Reading Skills for the Norwegian Test: Your Complete Guide to Success

Why Reading is Crucial for the Norwegian Test A1-B2

Reading comprehension is the foundation of success on the Norwegian language test. Whether you're taking the A1, A2, B1, or B2 level, you must be able to interpret information quickly and accurately. The reading test constitutes a significant portion of your total score, and strong reading skills also enhance your performance in other sections of the exam.

Statistics show that candidates who score high on the reading test are more likely to pass the entire Norwegian test on their first attempt.

On the Norwegian test A1-B2, you'll encounter various text types:

• Informative texts: Brochures, instructions, news articles
• Narrative texts: Stories, personal experiences
• Argumentative texts: Opinions, debate pieces
• Descriptive texts: Product descriptions, travel guides

Strategies to Improve Reading Skills for the Norwegian Test

1. Daily Reading Practice - Build Momentum

Consistency is key to improvement. Start with 15-20 minutes daily and gradually increase:

• Weeks 1-2: 15 minutes of simple texts (A1-A2 level)
• Weeks 3-4: 25 minutes of mixed difficulty texts
• Week 5+: 30-45 minutes, including complex texts

2. Active Reading for the Norwegian Test

Don't just read passively - actively engage with the text:

1. Before reading: Look at headings, images, and layout. What do you expect?
2. While reading: Ask questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
3. After reading: Summarize main points in your own words

3. Vocabulary Building for the Norwegian Test

A rich vocabulary is essential for reading comprehension. Use these techniques:

• Contextual guessing: Before looking up a word, try to guess its meaning from context
• Thematic word lists: Create lists of words within transportation, health, work, education
• Synonyms and antonyms: For each new word, find at least one synonym and antonym
• Collocations: Learn which words are commonly used together

Recommended Sources for Norwegian Test Preparation

Beginner Level (A1-A2)

• Simple Norwegian: Klarspråk.no for simplified public information
• Easy news: NRK Super, simplified news websites
• Children's books: Biblioteket.no has digital children's books
• Learning resources: Norwegian test prep apps and websites

Intermediate Level (A2-B1)

• Local news: Your municipality's website and local newspapers
• Magazines: Consumer guides, lifestyle magazines
• Blogs: Travel and food blogs in Norwegian
• Public information: Government websites, official information

Advanced Level (B1-B2)

• Quality journalism: Major Norwegian news outlets
• Academic articles: Encyclopedia entries, research articles
• Literature: Modern Norwegian authors
• Commentary and debate: Opinion sections in newspapers

Effective Reading Strategies for the Norwegian Test

Scanning and Skimming

These techniques are invaluable under time pressure on the Norwegian test:

Scanning (searching for specific information):

• Move your eyes quickly over the text
• Look for keywords from the question
• Stop when you find relevant information
• Perfect for factual questions and dates

Skimming (getting an overview):

• Read first and last paragraphs thoroughly
• Read the first sentence of each paragraph
• Note headings and subheadings
• Identify the text's main structure

Intensive Reading for Deeper Understanding

Use this technique for complex texts on the Norwegian test:

1. First reading: Get general understanding
2. Second reading: Identify main ideas and supporting arguments
3. Third reading: Analyze details and nuances

Common Challenges on the Norwegian Test - and Solutions

Problem: "I don't understand all the words"

Solution:

• Focus on 70-80% comprehension, not perfection
• Use contextual clues
• Identify word classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
• Look for familiar prefixes and suffixes

Problem: "I read too slowly"

Solution:

• Avoid "reading aloud" in your head
• Don't read every single word - read word groups
• Start with easier texts and gradually increase speed
• Use a pointer or finger to guide your eyes

Problem: "I forget what I've read"

Solution:

• Take active notes while reading
• Create mental images of the content
• Summarize each paragraph in one sentence
• Discuss what you've read with others

Practical Exercises for the Norwegian Test

Exercise 1: Prediction and Verification

1. Look at the headline and possibly the first paragraph
2. Write down 3 things you think the text is about
3. Read the text
4. Check if your predictions were correct

Exercise 2: Main Idea Identification

1. Read a paragraph
2. Write the main idea in one sentence
3. Identify 2-3 supporting details
4. Move to the next paragraph

Exercise 3: Questions and Answers

1. Read the first half of a text
2. Write 3 questions you have about the text
3. Read the rest
4. See if your questions were answered

Time Management on the Reading Test

Effective time use can determine success on the Norwegian test:

Recommended Time Distribution:

• 5 minutes: Skim all texts and questions
• 70% of time: Answer questions
• 20% of time: Thorough reading of difficult text sections
• 5% of time: Check answers

Tips for Time-Efficient Reading:

• Start with questions you're most confident about
• Mark keywords in questions before reading the text
• Don't spend more than 30 seconds finding one answer
• Make educated guesses if unsure - no points deducted for wrong answers

Technology and Digital Tools

Use modern tools to improve your reading skills:

Recommended Apps and Websites:

• NorwegianTest app: Exercises specifically designed for the Norwegian test
• Anki: For vocabulary building with spaced repetition
• Lingvist: Adaptive learning based on your level
• Readlang: Click on words for instant translations

Summary: Your Path to Success on the Norwegian Test

Mastering reading skills for the Norwegian test requires dedicated practice and the right strategies. Remember these key points:

• Consistency: Read a little every day rather than a lot infrequently
• Variety: Mix different text types and difficulty levels
• Active approach: Ask questions and take notes
• Vocabulary: Build vocabulary systematically
• Strategies: Use scanning, skimming, and intensive reading
• Practice: Conduct regular reading exercises
• Time management: Train to read efficiently under time pressure

With proper preparation and these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to succeed on the reading test, regardless of which level you're aiming for on the Norwegian test A1-B2.

Remember: Every page you read brings you closer to passing the Norwegian test. Start today and build the reading skills that will serve you for life!