PEI PLA English key terms

The central point a speaker or writer wants the audience to understand, usually stated once and supported by details. Listeners and readers are often asked to identify it after hearing or reading a passage.

A fact, example, reason, or figure that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions such as who, what, when, where, and how much within a passage.

The general meaning of a spoken message, understood without catching every word. A listener can grasp the gist from context, tone, and a few key phrases even when some vocabulary is unfamiliar.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text or recording rather than from a statement made directly. The answer is not written or spoken outright, but the clues make it the most reasonable conclusion.

An answer choice that sounds plausible but is wrong. Distractors often repeat words from the passage, reverse a relationship, or describe something true but not asked about, so careful matching is required.

Writing brief keywords, numbers, or symbols while listening so that information can be recalled when answering questions. Effective notes record names, dates, and sequence words rather than full sentences.

A word or phrase that signals the direction of a talk, such as firstly, however, in contrast, or to sum up. Recognizing these markers helps a listener predict what comes next and organize notes.

The reason a person is speaking, for example to inform, persuade, warn, apologize, or request. Purpose is often revealed by tone, choice of words, and the situation rather than stated directly.

The attitude a speaker or writer expresses toward the subject or audience, such as friendly, formal, impatient, or humorous. Tone is carried by word choice, stress, and intonation rather than by content alone.

Restating a message in different words while keeping the same meaning. Correct answers in listening and reading tests are frequently paraphrases of the original, so matching exact wording can mislead.

Information surrounding an unknown word that helps a reader or listener guess its meaning. Examples, definitions, contrasts, and cause-and-effect relationships in nearby sentences often supply these clues.

To read quickly for the general idea, looking at headings, first sentences, and key words rather than every word. Skimming helps a reader decide whether a text is relevant before reading closely.

To move the eyes quickly over a text looking for one specific item, such as a date, name, or number. Unlike skimming, scanning has a precise target and ignores unrelated content.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. The remaining sentences develop, illustrate, or qualify that statement.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole. Linking words, pronouns, and repeated ideas create cohesion and help readers follow the argument.

A word or phrase that shows the relationship between ideas, such as however, therefore, in addition, or on the other hand. Choosing the wrong transition changes the logic of a sentence.

A pronoun or similar word that points back or forward to another word in the text, such as it, they, this, or the former. Tracking what a reference word stands for is essential for accurate comprehension.

The difference between a statement that can be verified and one that expresses a belief, feeling, or judgment. Words such as should, best, or unfortunately often signal opinion rather than fact.

The aim behind a text, such as to inform, entertain, instruct, advertise, or argue a position. Format, vocabulary, and layout all give clues to why the text was produced.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as begin and start. Test answers often use synonyms of words in the passage, so recognizing them is a core comprehension skill.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as expand and contract. Antonyms are often tested through contrast signals like however, unlike, and in contrast.

A natural pairing of words that native users expect together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Choosing the wrong partner word is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and is marked wrong.

The form of a verb that shows when an action happens and whether it is finished, ongoing, or repeated. Time markers such as yesterday, since, and by next week guide the correct choice.

The part of verb meaning that shows how an action unfolds over time, for example simple, continuous, or perfect. Aspect combines with tense to express whether an action is completed or still in progress.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, as in she works versus they work. Long phrases between subject and verb often hide the true subject in test sentences.

The relationship between a pronoun and the noun it stands for. Clear reference avoids confusion, and test items often ask which noun a pronoun such as they or it refers to.

A short word such as in, on, at, by, or of that links a noun to another part of the sentence to show place, time, or relationship. Prepositions must be learned in fixed combinations.

The determiner a, an, or the used before a noun. Choosing between them depends on whether the noun is specific, countable, or mentioned for the first time.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual spoken style to formal written style. Register affects word choice, contractions, and sentence length and must suit the audience and situation.

A single sentence that states the central claim of an essay and previews how the argument will be developed. It usually appears at the end of the introduction and controls the whole text.

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence relates to one controlling idea. Sentences that drift to unrelated topics break unity and should be moved or removed.

A brief plan listing main points and supporting ideas in order before drafting. An outline keeps a piece of writing organized and prevents repetition or missing steps in the argument.

A first complete version of a piece of writing, produced before detailed correction. Drafting focuses on getting ideas down in order; polishing grammar and word choice comes later.

To improve a draft by changing content, organization, and clarity rather than only fixing surface errors. Revision may involve reordering paragraphs, adding evidence, or cutting irrelevant material.

To check a finished text for spelling, punctuation, and small grammar mistakes before submission. Proofreading is the final stage, done after content and organization are already satisfactory.

The expected structure of a professional message: a suitable greeting, a clear opening purpose, organized body paragraphs, a polite closing request, and a sign-off with your name.

A connector such as because, although, moreover, or consequently that joins clauses and shows logical relationships. Accurate use of linking words is a common criterion in written production.

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses, linking ideas smoothly. Fluency is judged on flow and continuity rather than on the absence of an accent.

How clearly speech sounds are produced, including individual sounds, word stress, and sentence rhythm. Understandable pronunciation matters for communication more than sounding like a native speaker.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase, used to signal questions, lists, emphasis, and emotion. Flat intonation can make correct grammar sound rude or unclear.

The conversational convention of speaking in turns, signaling when you are finished and inviting others to respond. Interrupting without signals or never yielding the floor damages interaction scores.

A request or statement that makes meaning clear, such as Could you repeat that? or Do you mean...? Asking for clarification politely is a positive communication strategy, not a weakness.