B2 First for Schools key terms

A Reading and Use of English task where a short text has numbered gaps, and you pick one of four words for each gap by judging meaning, grammar, collocation, or fixed phrases.

A task where gaps in a text have no options, so you must supply one word yourself, usually a grammar word such as a preposition, article, pronoun, or auxiliary verb.

A task where a base word in capitals must be changed into the correct part of speech or form to fit a gap, for example turning 'decide' into 'decision' or 'decisive'.

A task where you rewrite a sentence so it means the same as the first, using a given word unchanged and writing two to five words, often testing grammar patterns and fixed expressions.

A natural pairing of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain', which often decides the right answer in cloze tasks.

A set expression whose words always appear together in the same order, such as 'on the whole' or 'in charge of', so the whole group works as one unit.

An expression whose overall meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as 'break the ice' meaning to start a conversation with strangers.

A group of letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, such as 'un-' in 'unhappy' or 're-' in 'rewrite'.

A group of letters added to the end of a word, often changing its part of speech, such as '-ness' making nouns or '-ful' making adjectives.

To express the same meaning using different words, a core skill for matching questions and key word transformation, where the answer must keep the original meaning exactly.

The main general meaning or purpose of a text or recording, which you identify before looking at detailed information such as names, numbers, or examples.

Reading quickly to get the general idea or overall structure of a text, for example by looking at headings, first sentences, and topic words rather than every detail.

Reading quickly through a text looking only for specific information, such as a date, a name, or a number, without reading every word in order.

An answer option that looks attractive because it repeats words from the text, but is wrong because it changes the meaning, the speaker, or the detail.

A reading or listening task where several short texts or speakers are given, and you match each question or statement to the correct person, text, or section.

The level of formality in language, ranging from informal chat with friends to formal writing such as reports or letters to officials, chosen to suit the reader and purpose.

A letter written in a polite, impersonal style to someone you do not know well, using full forms, clear paragraphs, and a suitable opening and closing.

A message to a friend or family member using relaxed language, contractions, everyday vocabulary, and a friendly opening and closing.

A piece of writing for a magazine or school publication with a title, an engaging opening, and a clear message, often giving opinions or advice to interest a general reader.

A short piece describing and judging something such as a film, book, or restaurant, giving a recommendation and reasons for the reader.

A piece of writing that presents an argument or discussion on a topic, usually with an introduction, organised body paragraphs, and a conclusion that answers the question.

A group of sentences about one main idea, usually starting with a topic sentence and separated from other groups by a line break, which helps organise a text clearly.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'although', or 'in addition' that connects ideas and shows the relationship between sentences or paragraphs.

The quality of a text that makes it easy to follow because ideas are in a logical order and connected clearly, so the reader understands how each point relates to the next.

The number of words a writing task asks for, such as 140 to 190 words; going far over or under can lose marks, so candidates should plan and check the length.

A personal view or judgement about something, often introduced with phrases like 'I think' or 'in my view', which writing tasks frequently ask candidates to give and support.

Writing short words or symbols while listening to help remember key information, such as names, numbers, or reasons, without trying to record every word.

A piece of speech by one person, such as a talk, announcement, or interview answer, which you listen to for main ideas and specific details.

How a speaker feels about what they are saying, for example pleased, worried, or annoyed, which you infer from tone, stress, and the words they choose.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, which can show a question, surprise, or feeling, and helps listeners understand the speaker's meaning and attitude.

The extra force or emphasis given to a particular syllable or word in speech, which can change meaning or highlight the most important information.

The way speakers in a conversation take turns to talk, including how they interrupt politely, signal they have finished, or invite another person to speak.

The exchange between two or more speakers, including asking and answering questions, reacting to what is said, and keeping a conversation going naturally.

The ability to speak smoothly and at a reasonable speed without too many long pauses or hesitations, even if some grammar or vocabulary errors occur.

The way words are spoken, including individual sounds, word stress, and intonation, which listeners need to understand clearly in a speaking test.

A speaking task where two candidates discuss a question or choose between options together, so they must ask, respond, agree, and disagree rather than just take turns alone.

A speaking task where one candidate talks alone for about a minute, for example comparing two pictures or answering a question, without interruption from a partner.