WACE Indonesian Background Language key terms

The central idea that a spoken or written text develops throughout; listeners and readers identify it by asking what the whole text is mainly about, not by memorising isolated details.

Details, examples, reasons or statistics that explain, prove or expand the main idea. Recognising which details support which claim helps you answer comprehension questions accurately.

Drawing a reasonable conclusion from clues in the text or recording rather than from a directly stated sentence. The inference must be supported by evidence, not by personal guesswork.

A fact can be checked or proven; an opinion expresses a belief, judgement or feeling. Distinguishing them is essential when evaluating arguments in listening and reading texts.

The speaker's or writer's attitude conveyed through word choice, stress and intonation, for example sarcastic, sympathetic, critical or enthusiastic. Identifying tone helps you interpret meaning beyond literal words.

The purpose behind a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, warn or instruct. Recognising purpose guides how you interpret structure, vocabulary and the selection of information.

A one-sided slant in which a speaker or writer favours a particular view and omits or downplays opposing evidence. Spotting bias requires checking what is emphasised and what is left out.

The rise and fall of voice pitch across an utterance. In Indonesian, intonation signals questions, emphasis, surprise or irritation, and it can change the meaning of an otherwise identical sentence.

Extra stress placed on a word or phrase in speech, or emphasis created in writing through repetition or word order. It shows which information the speaker considers most important.

A significant word or short phrase that carries the core meaning of a question, paragraph or recording segment. Listening for key words helps you locate answers quickly.

Scanning: running the eyes quickly over a text to find a specific item such as a date, name or number without reading every word. It is faster than skimming for a defined target.

Skimming: reading rapidly to gain the general sense or gist of a text, often by focusing on headings, first sentences and concluding lines before deciding whether detailed reading is needed.

Restating the meaning of a text or utterance in your own words while keeping the original sense. It demonstrates comprehension and is often required when summarising sources.

A condensed version of a text that keeps only the main ideas and essential supporting points, written in your own words and usually much shorter than the original.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as besar and raya. Recognising synonyms helps you match a question's wording to differently phrased information in the text.

A word opposite in meaning to another, such as mahal and murah. Understanding opposites supports vocabulary questions and helps you follow contrastive arguments.

The sentence in a paragraph that states its central point, often placed first or last. Locating it quickly reveals the paragraph's focus before you read supporting sentences.

A sentence that develops, illustrates or supports the main sentence of a paragraph. It supplies examples, reasons or detail rather than introducing a new central claim.

A joining word such as tetapi, karena, sehingga or meskipun that links clauses and signals relationships of contrast, cause, result or concession. These signals are vital for following argument structure.

The logical connectedness of ideas in a text, achieved through ordering, linking words and consistent reference. A coherent piece moves smoothly from one point to the next without confusing jumps.

A complete stretch of language used for a purpose in context, such as an advertisement, editorial, conversation or speech. Analysing discourse means considering audience, purpose and situation together.

An expository text that presents information, explanation or an argued viewpoint supported by evidence. It typically opens with a thesis, develops arguments and closes with a restatement or recommendation.

A text that aims to convince readers of a position using reasons, evidence and sometimes counter-argument. Its strength depends on logical structure and credible support rather than emotional appeals alone.

A text that explains how to do or make something through ordered steps, often using imperative verbs and sequencing words. Recipes, instructions and guidelines are common examples.

A command or instruction sentence, usually beginning with a verb, such as Tutup pintu or Bacalah teks berikut. Imperatives are frequent in procedures, announcements and persuasive writing.

A sentence in which the subject receives the action, formed with di- or ter-, as in Surat itu ditulis oleh ayah. Passive constructions shift focus onto the action or the receiver.

A sentence in which the subject performs the action, typically using the prefix me-, as in Ayah menulis surat. Active sentences are direct and common in everyday narrative writing.

An affix attached to a base word to change meaning or word class, including prefixes (me-, ber-, ter-), suffixes (-kan, -i) and confixes (ke-an, pe-an). Mastery expands both vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

The root form of a word before any affixes are added, such as tulis in menulis and penulisan. Identifying the root helps you work out the meaning of unfamiliar derived words.

A reduplicated word form, such as buku-buku for plurality or jalan-jalan for repeated or casual action. Reduplication changes meaning in ways that a single root does not convey.

The standardised spelling and form of a word accepted in formal Indonesian, such as apotek rather than apotik. Formal writing and examination responses should use standard forms.

The accepted system for spelling words, including rules for capital letters, hyphens and absorbed foreign terms. Accurate spelling signals control in formal written tasks.

Punctuation marks such as the comma, full stop, colon and quotation marks that organise written meaning. Correct use prevents ambiguity, especially in reported speech and lists.

The formal register of Indonesian used in essays, reports, letters to officials and examinations, marked by standard vocabulary, complete sentences and avoidance of slang.

Everyday conversational Indonesian, including colloquial words, shortened forms and mixed code, appropriate in chat, dialogue and personal contexts but not in formal written responses.

Informal youth slang used in casual conversation and social media, such as banget or gitu. Candidates should recognise it in listening texts but avoid it in formal writing.

The closing section of a written response that restates the position and briefly reinforces the main arguments without introducing new evidence. It gives the piece a sense of completion.

The opening section of an essay or response that introduces the topic, provides context and states the writer's position or purpose. It prepares the reader for what follows.

A spoken presentation delivered to an audience, requiring clear structure, appropriate register, controlled pace and effective use of intonation and eye contact to hold attention.

A small-group spoken exchange in which participants contribute ideas, respond to others and manage turn-taking. Skills include agreeing, disagreeing politely and inviting quieter members to speak.

Stating a personal view clearly and supporting it with reasons or examples, often using phrases such as menurut saya or sebaiknya. It is a core oral communication skill.