas around it.

A noun, the word class naming a person, place, thing or idea. Recognising nouns helps a candidate find the subject or object of a sentence.

A verb, the word class expressing an action or state. In te reo Māori verbs can act as predicates without a separate word for 'is' or 'are'.

An adjective or describing word. It tells what something is like, and in te reo Māori it can stand as the predicate of a sentence or follow the noun it describes.

A verb, especially when it is doing the work of the predicate in a sentence. Identifying the pūmahi shows what is happening and who or what is doing it.

A tense marker used for actions happening now, then, or in a general or habitual way. It is one of the most common sentence starters and signals that an action is underway.

A tense marker showing an action is complete or a state has been reached. It often translates as 'has' or 'have' and is used for results that matter now.

A past tense marker placed before the verb for completed actions, and also a particle marking the object or agent of a sentence. Context shows which job it is doing.

A marker meaning an action is happening right now, like English '-ing'. It begins a present progressive sentence, as in 'Kei te ako au' - I am learning.

A particle with several jobs: it precedes verbs in some constructions, marks the agent in passive sentences, and forms part of numbers and vocatives. Meaning depends on position.

A particle meaning 'of' used with names and places, and also a word for 'and' when joining nouns. Knowing which possessive or conjunction is meant is a common exam point.

The possessive particle used for things a person does not control, such as family, ancestors, feelings and body parts. It contrasts with 'a', used for things one controls.

A word meaning 'and' when joining nouns, and also a marker meaning 'should' or 'must' before a verb. The surrounding sentence shows which sense applies.

A passive verb form, marked by endings such as -tia, -hia, -ngia or -a. It shows the action is done to someone or something rather than by the subject.

Genealogy and the reciting of descent lines linking a person to ancestors, land and tribal groups. It is central to identity and is often referred to in speeches and written texts.

A formal statement of identity that names one's mountain, river, ancestors, marae and people. It is used in introductions and shows where a person belongs.

A greeting or speech of acknowledgement. A mihi can welcome people, thank them or honour the dead, and its wording changes with the occasion and the audience.

The formal welcome ceremony on a marae, including the karanga, speeches, waiata and hongi. Knowing its stages helps a candidate understand texts and answer tikanga questions.

The open area and buildings where a community gathers, including the wharenui meeting house and wharekai dining hall. It is the setting for pōwhiri and many customary events.

The traditional greeting in which two people press noses and share breath. It follows speeches at a pōwhiri and signals mutual respect and connection between visitors and hosts.

A proverb or traditional saying used to sum up wisdom or make a point. Recognising a whakataukī and its meaning is common in reading and cultural questions.

A traditional story or narrative that carries history, values and lessons. Reading questions may ask for the main idea, the characters and the purpose of a pūrākau.

A song, including traditional and contemporary forms. Waiata often follow speeches and carry history and emotion, so their words are useful for listening and reading tasks.

The high-pitched call by women that opens a pōwhiri and brings visitors onto the marae. It is a formal exchange between hosts and visitors and has its own conventions.

To reply, respond or give feedback in speech. In a spoken interaction task a candidate must answer a question directly and then add relevant detail or a follow-up question.

To answer or respond. A good answer in the speaking task addresses the question asked, uses complete sentences and stays in te reo Māori rather than switching to English.

A sentence. Candidates need to build sentences with a clear predicate, correct particles and agreement, and to punctuate them so the meaning is clear to a reader.

A word or phrase that adds emphasis or colour to writing, such as intensifiers and vivid descriptions. Using them well lifts the quality of a written response.

A reason, purpose, issue or topic. Questions often ask for the take of a text, meaning why it was written or what matter it is about.

A goal, aim or purpose. In reading and listening tasks, identifying the whāinga of a speaker or writer helps a candidate choose the best answer from the options.

Spoken language or an oral text, such as an announcement, interview or speech. Listening questions test understanding of its content, tone and intended audience.

A conjunction or joining word such as 'engari', 'nā te mea' or 'otirā'. These words signal contrast, reason or addition and are key to following the logic of a passage.