This note explains how to read Italian texts and answer questions that ask for English responses. The examination assesses your ability to identify the general meaning and locate specific factual details like names, dates, times, places, and reasons.
Skimming, Scanning, and Question Clues
Read the instructions and questions first so you know what information to find. Questions usually follow the order of the text.
- Skim the passage quickly to grasp the main topic and setting.
- Scan specifically for names, numbers, and Italian words connected to the question.
- If a question refers to a specific paragraph, search only within that part of the text.
- Underline the phrase in the Italian passage where you find the answer before translating it into English.
- Write the relevant details you understand; partially correct answers may earn marks.
Matching Question Words to Text Clues
Match the type of question to the matching clue in the Italian text to find the answer faster.
| The English question asks... | Look in the Italian text for... | Textual clue example |
|---|---|---|
| Who? | Names, family members, jobs | mio fratello (my brother), un medico (a doctor) |
| Where? | Prepositions of place (a, in, da), places | a Firenze (in Florence), in cucina (in the kitchen) |
| When? | Times, days, months, time words | alle 18.00 (at 18:00), dopo cena (after dinner) |
| Why? | Reasons and explanations | perché (because), a causa di (due to) |
| How much / many? | Numbers, quantities, prices | trecento grammi (300g), dieci euro (€10) |
Watch out for words that alter meaning: non... mai (never), non... più (no longer), ma (but), and solo (only).
Times, Dates, and Public Notices
Timetables, opening hours, and signs appear frequently in exam texts.
- Timetables typically use the 24-hour clock (14.30 is 2:30 pm; 20.15 is 8:15 pm).
- Time phrases include e mezza (half past), e un quarto (quarter past), and verso (around).
- Italian dates place the day before the month, with the first day called primo (il primo luglio).
- Italian prices write decimals with a comma: €3,50 means €3.50.
- Learn key public signs:
| Italian Sign | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| È vietato... | It is forbidden to... |
| Aperto / Chiuso | Open / Closed |
| Entrata / Uscita | Entrance / Exit |
| Gratuito | Free of charge |
True/False Questions and False Friends
Some questions ask you to tick True or False (Vero or Falso) based on a statement in English or Italian.
- Check statements line by line; small words like non or altered numbers can make a statement false.
- Cognates are words in different languages with a shared origin, often similar in spelling and meaning (stazione, turista).
- Beware of false friends (words that look like English terms but differ in meaning):
- camera means 'room' or 'bedroom' (not a photo camera).
- parenti means 'relatives' (parents are genitori).
- libreria means 'bookshop' (a library is biblioteca).
Writing Clear Answers in English
Check each question's language instruction. When English is required, express the answer clearly in English.
- Use a word or short phrase when sufficient, including every detail needed to answer the question.
- Give exact locations: for sul tavolo in cucina, write 'on the kitchen table', not just 'table'.
- Provide the exact number of items requested; extra incorrect answers can cancel out correct marks.
- Standard English names for Italian cities are used, such as Rome (Roma), Turin (Torino), and Florence (Firenze).
Key terms
- Cognate
- Cognates are words in different languages with a shared origin, often similar in spelling and meaning, such as aeroporto (airport).
- False Friend
- A word that resembles an English word but has a different meaning, such as parenti (relatives).
- Orario
- A timetable, schedule, or list of opening hours.
- È vietato
- A common sign phrase meaning 'it is forbidden' or 'not allowed'.
- Gratuito
- A notice term meaning free of charge.
Check yourself
What does the notice 'È vietato l'uso del telefonino' mean in English?
Mobile phone use is forbidden (or mobile phones are not allowed).
How should you translate the time 'verso le otto e un quarto di sera'?
Around 8:15 pm (or around quarter past eight in the evening).
What is the English name for the Italian city 'Torino'?
Turin.
What date is indicated by 'venerdì primo marzo'?
Friday 1st March.
Why should you avoid listing five sports when asked to name three?
Surplus incorrect answers can cancel out correct marks under examination schemes.