EETC English Exam key terms

The central point that a speaker or writer wants the audience to understand. It sums up the whole passage rather than one small part, and details in the text should support it.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions about who, what, when, where, why, and how within a passage.

A conclusion reached by combining clues in the text with general knowledge. The answer is not stated directly, so the reader must reason from evidence rather than simply locate a sentence.

Reading quickly to grasp the general subject and organization of a text. The reader looks at headings, first sentences, and key words instead of every word, usually before detailed reading.

Moving the eyes rapidly over a text to find one specific item, such as a date, name, or number. The reader ignores surrounding content and stops only when the target appears.

A sentence, often at the start of a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph is about. The remaining sentences usually develop, illustrate, or qualify that opening statement.

Information in nearby words or sentences that helps a reader guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts, and cause-and-effect relationships.

A word with a meaning very close to another word, such as begin and start. Synonyms are rarely identical in tone or use, so the writer's choice can signal formality or emphasis.

A word that expresses the opposite of another word, such as expand and contract. Recognizing contrast pairs helps readers follow arguments that compare or reject opposing ideas.

A combination of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. The pairing sounds natural to fluent users even when the grammar allows alternatives.

The level of formality a speaker or writer chooses for a situation, ranging from casual chat to formal academic prose. Word choice, contractions, and sentence length all signal register.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, thrifty sounds approving while stingy sounds critical, although both describe careful spending.

The direct, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any feelings or associations it may suggest. Exams often test whether a candidate can separate this core meaning from emotional overtones.

A group of letters attached to the front of a root word to change its meaning, as un- makes happy into unhappy. Knowing common prefixes helps candidates decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

A group of letters added to the end of a word, often changing its part of speech, as -ness turns kind into kindness. Suffixes also mark plurals, tenses, and comparatives.

The basic unit of a word that carries its central meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes are attached. Recognizing roots such as port, meaning carry, helps with words like transport and export.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when phrases separate them.

Keeping verbs in a logical time frame throughout a sentence or passage. Shifts in tense are acceptable only when the meaning requires them, such as showing an event before another event.

A sentence expressing a condition and its result, usually with if or unless. Different forms show real possibilities, unreal situations, or past regrets that cannot be changed.

A helping verb such as can, may, must, should, or might that expresses ability, permission, obligation, or possibility. Modals do not take -s in the third person and are followed by a base verb.

A sentence pattern in which the receiver of the action becomes the grammatical subject, as in the report was written by the intern. It is useful when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

A sentence pattern in which the subject performs the action, as in the intern wrote the report. It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive alternative.

A clause introduced by who, which, that, whose, or where that describes a noun. It may be essential to identify the noun or merely add extra, removable information set off by commas.

The relationship between a pronoun and the noun it stands for. Clear reference means the reader can identify exactly which person or thing words like it, they, or this point back to.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. It can be repaired with a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating word such as but or so.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or an independent thought. It often appears as a dependent clause standing alone.

The essential overall meaning of spoken material, captured without every detail. Listeners identify gist by noticing repeated ideas, stressed words, and the speaker's purpose.

Words and phrases that guide listeners through a talk, such as firstly, however, in contrast, and to sum up. They announce structure, shifts in topic, and conclusions, making note-taking easier.

Recording key points in shortened form while listening or reading. Effective notes use abbreviations, symbols, and headings so the main ideas and their connections remain visible later.

An answer option that sounds plausible because it repeats words from the recording or text but does not answer the question. Careful candidates check meaning, not just matching vocabulary.

Restating a message in different words while keeping its meaning. Exam questions often paraphrase the source, so candidates must recognize the same idea in new wording.

A short account of the most important points in a text or talk, written in the summarizer's own words. It leaves out examples and minor details while preserving the central message.

A sentence that states the central claim of an essay and previews how the writer will support it. It usually appears near the end of the introduction and controls the whole piece.

A plan that lists main points and supporting ideas in order before drafting. It helps a writer check logic, avoid repetition, and keep paragraphs focused on the thesis.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a piece of writing flows smoothly. Writers create it with pronouns, repeated key words, and linking words such as therefore or in addition.

A word or phrase that shows the relationship between ideas, such as however, moreover, or consequently. It signals contrast, addition, or result and helps readers follow the argument.

The set of words and phrases specific to a subject, such as environment, health, or education. Using precise topic vocabulary raises the quality of writing and shows command of the field.