YKI Writing Task Types: Email, Opinion Text and Message Explained

A complete overview of the three mandatory texts you must write during the intermediate Finnish language exam.

Passing the intermediate (keskitaso) Finnish exam requires you to successfully navigate three specific YKI writing tasks. The 55-minute writing section tests your ability to adapt your tone, vocabulary, and structure to different real-life situations. Understanding exactly what each task demands is the fastest way to improve your score.

The Three Main YKI Writing Tasks

The exam always follows the same format. You will progress from informal communication to formal correspondence, ending with a complex argumentative text. Let's break down each of the YKI writing tasks, including templates and vocabulary you can use on exam day.

Task 1: The YKI Message Task (Informal)

The YKI message task evaluates your ability to handle everyday, casual situations. You will write a short message to a friend, colleague, or family member. Typical topics include apologizing for being late, inviting someone to an event, or suggesting a change of plans.

  • Tone: Casual and friendly. Spoken language (puhekieli) is acceptable but not required.
  • Example Prompt: Your friend invited you to their birthday party. Write a message thanking them, explaining that you will be late because of work, and asking if you can bring anything.

Template & Vocabulary:

Greeting: Moi! / Hei [Name], / Terve!

Core phrases: Kiitos kutsusta! (Thanks for the invite!), Anteeksi, mutta tulen myöhässä, koska... (Sorry, but I will be late because...)

Closing: Nähdään lauantaina! / Terveisin, [Name]

Task 2: YKI Email Writing (Formal)

YKI email writing tests your formal communication. You will write to an authority, a company, or a service provider. Typical topics include making a complaint (e.g., broken appliance), asking for information, or contacting housing maintenance (isännöitsijä).

  • Tone: Formal, polite, and direct (kirjakieli).
  • Example Prompt: You rented a cabin, but the heating did not work and the place was dirty. Write an email to the rental company demanding a partial refund.

Template & Vocabulary:

Greeting: Hyvä asiakaspalvelu, / Hyvä vastaanottaja,

Core phrases: Otan teihin yhteyttä, koska... (I am contacting you because...), Haluaisin pyytää... (I would like to request...), Olisiko mahdollista... (Would it be possible...)

Closing: Ystävällisin terveisin, [Full Name]

Task 3: YKI Opinion Writing

YKI opinion writing is the most challenging task. You must read a short statement or article snippet and write an argumentative text expressing your opinion. Topics often revolve around society, health, environment, or work life.

  • Tone: Objective, persuasive, and structured.
  • Example Prompt: "Remote work is better for employees than working in an office." Write your opinion on this statement.

Template & Vocabulary:

Opening: Olen täysin samaa mieltä / eri mieltä. (I completely agree / disagree.)

Structuring arguments: Ensinnäkin... (Firstly...), Toisaalta... (On the other hand...), Lisäksi ajattelen, että... (Furthermore, I think that...)

Conclusion: Lopuksi haluan sanoa, että... (Finally, I want to say that...)

Examiner Scoring: How YKI Writing Examples Are Graded

When evaluators read your texts, they are looking for specific competencies. To score a 3 or 4 (passing grades for intermediate), you must demonstrate:

  1. Task Fulfillment: Did you answer every part of the prompt? If a prompt asks you to explain a problem and suggest a solution, you must do both.
  2. Register Awareness: Using "Moi" in a formal complaint will lower your score. Knowing the difference between the message and email task is vital.
  3. Comprehensibility: Minor grammar mistakes are allowed. However, if your grammar prevents the examiner from understanding your point, your score will drop.

Common Mistakes in YKI Writing Tasks

Mistake: Overcomplicating Sentences

Problem: Students try to translate complex English or native-language idioms into Finnish, resulting in broken grammar.

Correction: Keep sentences short and clear. Combine simple clauses using basic conjunctions like mutta (but), koska (because), and joten (so).

Mistake: Spending Too Much Time on Task 1

Problem: Using 25 minutes on the informal message, leaving no time to finish the opinion piece.

Correction: Stick to a strict timeline. 10 minutes for the message, 15-20 for the email, and 25 for the opinion text.

Practice All YKI Writing Tasks Today

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mandatory YKI writing tasks?

The intermediate YKI test requires you to complete three writing tasks: an informal message to a friend, a formal email to a service or authority, and an opinion text responding to a statement.

Is YKI email writing always formal?

Yes, the second task is generally a formal or semi-formal email where you must write to a business, housing manager, or customer service representative. You must use appropriate formal greetings and polite requests.

How long should my YKI opinion writing be?

There is no strict word count, but the opinion piece is the longest task. You should write a clear introduction, 2-3 supporting arguments, and a concluding sentence, filling the provided space on the exam paper.