ALPT C1 key terms

The most important point that a whole passage or talk is trying to communicate, as opposed to small supporting details. Readers and listeners identify it by asking what the text is mostly about.

A fact, example, reason, or description that helps explain or strengthen a main idea. Details answer questions like who, what, when, where, and why within a passage.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point. The remaining sentences normally develop or illustrate that point.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining stated information with general knowledge, even though the conclusion is not written directly. Inferences must be supported by evidence in the text.

A word, phrase, or sentence around an unfamiliar word that helps a reader guess its meaning. Common types include definitions, examples, contrasts, and synonyms given nearby.

Reading quickly through a text to locate one specific piece of information, such as a date, name, or number, without reading every word carefully.

Reading rapidly to get a general sense of a text's topic and structure, often by looking at headings, first sentences, and key words rather than every detail.

The reason a writer produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes the tone, structure, and kind of evidence used.

The attitude a writer or speaker expresses toward the subject, shown through word choice and phrasing. Tone may be, for example, humorous, critical, neutral, or enthusiastic.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For instance, 'thrifty' sounds approving while 'stingy' sounds critical, though both concern spending.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional associations it may carry. Denotation is the neutral core meaning shared by all users of the word.

A word that has the same or a very similar meaning as another word, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Synonyms are rarely fully interchangeable because of differences in tone and usage.

A word that expresses the opposite meaning of another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Antonyms help readers understand contrast relationships within a text.

The central meaning or general point of a spoken or written message, understood without catching every individual word. Listeners often grasp the gist before they understand details.

Attending closely to specific facts in speech, such as times, prices, names, or instructions, while filtering out less relevant information. It contrasts with listening only for general meaning.

Writing brief, organized records of key points while reading or listening, using abbreviations and symbols. Good notes capture main ideas and essential details for later review.

To restate someone's idea in your own words while keeping the original meaning. Paraphrasing shows understanding and is preferred over copying exact wording.

A short account of a text's or talk's main points, written in the summarizer's own words and leaving out minor details and examples.

The quality of a text or speech in which ideas are logically connected and easy to follow from one point to the next. Coherence depends on clear organization, not just on linking words.

The way sentences and paragraphs are tied together through linking words, pronouns, and repeated terms so the text reads as a unified whole.

A word or phrase that signals the relationship between ideas, such as 'however' for contrast or 'therefore' for result. Transitions guide readers and listeners through an argument.

A sentence that presents the central claim of an essay or longer piece, usually appearing in the introduction. It tells the reader what the writing will argue or explain.

A sentence that introduces the main point of a single paragraph and is normally supported by the sentences that follow it.

The grammar rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

The grammatical form of a verb that shows when an action happens, such as present, past, or future. Consistent tense keeps a narrative or explanation clear.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.

A group of related words that does not contain both a subject and a verb, so it cannot stand alone as a sentence. Examples include 'in the morning' and 'very quickly'.

A word such as 'and', 'but', 'because', or 'although' that joins words, phrases, or clauses and shows the relationship between them.

A word such as 'in', 'on', 'at', or 'between' that links a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence, often showing place, time, or direction.

A pair or group of words that habitually appear together in natural speech, such as 'make a decision' rather than 'do a decision'. Using correct collocations makes language sound natural.

An expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as 'break the ice' meaning to start a conversation. Idioms are usually fixed in form.

The level of formality in language chosen for a situation, ranging from casual talk with friends to formal writing. Register affects vocabulary, grammar, and tone.

The way in which words are spoken, including individual sounds, stress, and rhythm. Clear pronunciation helps a listener understand a speaker's message.

The extra emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word when speaking. Correct stress patterns help listeners identify words and understand which information is most important.

The rise and fall of the voice across a spoken sentence. Intonation can signal a question, express emotion, or highlight the speaker's main point.

The ability to speak or write smoothly at a reasonable pace with few long pauses or hesitations. Fluency concerns ease of communication rather than perfect accuracy.

The conversational convention of letting one speaker finish before another begins. Managing turns smoothly, including interrupting politely, is a key speaking skill.

Generating many ideas quickly before judging or organizing them, often used at the start of a writing task. Useful ideas are selected and arranged afterward.

A brief plan that lists the main points and supporting ideas of a piece of writing in the order they will appear. An outline helps keep a draft organized and coherent.

An early version of a piece of writing produced before the final copy. Drafts are expected to be revised for content, organization, grammar, and word choice.

The process of reviewing and improving a draft by changing ideas, structure, and wording. Revision goes beyond fixing surface errors and may involve rewriting whole sections.

Checking a piece of writing for correctness in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice, usually after the content and organization have been revised.