NVO Grade 7 Foreign Language key terms

The most important point a speaker or writer wants the audience to understand, usually stated once or supported by several details. Listeners and readers identify it to summarize a passage accurately.

A fact, example, reason, or description that explains or proves a main idea. Details make a message convincing and help the audience understand why the main point matters.

A reasonable conclusion a listener or reader draws from clues in a text or speech rather than from a directly stated fact. Inferences require combining evidence with background knowledge.

Information in nearby words or sentences that helps a reader guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues may include examples, definitions, contrasts, or restatements.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. It guides the reader and is usually followed by details that explain or support it.

A single sentence in an essay that presents the central claim or position the writer will explain and defend. It usually appears near the end of the introduction.

Facts, examples, quotations, or statistics used to support a claim. Strong evidence is relevant, accurate, and clearly connected to the point it is meant to prove.

A short restatement of the most important points of a text or speech, written in the summarizer's own words. A good summary leaves out minor details and keeps the original meaning.

Restating someone's idea in different words while keeping the original meaning. Paraphrasing shows understanding and is used to avoid copying another person's exact wording.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as your own without giving credit. It includes copying text, using someone's data, or paraphrasing too closely without a source.

A note that identifies the source of information used in a piece of writing. Citations usually give the author, title, and publication details so readers can locate the original.

A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea, such as teacher, city, pencil, or freedom. Nouns can be subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

A word that expresses an action or a state of being, such as run, think, or seem. Every complete sentence needs at least one verb.

A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, such as happy, tall, or difficult. Adjectives can appear before a noun or after a linking verb.

A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often telling how, when, or where. Examples include quickly, very, and yesterday.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. A singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb.

A group of words that is punctuated like a sentence but lacks a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. Fragments must be revised into full sentences.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. Run-ons can be fixed with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses, such as and, but, because, or although. Conjunctions show relationships like addition, contrast, or cause.

A word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often indicating place, time, or direction. Examples are in, under, before, and toward.

A group of letters added to the beginning of a base word to change its meaning, such as un- in unhappy or re- in rewrite. Prefixes do not usually change the word's part of speech.

A group of letters added to the end of a base word to change its meaning or part of speech, such as -ful in hopeful or -ly in quickly. Suffixes often mark nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

A word that has a similar meaning to another word, such as begin and start. Synonyms are useful for paraphrasing, though they often differ in tone or formality.

A word that means the opposite of another word, such as hot and cold or generous and selfish. Antonyms help readers understand contrast in a passage.

An expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual words, such as break the ice or hit the books. Idioms are common in everyday speech and informal writing.

Language that uses words in a nonliteral way to create vivid images or comparisons, including simile, metaphor, and personification. It differs from literal, factual description.

A comparison that states one thing is another without using like or as, such as the classroom was a zoo. Metaphors help writers create strong images.

A comparison between two unlike things using like or as, such as as brave as a lion. Similes make descriptions clearer and more memorable.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or finally that connects ideas and shows how sentences or paragraphs relate. Transitions make writing and speeches easier to follow.

A group of sentences about one main idea, usually beginning with a topic sentence and marked by indentation. Paragraphs organize writing into clear, manageable units.

The way a word is spoken, including its sounds, stress, and rhythm. Clear pronunciation helps listeners understand a speaker's message.

The extra force or emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word when speaking. Correct stress helps listeners identify words and understand meaning.

The rise and fall of a speaker's voice across a sentence. Intonation can show a question, surprise, or emotion and can change the meaning of a statement.

Listening with full attention while noting key points, asking questions, and giving feedback. Active listeners check their understanding rather than simply hearing words.

A question or statement used to make something clearer, such as asking a speaker to repeat or explain a point. Asking for clarification prevents misunderstandings in conversation.

The people who read, hear, or watch a piece of communication. Writers and speakers adjust word choice, tone, and detail to suit their audience.

The attitude a writer or speaker expresses toward the subject or audience, such as serious, humorous, or critical. Tone is revealed through word choice and sentence structure.