The written section of the Norskprøven is 90 minutes long (120 minutes at B1-B2) and many candidates find it challenging. Here are 10 concrete tips that actually make a difference — based on what separates candidates who pass from those who don't.
The 10 tips
Write at least 80 words — always
80 words is the minimum requirement at A1-A2 and A2-B1. Aim for 100–150. The word count is visible on screen during the test. Texts under 80 words may be penalised regardless of quality.
Read the task carefully — twice
Many candidates write good Norwegian but answer the wrong question. Always read the task twice and underline the key words. A well-written text on the wrong topic earns no points.
Use a simple structure
Divide your text into three parts: introduction, main section, and conclusion. Even a short text should have this. Start with: Jeg skal skrive om… (I am going to write about…) and end with Til slutt vil jeg si at… (Finally I want to say that…)
Use connecting words actively
Connecting words show the examiner that you can build sentences. Use: fordi (because), derfor (therefore), dessuten (moreover), i tillegg (in addition), på den andre siden (on the other hand), selv om (even though), men (but), likevel (nevertheless).
Give examples from your own life
Personal examples make the text longer and more natural. Instead of just "Health is important", write "I try to stay healthy by going for a walk three times a week." It is easier to write and better to read.
Vary your sentence length
Many candidates write only short sentences. Try combining: one short sentence, one longer sentence with a connecting word. This gives a more natural language and demonstrates a higher level.
Pay attention to word order
Norwegian has fixed rules for word order. Key rule: the verb always comes in second position. I morgen reiser jeg til Oslo (Tomorrow I travel to Oslo) — not I morgen jeg reiser…. This is one of the most common mistakes.
Use the correct tense
Don't mix present and past tense. Decide which tense you will use and stick to it. Pay special attention to the verbs er/var (is/was), har/hadde (has/had), går/gikk (goes/went).
Manage your time well
90 minutes is enough time if you plan ahead. Spend approximately 5 minutes planning, 70 minutes writing, and 15 minutes reading through and correcting errors. Many candidates spend all their time writing and forget to review.
Always read through at the end
Use the last 10–15 minutes to read through your entire text. Look for: verb forms, word order, missing words, and whether you have actually answered what the task asked.
Text too short (under 80 words) · Answering the wrong question · Incorrect word order · Switching between present and past tense · Failing to justify opinions
What types of text can you get?
On the Norskprøven written section you may receive these task types:
- Describe a picture — describe what you see, who is there, what is happening
- Write an email or letter — to a friend, an employer, or a public office
- Write about something from everyday life — a typical day, a hobby, a memory
- Give your opinion — on a social topic, with arguments for and against
It is smart to practise all these types so that you are prepared for whatever you receive on the test.
Practise written exercises in NorskPrep
We have written practice exercises for A1-A2, A2-B1 and B1-B2 with model answers and concrete tips for every question. Save your answers and come back to them.
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