Writing Strategies for YKI Intermediate: From Notes to Structured Essays

The writing section of the YKI Finnish exam can feel intimidating. You need to produce clear, structured texts in Finnish under time pressure. But with the right strategies, you can transform your ideas into well-organized essays, emails, and announcements — and score the points you need.

Why Structure Matters

Examiners look for texts that are easy to follow. A well-structured text shows you can communicate clearly, not just use correct grammar.

• Introduction: state your purpose (e.g., “Haluan kertoa kokemuksestani…”)

• Body: explain your points in order

• Conclusion: wrap up politely or with a summary

Common Writing Tasks in YKI Intermediate

• Emails and letters: to a friend, a company, or an authority

• Announcements: short and clear information for a group

• Opinion texts: express your view with reasons

• Forms and notes: fill in details correctly

Useful Connectors and Phrases

Using connectors helps your text flow naturally. Some key ones:

• Aluksi, ensiksi (firstly)

• Lisäksi, myös (in addition, also)

• Toisaalta (on the other hand)

• Siksi, tämän vuoksi (therefore, because of this)

• Lopuksi, yhteenvetona (finally, in summary)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing too short (below the required length)

• Forgetting greetings or closings in emails (Hei…, Ystävällisin terveisin…)

• Using only short, simple sentences without connectors

• Ignoring the task (writing something unrelated)

Practice Tips

• Train with model tasks under time pressure

• Memorize a set of connectors and polite phrases

• Write short daily texts (journal entries, shopping complaints, thank-you notes)

• Ask a teacher or friend to check your structure, not just grammar

Good writing in the YKI exam is not about perfection — it’s about clarity and organization. If you plan your structure, use connectors, and practice common text types, you’ll have a reliable strategy to succeed in the writing section.