What does the YKI intermediate writing test look like?
In the writing subtest you write three different texts. This page explains what the tasks usually ask for, how texts are assessed and how to practise. There are three practice tasks at the end. In the Finnish test, all tasks and instructions are in Finnish.
What happens in the writing subtest?
According to the test specifications published by the Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH), you write three different types of text, for example a message, a letter, an opinion text, a complaint or an application. The tasks are guided: the instructions tell you who you are writing to and what the text must include. A task can also come with supporting material, such as a notice or a message you reply to.
- Grades: the intermediate test gives your writing a grade of below 3, 3 or 4. Level 3 corresponds to CEFR B1 and level 4 to B2.
- Assessment: trained raters compare your text with the level criteria, not with other candidates' texts.
- Test day: OPH says the intermediate test lasts 5 hours, with breaks. Writing and reading comprehension are done in a classroom.
- No aids: dictionaries, study materials, phones and other devices are not allowed.
On a computer or on paper?
OPH is piloting a digital YKI test for Finnish at intermediate level on 7 Nov 2026 at four test centres (Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Pori and Espoo). At other centres the November test is on paper. The digital test is taken on a computer at the test centre, so you don't need your own, and the tasks are similar to the paper test. OPH's test-day list says all Finnish tests in spring 2027 are digital. If you'll type in the test, practise typing too.
Typical text types
| Text | Reader | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Informal message | friend, neighbour, colleague | Friendly greeting and closing. Answer every question and give the details needed (time, place, plan). |
| Formal message, complaint or application | customer service, property manager, employer, authority | Polite language. State the problem or request clearly and what you want the reader to do. |
| Opinion text | newspaper, online discussion, housing company notice | Give your opinion at the start, justify it and add an example. Mention the other side too. |
These text types are the examples listed in OPH's specifications. The actual tasks vary from test to test.
Tips for the writing test
- List the content points. Underline every thing the task asks for ("kerro milloin", "ehdota", "kysy"). At the end, check that each point is in your text.
- Match the register. To a friend: Moi Sanna! and Nähdään! To customer service: Hyvä vastaanottaja and Ystävällisin terveisin. At level 3 the difference can still be uneven, but at level 4 it must show.
- Link your ideas. Use koska, mutta, lisäksi, siksi, toisaalta, esimerkiksi, ensinnäkin, lopuksi. A list of separate sentences easily stays below level 3.
- Give reasons. In an opinion text, write at least two reasons and one example.
- Use structures you're sure of. A clear, familiar sentence beats a long one the reader can't follow.
- Leave time to check. Check verb endings, object endings, past tense forms and capital letters.
- Practise like the real test. Write against a timer and without a dictionary, since dictionaries aren't allowed in the test.
Three practice tasks
These are Tasolle3's own practice tasks, not official YKI tasks. Official example tasks are on the University of Jyväskylä website. Write your answers in Finnish.
1. Message to a friend: housewarming
Olet muuttanut uuteen asuntoon ja järjestät tupaantuliaiset. Kirjoita viesti ystävällesi Mikolle. Kerro: milloin ja missä juhlat ovat, miten uuteen asuntoon pääsee, mitä Mikko voi ottaa mukaan, ja pyydä häntä kertomaan, pääseekö hän tulemaan.
Check: friendly greeting and closing, all four points, a clear time and address.
2. Formal message: broken washing machine
Taloyhtiösi pesutuvan pesukone on ollut rikki kaksi viikkoa. Kirjoita sähköposti isännöitsijälle. Kerro: mikä koneessa on vikana ja kuinka kauan vika on jatkunut, miten vika vaikuttaa asukkaiden arkeen, mitä toivot isännöitsijän tekevän ja milloin, ja miten sinuun saa yhteyden.
Check: polite opening and closing, conditional forms in requests (voisitteko, toivoisin), no slang.
3. Opinion text: a car-free city centre
Kaupunki suunnittelee, että keskustan pääkadulta kielletään autoilu. Kirjoita mielipiteesi paikallislehden verkkosivulle. Kerro, oletko samaa vai eri mieltä, perustele kahdella syyllä, kerro yksi vastakkainen näkökulma ja ehdota ratkaisua.
Check: your opinion is clear at the start, linking words (ensinnäkin, lisäksi, toisaalta, siksi), a closing sentence.
FAQ
How many texts do you write in the YKI writing test?
According to OPH's test specifications, three different types of text, for example a message, a letter, an opinion text, a complaint or an application.
Can I use a dictionary in the YKI test?
No. OPH's instructions say dictionaries, study materials, phones and other electronic devices are not allowed during the test day.
Is the YKI test taken on a computer?
A digital test is being piloted for Finnish intermediate level on 7 Nov 2026 at four test centres. OPH's test-day list says all Finnish tests in spring 2027 are digital.
What grades can I get for writing?
The intermediate test gives below 3, 3 or 4. Level 3 corresponds to B1 and level 4 to B2.
How long should my text be?
Follow the task instructions. What matters most is that the text covers every point asked for and suits the reader.
Try it free: 1 writing + 1 speaking check
Get instant feedback on your text or speech. The level shown is an unofficial practice estimate, not a YKI result. No card needed.
Read next
Sources
- OPH: Yleisten kielitutkintojen perusteet 2026 (PDF)
- OPH: Before the YKI test
- OPH: Selecting the right YKI test and test days
- OPH: Digital YKI tests will be piloted in November 2026
- OPH: Kirjoittamisen arviointikriteerit (PDF)
Tasolle3 is an independent practice service. We are not the Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH) or the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Always check the official sources linked here for current information.