Kaoyan English key terms

A text with numbered blanks; you choose the word or phrase that best fits each gap from four options, using grammar, collocation, and the surrounding context as evidence.

A pairing of words that native speakers habitually use together, such as 'draw a conclusion' or 'heavy rain'. Cloze options are often tested on whether the combination sounds natural.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked by referring words, conjunctions, and repetition so the text reads as one connected whole rather than separate statements.

The overall logical unity of a text: its ideas follow a clear order and support one main point, so a reader can follow the writer's reasoning without confusion.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'moreover', or 'in other words' that signals how the next idea relates to the previous one, guiding the reader through the argument.

Information in nearby words, examples, or definitions that hints at the meaning of an unfamiliar word, letting you infer it without a dictionary.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text rather than stated directly. Reading questions often ask what the author implies, suggests, or would agree with.

The central point a passage or paragraph is built to support. Distractors in reading questions often describe a true detail that is too narrow to be the main idea.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's controlling idea; the remaining sentences explain, illustrate, or qualify it.

The author's attitude toward the subject as revealed by word choice, such as critical, cautious, enthusiastic, or ironic. Tone questions require evidence from the wording, not guesswork.

The writer's stance toward a claim or group, for example supportive, skeptical, or neutral. In reading items, the correct label must match the strength of the language used.

Language that softens a claim, such as 'may', 'tend to', 'it seems likely', or 'in most cases'. Hedged statements are weaker and usually easier to defend than absolute ones.

A word or phrase that limits the scope of a statement, such as 'some', 'often', or 'under certain conditions'. Options with extreme qualifiers like 'all' or 'never' are often wrong.

Restating an idea in different words while keeping the meaning. Correct reading answers almost always paraphrase the passage instead of copying its exact wording.

A wrong answer option designed to attract you. Common types include true-but-irrelevant details, reversed cause and effect, and words copied from the passage in a false relationship.

A pronoun or substitute such as 'it', 'they', 'this', or 'the former' that points back to something already mentioned. Tracking what it refers to is essential for accurate comprehension.

The relationship in which two expressions in a text refer to the same person, thing, or idea, as when 'the scientist' later becomes 'she' or 'the researcher'.

A group of sentences developing one idea, usually opening with a topic sentence and closing with a link to the next point. Paragraph structure is a strong clue for matching tasks.

A short title summarizing a paragraph's or section's content. In heading-matching tasks, choose the heading that captures the whole paragraph, not one striking detail.

The essential overall meaning of a text or section, stripped of details. Identifying the gist first makes it easier to place headings or order sentences correctly.

Arranging sentences or paragraphs into a logical order using clues such as time markers, pronouns, cause and effect, and general-to-specific progression.

A Part B question type in which you pair items, such as statements with paragraphs or headings with sections, by locating the specific information each item describes.

Reading quickly to locate specific information, such as a name, date, or key phrase, without reading every word. It is the main skill for matching statements to paragraphs.

Reading rapidly for the general sense of a text, often by looking at first sentences and headings, before deciding where to read closely.

Rendering each word or structure directly into the target language, which often produces awkward or unclear Chinese. Part C rewards meaning-based translation instead.

Translating the meaning and intent rather than the exact wording, adjusting word order and idiom so the Chinese reads naturally while staying faithful to the source.

Reorganizing a sentence during translation, for example turning an English passive or long modifier into a Chinese active clause or separate short sentence.

A word, phrase, or clause that describes another element, such as an adjective before a noun or a relative clause after it. Long English modifiers often need splitting in Chinese.

A clause beginning with 'who', 'which', or 'that' that describes a noun. In translation it may become a Chinese attributive phrase with 'de' or a separate clause.

The level of formality suited to a situation, ranging from casual speech to formal writing. Letters to editors and notices require a more formal register than notes to friends.

The opening greeting of a letter or email, such as 'Dear Sir or Madam' when the recipient is unknown or 'Dear Professor Li' when the name is known.

The closing formula of a letter or email, such as 'Yours sincerely' after a named recipient or 'Yours faithfully' after an unnamed one, followed by your name.

A sentence early in a letter or notice that states why you are writing, for example 'I am writing to apply for the position advertised on your website.'

A short public announcement giving information such as an event, rule, or change. It usually has a heading, states the key facts plainly, and may include a contact or deadline.

The sentence in an essay that states your central claim and the direction of your argument. In Part B it usually appears near the end of the opening paragraph.

The opening part of a chart essay that reports the main trends, figures, and comparisons objectively before you interpret or comment on them.

A linking word such as 'firstly', 'in contrast', or 'as a result' that shows how sentences and paragraphs relate, making an essay easier to follow.

The final paragraph of an essay, which restates the main position in fresh words and may offer a recommendation or a brief look at wider implications.

A word with a similar meaning to another, such as 'decline' and 'decrease'. Recognizing synonyms lets you connect a question's wording to differently phrased evidence in the passage.