Schleswig-Holstein MSA English key terms

Listening comprehension: understanding spoken English from audio recordings, announcements or conversations and answering questions about main ideas, details and speakers' intentions.

The main point or overall meaning of a text or recording, as opposed to specific details. Questions often ask you to summarise the gist in one sentence.

The central message a speaker or writer wants to convey. It usually appears in a topic sentence or is repeated through key words across the text.

A question that asks for a specific piece of information such as a time, price, name or reason. The answer is stated directly in the recording or text.

Writing short keywords, symbols or abbreviations while listening or reading so you can answer questions later without losing the thread of the audio.

An answer option or piece of information that sounds plausible but is wrong. It often repeats words from the recording while changing the meaning.

Saying the same idea in different words. Correct answers often paraphrase the recording rather than repeat it word for word, so recognising synonyms is essential.

The purpose behind what someone says, for example to complain, persuade, warn or apologise. Tone, stress and choice of words help you identify it.

The attitude conveyed by a speaker's voice or a writer's word choice, such as ironic, friendly, annoyed or neutral. It is often asked about in listening tasks.

A fixed expression that signals the structure of a talk, such as 'first of all', 'on the other hand' or 'to sum up'. They help you follow the order of ideas.

A task format in which you choose one correct answer from several options. Read all options first and eliminate the ones contradicted by the text.

A task format in which you decide whether a statement matches the text. Watch for statements that are partly right but contain one wrong detail.

Reading comprehension: understanding written English texts such as articles, letters or notices and answering questions on content, structure and meaning.

Reading a text quickly to get the general idea, for example by looking at headings, first sentences and key words. It is used before detailed reading.

Looking through a text for specific information such as a date, number or name without reading every word. Your eyes move quickly until the target is found.

A sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states its main point. Identifying topic sentences helps you map the structure of a text.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a line break. Each paragraph usually develops a single aspect of the topic.

An important word that carries the core meaning of a sentence or question. Underlining keywords helps you locate relevant passages quickly.

A word with a similar meaning to another, such as 'buy' and 'purchase'. Exam questions often use synonyms instead of the exact words from the text.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, such as 'cheap' and 'expensive'. Recognising opposites helps you judge whether a statement is true.

Working out information that is not stated directly by combining clues in the text with your own knowledge. Answers are implied rather than written out.

A word or phrase that links ideas, such as 'however', 'therefore' or 'although'. Connectors show contrast, cause, result or addition between sentences.

The way a text is organised, for example introduction, arguments, counter-arguments and conclusion. Questions may ask you to match headings to paragraphs.

The level of formality in language, ranging from informal everyday speech to formal written English. It affects word choice and sentence structure.

Mediation: transferring the meaning of a German or English text into the other language so that a reader who does not know the source language understands it.

Conveying information from one language or text into another for a specific reader and purpose, focusing on meaning rather than word-for-word translation.

A short account of the most important points of a text, written in your own words and usually in the present tense without personal opinion.

The reader or listener a mediated text is intended for, such as a host family, a class or a tourist. It determines how much you explain and how formal you write.

A word that looks similar in two languages but has a different meaning, such as German 'Handy' (mobile phone) versus English 'handy' (useful).

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be understood from its individual words, such as 'to break the ice'. Idioms usually need to be rephrased, not translated literally.

Writing: producing your own English texts such as emails, letters, reports or opinion pieces, following the task, audience and required text type.

A letter written in polite, standard English to an institution or stranger, using a clear structure, appropriate salutation and closing formula.

A message to a friend or acquaintance using relaxed language, contractions and direct address, often starting with 'Hi' and ending with an informal sign-off.

A structured piece of writing with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion that develops an argument or discusses a topic in detail.

The quality of a text whose ideas are logically connected and easy to follow, achieved through clear structure, linking words and consistent references.

The way sentences are tied together through pronouns, repeated words and connectors so that the text reads as one unit rather than separate sentences.

A word or phrase such as 'because', 'although' or 'in addition' that shows the relationship between clauses, sentences or paragraphs in your writing.

The closing phrase of a letter or email, such as 'Yours sincerely', 'Best wishes' or 'Kind regards'. It must match the formality of the salutation.

The number of words required by a writing task. Staying within the given range shows you can express ideas concisely and plan your text effectively.