ECL Test key terms

Reading quickly through a whole text to catch its general subject and main points, without stopping to understand every word. It helps you decide what the text is about before you answer questions.

Looking through a text quickly for one specific piece of information, such as a name, date or number, while ignoring everything else. Your eyes move fast until the target detail appears.

The central point that a paragraph or whole text is making, which the other sentences support or explain. Questions about it usually ask what the writer mainly wants to say.

The sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states what the paragraph is about. The remaining sentences then give examples, reasons or details that develop it.

A conclusion you reach from clues in the text rather than from words written directly. The answer is not stated openly, but the evidence makes it the most reasonable reading.

An answer option that looks tempting but is wrong: it may repeat words from the text, describe something true but irrelevant, or twist a small detail. Recognising them protects your score.

A task in which you match several statements, questions or headings to different parts of a text or to a list of options. Each option is normally used only once.

Expressing the same meaning with different words or grammar. Exam questions often restate the text in this way, so spotting it is essential for choosing the right answer.

Information in the sentences around an unknown word that helps you guess its meaning, such as a definition, an example, or a contrast with something else.

The general meaning of a spoken message, even when you miss individual words. Understanding the gist lets you answer questions about purpose, topic or the speaker's attitude.

Listening with the aim of catching specific facts such as times, prices, names or numbers. You know roughly what is coming because you have read the questions beforehand.

Words and phrases speakers use to show how their talk is organised, for example 'firstly', 'however' or 'to sum up'. They are strong clues to what is coming next.

Writing short key words, symbols or abbreviations while listening so that you can answer questions later. It keeps your attention free, because you are not writing full sentences.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase. It signals whether someone is asking, doubting, finishing a thought or feeling surprised, and can change the meaning of the words.

The extra force given to one syllable of a word, making it louder and clearer than the others. Putting the stress in the wrong place can make a word hard to recognise.

The way sounds change when people speak at natural speed, for example sounds joining together or being dropped. Knowing these patterns helps you hear words that seem to disappear.

The pronunciation pattern of a region or social group, including vowel sounds and rhythm. Familiarity with several accents makes listening tasks easier to follow.

A stretch of speech by one person with no replies from a partner, such as a talk, an announcement or a voicemail message. You must follow the structure without any help.

A conversation between two or more speakers, with turns passing between them. In exams the questions usually follow the order of the exchange as it unfolds.

The level of formality a text or speech uses, from casual chat to formal report. Choosing it wrongly can lower your mark even when your grammar is correct.

The quality of a text whose ideas follow a logical order that a reader can easily follow. It works at the level of content, with each point leading on from the last.

The way sentences are tied together with words such as pronouns, repetition and linking expressions. It works at the surface level and helps readers connect one sentence to the next.

A word or phrase such as 'because', 'although' or 'therefore' that shows the relationship between ideas. Using a variety of them makes writing smoother and easier to follow.

Dividing writing into blocks, each carrying one clear idea, with a small space or indentation between them. Clear divisions make a text look organised and easy to read.

The instruction telling you what to write, who you are writing to, and which points to include. Missing part of it costs marks even when your English is good.

The number of words the task requires, usually given as a range. Writing far too few or far too many can lose marks or show that you did not plan your text.

Reading back over your own writing at the end to check spelling, grammar, punctuation and missing words. Leaving time for it catches errors that would otherwise cost marks.

A first version of your text, written quickly to get the ideas down in order. You then improve the wording and organisation before producing the final version in the time allowed.

Speaking at a steady pace with few long pauses, even if small mistakes occur. It is about keeping the message flowing rather than producing perfect sentences every time.

How correct your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are. In speaking, a reasonable level of accuracy matters alongside fluency, so choose language you can control well.

Sharing a conversation by speaking when it is your turn and letting the other person speak. Signals such as questions or short pause words make the exchange run smoothly.

A short sound or word such as 'well' or 'er' used to hold your turn while you think. A few sound natural, but too many suggest uncertainty and can reduce your score.

A speaking task in which you and a partner or examiner act out a situation, such as asking for directions. You must respond to what is actually said, not recite a prepared speech.

A card listing the topic and bullet points you must cover in a short talk. Use it to plan your structure and order of ideas, not as a script to read aloud.

An exchange in which you react to another speaker's questions and opinions, giving reasons and asking questions back. Simply waiting for your turn to speak loses marks.

Describing something in other words when you cannot recall the exact vocabulary. It keeps your message going during a speaking task and shows resourcefulness instead of stopping the exchange.