EF SET key terms

Reading a text quickly to grasp its main idea or general topic without focusing on individual words or details. It is usually done before a slower, more careful reading.

Moving the eyes quickly over a text to locate a specific piece of information, such as a date, name, or number, while ignoring unrelated content.

The central meaning or overall point of a spoken or written text, understood even when not every word is recognized.

The most important point a passage or talk is making, which the supporting details explain or illustrate. It is often stated in a topic sentence.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point and signals what the rest of it will discuss.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains, proves, or develops the main idea of a text.

A conclusion a reader draws from clues in a text rather than from a statement made directly. The answer is implied, not literally written.

A message the writer or speaker suggests without stating it openly, so the audience must work it out from context and word choice.

The attitude a writer or speaker expresses toward the subject or audience, such as humorous, critical, neutral, or enthusiastic, revealed through word choice.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole, often achieved with pronouns, repeated words, and transition signals.

The quality of a text whose ideas are organized logically, so each part follows naturally from the one before and the overall message is easy to follow.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows the relationship between ideas and guides the reader through a text.

A reading or listening question that asks about a specific piece of information stated in the text, such as a name, figure, or reason.

To restate the meaning of a text or utterance in different words, often more simply or briefly, while keeping the original sense.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context, useful for matching ideas between questions and texts.

A word whose meaning is opposite to that of another word, such as hot and cold, often used to test vocabulary knowledge.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual conversation to formal writing, chosen to suit the situation and audience.

Writing that follows standard grammar and avoids slang or contractions, typically used in reports, applications, and academic contexts.

A single sentence, usually in an introduction, that states the central argument or position of an essay and guides the whole piece.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point and signals what the rest of it will discuss.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains, proves, or develops the main idea of a text.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows the relationship between ideas and guides the reader through a text.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction, making the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

The marks used in writing, such as commas, periods, and semicolons, that clarify meaning, separate ideas, and show how a sentence should be read.

The grammar rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb.

A combination of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain, which sounds natural only in that pairing.

A word or phrase used in speech or writing to link ideas or manage the flow of a conversation, such as first, on the other hand, or as I was saying.

Phrases a speaker uses to guide listeners through a talk, such as to begin with, moving on, or in conclusion, making the structure clear.

Listening to a recording for its overall meaning and purpose without trying to catch every word, often done on a first hearing.

Listening with close attention to catch specific facts such as numbers, names, or reasons, often while reading the questions beforehand.

An answer option or piece of information that seems relevant but is wrong, designed to tempt a candidate away from the correct response.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, which can signal a question, express emotion, or show which information a speaker considers important.

The extra emphasis placed on a particular syllable or word in speech, which can change meaning and helps listeners identify key information.

The ability to speak smoothly and at a natural pace with few long pauses, linking ideas without excessive hesitation or self-correction.

A sound or word such as um, well, or you know used to fill a pause while a speaker thinks, which is natural in moderation but distracting in excess.

The conversational convention of knowing when to speak and when to let others speak, including how to interrupt politely or invite a response.