How I Passed the YKI Test (Finnish Language Test Required for Citizenship)
I successfully cleared the YKI test B1, the required level for obtaining Finnish citizenship, and subsequently applied for Finnish citizenship. I managed to pass the listening, writing, and reading components on my first attempt while studying from the comfort of my home.
Materials & Approach
Choosing the right approach is crucial, and it varies for each individual. One needs to assess their strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly. Considering my demanding work responsibilities and young children at home, attending classes was not a feasible option for me. I opted for self-preparation, focusing on writing and listening skills.
For materials, amidst numerous options available at the library and on the internet, I selected the traditional approach — Suomen Metsari 1 and half of the Suomen Metsari 2. I went through them first, then read them over time, comprehending the content at my own pace and in no particular chapter order.
Consistency Matters
Additionally, I committed to Duolingo. I practiced for as little as 3 minutes on some days and up to 10 minutes on the best days. I utilized waiting times in grocery store lines, sunny shining late evenings of summer and quiet autumn early mornings. Regardless of the time or duration, I consistently practiced for more than 2 years, leading to results beyond my initial expectations. Incorporating language learning into existing daily habits, even for just 5-10 minutes, can be an effective strategy. Despite life incidents that may cause deviations, maintaining basic daily actions is crucial.
Listen Actively to Natives
It’s common to overlook conversations in our surroundings, but focusing on them is crucial. I started by picking out words, identifying endings, and gradually understanding sentences. I regularly listened to Finnish news at a slow pace by YLE, 2-3 times a week.
When driving alone, I also listened to the audio CDs of Suomen Metsari 1 and 2, which I believe significantly contributed to my success.
Practice and Learning Techniques
I adopted a practice of starting with small things, believing that addressing the little ones automatically leads to success with bigger challenges. For instance, I began with simple sentences about a potato and gradually progressed. Learn what is potato, this is potato, that is potato, this is a small potato, that is a big potato, this is a small white potato, that is a big red potato. Regular review of learned words at intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, and after 3 months) proved effective.
HarjoitellaSu0me@ was my password for several days. Crazy right, we all must be, to learn a new language at this age.
The happiness which comes from long practice, which leads to the end of suffering, which at first is like poison, but at last like nectar - this kind of happiness arises from the serenity of one’s own mind. ― The Bhagavad Gita
Inspire:
Drawing inspiration from children who grasp new concepts quickly, I recognized the value of focusing without hesitation. Utilizing the childlike curiosity within us can aid in achieving language-learning goals, even during challenging times.
Memorization Techniques
Memorizing words can be made enjoyable by associating them with funny or interesting experiences.
Quick start
Learning sentence endings, verb conjugations, and deconstructing sentences found in daily life can provide a quick start.
Useful websites
Several websites provide organized language learning materials. Notable mentions include:
Most of the stuff at one place, organised very well, by levels: https://uusikielemme.fi/
YLE has lots of content. Check and select what’s necessary for you at each level: Supisuomea Videos: https://areena.yle.fi/1-4614 https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2015/01/14/supisuomea-videot
Supisuomea - Really useful videos to build relevant vocabulary in Finnish
Transcripts with explanations are also available at SupiSuomea. Find and utilise them. https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2016/01/27/supisuomea-osa-6-imperfekti-seka-asiointia-preesensissa https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2015/12/15/keskitaso-0
News in slow pace: https://yle.fi/selkouutiset https://selkosanomat.fi/
In addition to the tips in the following link, generally this blogspot website has loads of information. https://randomfinnishlesson.blogspot.com/2013/08/last-minute-yki-tips.html
Vocabulary: https://kielikoulu.yle.fi/profile
YKI test format: University of Jyväskylä’s website conducts these YKI tests, apparently their website has lots of info about it: http://ykitesti.solki.jyu.fi/en/info/ohjeet/ https://ykipass.fi/ has offered a free book explaining about the YKI test very clearly, check for it.
Register for YKI test
https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/registering-yki-test
Accepted combinations and other info at migri
https://migri.fi/en/national-certificate-of-language-proficiency-yki-
Collaboration
Learning a language often benefits from various forms of collaboration. Here are some types of collaboration that can enhance language learning: Join or create study groups with fellow language learners. Discussing grammar, vocabulary, and practicing speaking together can reinforce your learning. Enroll in a language class or course where you can collaborate with classmates. Group activities, discussions, and pair work in a class setting can provide valuable interaction. Work with a language tutor or teacher who can provide personalized guidance and feedback. This one-on-one collaboration can be particularly helpful for addressing specific challenges and improving language skills.
Basic Topics for Practice
Practice discussing personal topics such as yourself, your family, your best friend, and the person you admire the most.
Types of Questions In Section 2
Prepare for various practical scenarios, including writing emails, booking appointments, and reporting incidents. Other examples:
Write an email to book a hotel room.
Write an email to book a time with doctor.
Book a restaurant/hall for a party.
Tell story of a party to a friend, how it went.
Allure your friend to join a new hobby with you.
Ask your friend to join you for movie.
Request service company to fix a problem in your home.
Ask a friend how is his new work place.
Report a crime.
Report a theft.
Register in a sports club.
Congratulate your friend on his graduation.
Congratulate your friend on his wedding.
Thank your neighbour for his help.
Seek any help from your neighbour.
Call police to notify about an accident.
Complain about the missing luggage.
Complain about the bad food (food poisoning) at a restaurant, (to police).
You are not happy with the work done in your back yard. Write an email to get it fixed.
Demand a refund for the flawed device.
Reschedule a training timing.
Complain about the noise or disturbance from the neighbors to police.
You could not attend an event and now you want apologize your friend.
Opinion Question Examples
Money can buy everything. Do you agree?
Should children under age 5 go to day care or be with parents at home?
Do you prefer a new car or used one?
Should school children carry lunch from home or eat the food provided by school?
Food in Finland is expensive. Do you agree?
Money brings happiness in our life. Do you agree?
Online shopping is better. Do you agree?
Sports are mandatory in life. Do you agree?
Eating too much at night is not healthy. Do you agree?
Conclusion
Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is achieved - Swami Vivekananda. Happy Learning!