QCAA Vietnamese (SEE) key terms

The main subject or topic that a spoken or written text is about; identifying it is usually the first step in answering comprehension questions in the listening and reading papers.

The central message or point a speaker or writer wants to convey, as distinct from supporting examples; questions often ask you to choose the statement that best summarises it.

Specific facts such as names, numbers, times, places and reasons given in a text; candidates must locate these accurately while listening or reading under time pressure.

Important words in a question that signal what to listen or look for; scanning these before a text helps you ignore irrelevant material and find answers faster.

Different words with closely similar meanings, such as 'vui' and 'hạnh phúc'; recognising them is essential because answer options rarely repeat the exact wording of the text.

Words with opposite meanings, such as 'tăng' and 'giảm'; noticing these helps you reject options that reverse what the text actually says.

Expressing the same idea in different words, a common technique in test options; the correct answer often paraphrases the text rather than quoting it directly.

Working out the meaning of an unfamiliar word from the surrounding sentence rather than a dictionary; a key strategy for coping with unknown vocabulary in the reading paper.

Drawing a conclusion that is not stated directly but is strongly supported by evidence in the text; inference questions require careful reading between the lines.

The speaker's stance or feeling, such as approval, doubt or annoyance, conveyed through tone and word choice; listening questions often ask you to identify it.

The overall emotional quality of a text or recording, for example humorous, serious or critical; it shapes how statements should be interpreted.

The reason a text was produced, such as to inform, persuade, warn or entertain; identifying it guides interpretation of the whole passage.

The intended audience a text is written or spoken for; recognising whether it targets students, tourists or officials helps you judge register and content.

The level and style of language used, ranging from formal and academic to casual and colloquial; it signals the relationship between writer and reader.

Formal vocabulary and expressions suited to official letters, reports and news articles, as opposed to everyday conversational wording; matching register is important in the writing task.

The organisation of a piece of writing into introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion, with each paragraph developing one idea linked logically to the next.

Linking words such as 'tuy nhiên', 'vì vậy' and 'mặt khác' that show contrast, cause or addition; they make writing coherent and are rewarded in assessment.

The reasoned development of an opinion, supported by evidence and examples; a strong argument addresses counterpoints rather than simply asserting a view.

A person's viewpoint or position on an issue; in the writing task you must state it clearly and sustain it consistently throughout the response.

Convincing the reader to accept a position through reasoning, evidence and appropriate tone; a common purpose for the extended writing task.

A brief plan listing the main points and their order before writing; spending a few minutes on it improves coherence and prevents digression.

A formal letter using conventional openings and closings, appropriate titles and polite formulas; a frequent text type in the writing paper.

A structured factual text presenting findings or events with headings and an objective tone; candidates may be asked to produce one in the writing task.

How words are spoken, including individual sounds, stress and rhythm; clear pronunciation is assessed in the speaking test alongside fluency.

The six tones of Vietnamese that change a syllable's meaning; inaccurate tones cause misunderstanding, so they are a central focus of speaking practice.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase, used to signal questions, emphasis or emotion; it contributes to natural-sounding speech.

The emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word within an utterance; misplaced stress can make otherwise correct speech hard to follow.

Speaking smoothly at a reasonable pace with few hesitations; fluency is judged separately from accuracy in the speaking assessment criteria.

Filler words such as 'à', 'ừm' or 'thì' used in spontaneous speech; occasional use sounds natural, but overuse signals hesitation and lowers fluency scores.

A spoken exchange between two or more people, often the format of listening passages; understanding turn-taking and implied meaning is required.

A structured question-and-answer exchange, commonly used in listening texts; the interviewer's questions often signal where key information will appear.

A short news broadcast or report delivering factual information on current events; typical of listening passages with dates, figures and place names.

Promotional material designed to persuade an audience to buy or do something; its persuasive purpose and emotive language are often examined.

A short public notice giving practical information such as changes, rules or events; readers must extract the essential details quickly.

A visual display of data such as bars or lines; in the writing task candidates may need to describe trends shown in one accurately.

The general direction in which something changes over time, such as rising or falling figures; describing it precisely is a common writing requirement.

Pointing out similarities and differences between two or more things; Vietnamese comparative structures and appropriate connectors are needed to do this clearly.

A concrete instance given to support a general statement; well-chosen examples strengthen an argument and demonstrate depth in the writing task.

A described scenario or set of circumstances, often used in speaking prompts; candidates must respond appropriately and develop their ideas at length.