Berlin Abitur English LK flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Skimming vs. scanning

Skimming means reading quickly for the main idea and overall structure of a text; scanning means looking for specific information such as names, dates or key words.

Not given in true/false tasks

A statement is 'not given' when the text neither confirms nor contradicts it. Missing information is not the same as a contradiction, so do not mark it false.

Topic sentence

The topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, usually in its first sentence. It guides the reader and is the point that the following sentences support or illustrate.

Thesis statement

A thesis statement is a single sentence in the introduction that presents the central claim of an essay. The main part argues for it and the conclusion returns to it.

Rhetorical question

A rhetorical question is a question asked for effect rather than for an answer. It engages the reader, signals a shift in argument and often introduces a point the author then develops.

Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It creates rhythm and emphasis and is common in political speeches.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words, as in 'safe and sound'. It is used for emphasis, memorability and stylistic effect.

Mediation vs. translation

Mediation conveys selected information for a specific addressee and purpose in the target language; translation reproduces the whole source text as closely as possible. Mediation requires paraphrase and restructuring.

Register in mediation tasks

Register is the level of formality required by the addressee and text type. A letter to an editor is formal, a blog post for teenagers informal; the task always names the addressee.

Cultural reference in mediation

A cultural reference without a direct equivalent in the target language is briefly explained rather than translated literally, for example 'Abitur – the German university entrance qualification'.

Distractor in multiple choice

A distractor is a wrong option that repeats words from the listening text but changes a key detail such as the person, time or cause. The correct option usually paraphrases the text.

Self-correction in listening texts

Speakers often correct themselves with phrases such as 'actually', 'I mean' or 'sorry, make that'. The corrected information is the valid one and the earlier version is a trap.

Signpost words in listening

Signpost words such as 'first', 'however', 'on the other hand' and 'to sum up' mark the structure of a listening text and help identify main points and contrasts.

Note-taking during listening

Notes taken while listening are allowed and are not assessed. They should record key words, numbers and names, using abbreviations and symbols to keep pace with the recording.

Fact vs. opinion

A fact can be verified, often through data or sources; an opinion expresses evaluation. Signal words for opinion include 'arguably', 'it seems' and 'I would argue'.

Lexical cohesion

Lexical cohesion is the linking of sentences through synonymy, repetition and word fields. It is the main means by which a text holds together and is often tested in reading tasks.

Inference question

An inference question asks for a conclusion that follows logically from the text but is not stated explicitly. Only textual evidence, not personal world knowledge, counts as support.

Argument structure: claim and support

An argument consists of a claim, a reason and evidence or an example. In analysis, identify each element and check whether the evidence actually supports the claim.

Counter-argument and refutation

A counter-argument presents the opposing view; a refutation shows why it is weak or limited. Together they strengthen an argumentative essay or comment and show critical thinking.

Line reference in analysis

A line reference gives the exact position of a quotation, for example 'l. 12–14'. It is placed in brackets right after the quotation and replaces footnotes in Abitur essays.

Comment structure

A comment opens with a clear thesis, develops arguments in paragraphs with topic sentences and evidence, and ends with a conclusion that confirms or modifies the thesis.

Letter to the editor conventions

A letter to the editor uses a formal register, addresses the editor, refers to the article and its source, states a clear position and closes with a formal formula such as 'Yours faithfully'.

Presentation structure

A presentation follows the pattern introduction, main part and conclusion. The introduction names the topic and outline, the main part develops two to four points, the conclusion summarises and evaluates.

Signposting in presentations

Signposting phrases such as 'First of all', 'Let me turn to' and 'To sum up' guide the audience through a presentation and make its structure audible.

Handout in a presentation

A handout contains the title, outline, central theses and sources of a presentation. It is distributed at the end and gives the examiners a basis for follow-up questions.

Presentation exam components

The Präsentationsprüfung consists of a presentation of about ten minutes and a follow-up discussion of about ten minutes. Both parts are assessed, with the discussion testing depth and flexibility.

Responding to an objection

When an examiner raises an objection, acknowledge it, weigh it and then refine your own position. Ignoring the objection or simply repeating your view weakens the performance.

Formal vs. informal address

German 'Sie' is usually rendered as 'you' in English, but formality is shown through titles and formulas such as 'Dear Sir or Madam' and 'Yours faithfully' in formal letters.

Nominal style in German texts

German academic texts often use noun-heavy constructions. In English mediation, these are turned into verb constructions and shorter sentences to suit the target reader.

Selective information transfer

In mediation, only the information required by the task is transferred. The task names what to include, and irrelevant details from the source text are omitted.

Paraphrase requirement in mediation

Mediation requires reformulating the source text in your own words. Copying sentences verbatim is treated as translation and is penalised in the assessment.

Three assessment pillars in writing

Writing in the Abitur is assessed on content, language performance and communicative appropriateness. All three count, so a strong argument with poor grammar still loses marks.