HSC Dutch Continuers key terms

The event or situation that causes something else to start, such as the reason a meeting is called or a letter is written. Often appears in reading texts asking why an action was taken.

The cause or purpose given for doing something. In listening tasks you often need to identify someone's reason for refusing, complaining or changing plans.

The factor that produces a result or problem. Distinguish it from the consequence: texts frequently test whether you can separate what caused an issue from what happened afterwards.

The result or outcome that follows from an earlier action or event. Questions often ask what happened as a result of a decision described in the text.

The judgement or decision reached after considering the information given. In reading tasks, you may be asked which conclusion the writer supports or draws at the end.

A person's view or opinion about something, which may be stated directly or implied. Listening texts often contain several speakers with differing opinions you must tell apart.

A firmly held position on an issue, usually argued for with supporting points. Common in opinion pieces and letters to the editor where the writer defends a view.

A reason or piece of evidence offered to support a claim. Reading questions may ask you to identify which argument a writer uses or which one is missing.

An explanation that clarifies or expands on something already stated, making the meaning fuller. Often introduced by words such as 'namelijk' or 'dat wil zeggen'.

A specific case used to illustrate a general statement. Recognising examples helps you see the difference between a main idea and its supporting detail.

A short restatement of the main points of a text or recording. Some tasks ask you to choose the summary that best captures what was said.

The central idea or message that a whole text is built around. Questions about the main idea ask you to choose the statement covering the entire text, not one detail.

The name given to a text, article or programme, often hinting at its subject or tone. Choosing the best title tests whether you grasped the overall point.

A short heading placed above a section within a longer text to signal its topic. Useful for locating where specific information appears in a lengthy article.

A block of sentences grouped together around one idea, separated from other blocks by a line break. Questions may direct you to a particular paragraph by number.

The overall gist or general meaning of a passage, as opposed to its exact wording. Understanding the gist helps when unknown words appear in a text.

The person who composed a written text. Questions often ask about the writer's purpose, attitude or intended audience rather than just the content.

The person the text is written for. Identifying the intended reader helps you judge register, tone and which information counts as essential.

The group of people a broadcast, advertisement or article is aimed at. Listening tasks may ask who the speaker is addressing, such as teenagers or commuters.

The specific category of people a product, campaign or programme intends to reach. Recognising clues about the target group is a common listening and reading question.

The aim or intention behind a text or utterance, such as informing, persuading, warning or entertaining. Questions about purpose ask why something was written or said.

What someone intends or means by a remark or action, which may differ from the literal words. Listening items often test whether you can infer a speaker's real intention.

The attitude or mood conveyed by the way something is written or spoken, such as ironic, friendly or critical. Tone questions require attention to word choice and intonation.

The general atmosphere or feeling of a text or recording, for example tense, cheerful or formal. Describing atmosphere is a frequent short-answer question type.

A feeling such as anger, relief, disappointment or enthusiasm expressed by a speaker. Recognising emotions from intonation and word choice is central to listening comprehension.

A word such as 'maar', 'daarom' or 'tenzij' that shows how ideas connect, for example contrast, cause or condition. Spotting these words helps you follow the logic of a text.

The logical link between parts of a text, such as cause and effect, contrast or addition. Questions may ask you to identify the relationship between two statements.

A direction telling someone what to do, often given in announcements, recipes or forms. Listening tasks may require you to note the exact steps a speaker lists.

A public statement giving information about something that will happen, such as a train delay or event change. Announcements are a standard listening text type.

A piece of information passed on to someone, often briefly and factually. Distinguish it from a warning or request when answering what the speaker is doing.

A statement alerting someone to danger or a problem so they can avoid it. Recognising warning language such as 'pas op' or 'let op' is important in listening tasks.

A recommendation about what someone should do, often using 'zou moeten' or 'ik raad je aan'. Listening questions may ask what advice the speaker gives.

A gentle proposal or idea offered for consideration rather than a firm instruction. Recognising the difference between a suggestion and a command is a common listening distinction.

A plan or idea put forward for others to accept or discuss. Reading texts about meetings or negotiations often revolve around competing proposals.

A decision that has been made after discussion or thought. Questions may ask what was finally decided or who made the decision.

An arrangement between people to meet or do something at a set time. Listening dialogues frequently involve changing, confirming or cancelling appointments.

A change made to a plan, time or arrangement. Listening tasks often test whether you noticed that details changed partway through a conversation.

The cancellation of an appointment, booking or event. Listen for phrases like 'gaat niet door' to catch that something has been called off.

An expression of dissatisfaction about a product, service or situation. Complaint texts and calls commonly ask you to identify the problem and the requested solution.

A polite request for something to be done or provided. Recognising request forms such as 'zou u willen' helps you answer what the speaker wants.