NSW HSC Minimum Standard Reading flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Main idea

The most important point a whole text or paragraph is making. Everything else in the text should support or explain it.

Supporting detail

A fact, example, statistic or reason that directly strengthens the main idea. Details that do not relate to the main idea are irrelevant.

Inference

A reasonable conclusion reached by combining clues in the text with general knowledge. It is not stated directly in words.

Context clue

The surrounding words and sentences that help you work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Read the sentence before and after it.

Author's purpose

The reason a text was written: to inform, to persuade, to entertain or to instruct. The purpose shapes the language and structure used.

Fact versus opinion

A fact can be checked and proven true or false. An opinion is a personal judgement, often signalled by words such as best, should or beautiful.

Cause and effect

A text structure that explains why something happened and what resulted. Signal words include because, so, therefore, as a result and due to.

Compare and contrast

A text structure that shows similarities and differences between two or more things. Signal words include similarly, both, however, whereas and unlike.

Topic sentence

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main idea. The remaining sentences give supporting detail.

Scanning

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a date or name. Move your eyes over the text looking only for that target.

Skimming

Reading quickly to get the general idea of a text. Focus on headings, first sentences and key words rather than every word.

Place value

The value of a digit depends on its position. Each place is ten times the value of the place to its right, so in 4,350 the 3 means 300.

Percent of a quantity

Change the percent to a decimal, then multiply. For example, 15% of 80 = 0.15 × 80 = 12.

Fraction to decimal

Divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75. Multiply the decimal by 100 to get a percent.

Perimeter

The total distance around the outside of a shape. Add the lengths of all sides; for a rectangle, perimeter = 2 × (length + width).

Area of a rectangle

The amount of space inside a flat shape, measured in square units. Area of a rectangle = length × width.

Mean average

Add all the values together, then divide by how many values there are. For 4, 6 and 8, the mean is (4+6+8) ÷ 3 = 6.

Median

The middle value when all values are arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the mean of the two middle ones.

Unit conversion

Changing a measurement to a different unit. 1 km = 1000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 kg = 1000 g, 1 L = 1000 mL. Multiply to a smaller unit.

Calculating change

The money returned after paying. Subtract the total cost from the amount handed over; for example, $20 − $14.50 = $5.50 change.

Ratio

A comparison of two or more quantities by division, written like 3:2. The order matters: 3:2 is not the same as 2:3.

Scale drawing

A drawing in which every length is multiplied by the same factor. A scale of 1:100 means 1 cm on the drawing represents 100 cm in real life.

Time conversion

Changing between hours, minutes and seconds. 1 hour = 60 minutes and 1 minute = 60 seconds; multiply to change to a smaller unit.

Rounding

Replacing a number with a simpler one close in value. Look at the digit after the target place: 5 or more rounds up, 4 or less stays the same.

Sentence fragment

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a verb or a complete thought. It cannot stand alone.

Subject–verb agreement

The verb must match the subject in number. A singular subject takes a singular verb (the list is); a plural subject takes a plural verb (the lists are).

Comma use

A comma separates items in a list, follows an introductory phrase, or marks off extra information. It does not join two complete sentences on its own.

Cohesive devices

Linking words and phrases that connect ideas and guide the reader, such as however, therefore, in addition and for example.

Formal register

Language suited to serious or official writing. Avoid slang and contractions, and choose precise vocabulary rather than vague words.

Commonly confused words

Word pairs often mixed up: their/there/they're, your/you're, its/it's, then/than. Affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun.

Paragraph unity

Every sentence in a paragraph relates to one main idea, usually stated in the topic sentence. Unrelated sentences should be removed or moved.

Pronoun reference

A pronoun such as he, she, it or they must clearly refer to one earlier noun. Ambiguous reference confuses the reader.