Schleswig-Holstein MSA English flashcards

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

Global listening

Listening for the overall topic, text type and speaker relationship before details. In exams the first listening pass usually serves this purpose, so you note the gist rather than individual numbers.

Listening distractor

An answer option that is mentioned in the audio but corrected, negated or contradicted by the speaker. It sounds plausible but does not match the final statement.

Signpost words in listening

Words such as however, actually, on the other hand or in fact that signal a change, correction or contrast. They often introduce the information that decides the correct answer.

Speaker attitude question

An item asking how a speaker feels or what they think, answered by tone, stress and evaluative adjectives rather than by factual details.

Note-taking while listening

Recording key words, numbers and names in short form during the audio. Notes are written in the language of the task and completed after the second listening.

Numbers in connected speech

Prices, times and quantities are often said quickly or in two parts. Stress and context distinguish thirteen from thirty and fifteen from fifty.

Skimming

Reading quickly for the main idea: title, first and last paragraph, topic sentences. It comes before detailed reading and helps you predict where answers are located.

Scanning

Searching a text for specific information such as names, dates or figures without reading every word. The eyes move quickly until the target word or its synonym appears.

True, false, not given

A task type where 'not given' means the text neither confirms nor contradicts the statement. Outside knowledge never decides the answer, only the text does.

Matching headings to paragraphs

A task type where each heading must capture the main idea of a whole paragraph. A heading that fits one sentence but not the paragraph's purpose is wrong.

Cohesion devices

Pronouns, conjunctions and synonyms that link sentences and paragraphs. They show whether the text adds, contrasts or concludes and help you follow the argument.

Guessing from context

Working out an unknown word's meaning from word class, prefixes or suffixes and the surrounding sentence. This keeps reading fluent without a dictionary.

Lexical chain

A series of related words and synonyms that run through a paragraph and signal its topic. It supports heading matching and locating specific information.

Absolute wording trap

Statements containing always, never, all or only are rarely supported by the text. Check whether the source really makes such a strong, unrestricted claim.

Reading time management

Allocating roughly equal time per text, marking difficult items and returning later. Spending too long on one question costs marks elsewhere in the reading section.

Mediation versus translation

Mediation conveys the meaning and purpose of a source text for a new reader. It is not a word-for-word translation, so style and addressee shape the target text.

Register in mediation

The level of formality chosen for the target reader. A message to a host family is informal, while a letter to an authority uses formal address and full forms.

Explaining cultural references

German institutions such as Ämter, Schulformen or Feiertage are briefly described in the target language instead of being translated literally.

Completeness check

Comparing the mediated text with the source to confirm every relevant point appears. Omissions and added information both count as errors.

Idiomatic transfer

Rendering fixed phrases and politeness formulas with the natural equivalent in the target language rather than word for word. Meaning and tone are preserved.

Paraphrasing unknown terms

When no reliable English term is known, describe the concept or add the German term in brackets. Inventing a false equivalent creates a factual error.

Formatting dates and units

Dates, times, currencies and measurements follow the conventions of the target language. Units are named explicitly so the reader cannot misread the figure.

Addressee analysis

Identifying who will read the mediated text and why. Age, relationship and purpose determine tone, length and how much background must be explained.

Register and tone

The formality and attitude of a written text, shown by vocabulary, contractions and address forms. It must suit the reader and the purpose stated in the task.

Argument structure

A claim followed by reasons and evidence, then a counterargument with a rebuttal. Connectives such as firstly, moreover and however make the structure visible.

Formal email conventions

A formal email opens with Dear Mr or Ms plus surname, uses full sentences and polite vocabulary, and closes with Yours sincerely or Best regards plus the name.

Opinion essay structure

Introduction stating the topic and position, body paragraphs with arguments and examples, a counterargument, and a conclusion restating the position.

Report writing features

A factual text with a clear heading, organised paragraphs and an objective tone. It presents findings and recommendations rather than personal feelings.

Task decomposition

Breaking the prompt into addressee, situation, text type, required content points and word limit. Each content point is then ticked off in the draft.

Cohesion in writing

Linking sentences and paragraphs with pronouns, referencing words and connectives. It prevents repetition and guides the reader through the argument.

Range of structures

Deliberate use of complex sentences, subordinate clauses, passive voice and varied vocabulary. Variety raises the language mark if accuracy is maintained.

Editing checklist

A final pass checking tense, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions and spelling. Typical personal errors are checked first within the time available.