HSC Polish Continuers key terms

A short restatement of the main points of a spoken or written text, written in your own words and usually much shorter than the original.

The central point or message that a text or recording conveys, as distinct from the supporting details that surround it. Questions often ask you to identify it directly.

The position or claim that a speaker or writer argues for and supports with evidence. Recognising it helps you separate the author's opinion from background information.

A reason or piece of evidence offered to support a claim. In reading tasks you may be asked to find the argument a writer uses to justify a stated opinion.

A specific case or instance used to illustrate or prove a general statement. Identifying examples helps you see how a writer builds and supports their main point.

A small piece of information such as a name, number, date or place. Detail questions in reading and listening sections test whether you caught these specific facts.

A fact or piece of news stated in a text. Scanning tasks require you to locate a particular piece of information quickly without reading every word closely.

The title or heading printed above an article or notice. Headings usually signal the topic and help you predict content before you read the full text.

A secondary heading placed under the main title, often summarising a section or adding a qualifier. It helps you navigate longer texts and locate relevant sections.

A short public notice advertising something such as a job, a flat for rent or an event. These texts are common in reading tasks and use compact, formulaic language.

Promotional material designed to persuade readers to buy or use something. Advertisements often use persuasive language and emotional appeals that you may be asked to identify.

A written or spoken invitation giving details of an event, such as date, place and occasion. Recognising the key details is a typical listening and reading task.

A letter written in a polite, impersonal register to an institution or official, following conventions such as a formal greeting and closing. Writing tasks often require this format.

A personal letter or email to a friend or relative, written in a relaxed, conversational tone with informal greetings and contractions. It is a common writing task format.

A polite formula used to open or close a letter, such as a formal salutation or a friendly sign-off. Choosing the right one depends on the relationship with the reader.

An essay that presents and defends an opinion on a topic, usually with an introduction, arguments, counterarguments and a conclusion. It requires clear structure and linking words.

The opening paragraph of a written text that introduces the topic and states the purpose or position. A clear introduction prepares the reader for the arguments that follow.

The final paragraph of a text that sums up the main points or restates the writer's position. It should follow logically from the body and leave a clear impression.

A word such as 'i', 'ale' or 'ponieważ' that joins words, phrases or clauses. Using a range of them correctly makes writing flow and shows logical connections.

A word or phrase such as 'jednak', 'ponadto' or 'dlatego' used to link ideas between sentences and paragraphs. Good linking improves coherence in extended writing.

A block of sentences grouped around one idea, separated from the next block by an indent or blank line. Clear paragraphing helps the reader follow your argument.

A concise written account of a source text's key content, produced in your own words without copying sentences. It is a frequent writing task testing comprehension and paraphrasing.

Expressing the meaning of a text in different words while keeping the original sense. It is an essential skill for summarising and for avoiding direct copying in writing tasks.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual spoken style to formal written style. Matching register to audience and purpose is important in writing and speaking tasks.

A conversation between two or more speakers, often recorded in listening tasks. You must follow turn-taking and identify who says what, and their attitude.

A spoken exchange, such as an interview or a discussion, used as listening material. Questions may ask about the purpose, setting or outcome of the conversation.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, which can signal a question, surprise, doubt or emphasis. It often carries meaning that the words alone do not convey.

The emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word in speech. It can change meaning or highlight the speaker's point, so it matters when interpreting a recording.

The way words are pronounced, including individual sounds and stress patterns. Recognising correct pronunciation helps you understand fast or unfamiliar speech in recordings.

A short spoken announcement, such as a station or airport message, giving information or instructions. Listening tasks often test whether you caught the key details.

Spoken or written directions explaining how to do something or what to do. In listening tasks you may need to note the order of steps or the conditions attached.

An order or instruction given to someone, often using the imperative form. Recognising commands and requests is important in listening and reading comprehension.

A polite request for something or for someone to do something, often expressed with 'proszę' or conditional forms. Recognising the level of politeness is a common listening skill.

A personal view or judgement about something, as opposed to a verifiable fact. Listening and reading tasks often ask you to distinguish opinions from factual statements.

A statement that can be verified as true, such as a date or an event that occurred. Distinguishing facts from opinions is a frequent comprehension task.

A fixed date or deadline by which something must be done, or a technical word with a specific meaning. Noticing dates and deadlines is essential in notices and invitations.

The rules governing how words are arranged into sentences. Correct sentence structure and variety are assessed in writing tasks and support clear comprehension.

Language used to influence the reader's or listener's attitude or behaviour, often through emotive words and rhetorical questions. Identifying persuasive techniques is a common reading task.