EIKEN Grade 3 key terms

The most important point that a whole passage or talk is about. It is bigger than a single detail and is often stated in the first or last sentence.

A small piece of information that supports or explains the main idea, such as a name, number, date, or reason given in a text.

The sentence in a paragraph that states what the paragraph is mainly about. The other sentences usually give examples or support for it.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a space or an indent. A short reading passage usually has two to five of them.

To read a text very quickly to get the general idea without reading every word. Readers often do this first, before looking for specific answers.

To move your eyes quickly over a text looking for one specific thing, such as a date, a price, or a person's name, without reading everything.

The words and sentences around an unknown word that help you guess its meaning. Using context is a key reading skill when you meet a new word.

To work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word by using clues in the surrounding sentences instead of using a dictionary.

A conclusion you reach from evidence in the text even though the writer does not say it directly. For example, if a man takes an umbrella, you can infer it may rain.

A word such as it, they, this, or one that points back to something already mentioned. Understanding what it points to is needed to follow a text.

A short public message, often on a board or in a window, giving information such as opening hours, a rule, or an event. Eiken Grade 3 readings often include these.

A short official message that tells people about something happening, such as a schedule change, a sale, or a school event. It usually answers who, what, when, and where.

The general meaning or central point of something spoken or written, without all the small details. Listening questions sometimes ask for the gist of a conversation.

Listening with the aim of catching specific information such as times, prices, names, or places. It usually means focusing on numbers and key nouns.

An important word in a question or sentence that carries the main meaning. Finding key words before you listen helps you know what to listen for.

To say the same idea using different words. In listening tests, the answer choices often paraphrase what the speaker actually says.

An answer choice that sounds correct because it uses words from the recording, but is actually wrong. Careful listening helps you notice and reject it.

The reason a person says something, such as to ask, invite, warn, apologize, or suggest. Understanding it helps you choose the right response.

The feeling shown by a speaker's voice or word choice, for example friendly, angry, worried, or polite. It can change the meaning of the same sentence.

The rise and fall of a person's voice when speaking. It can show a question, surprise, or feeling, and it often matters more than the words alone.

A word or phrase such as however, first, or in conclusion that shows how ideas connect. These words help listeners follow the structure of a talk.

The sentence that states the main point of a paragraph. In writing, placing it near the start helps the reader understand the paragraph quickly.

A short plan that lists the main points of a piece of writing in order before you write it. It keeps a paragraph or essay organized and on topic.

A sentence that gives a reason, example, or fact to back up the main point. Without these, a paragraph feels empty or unconvincing.

A word such as because, but, so, or also that joins ideas and shows the relationship between them. Using them makes writing smoother and clearer.

The final part of a piece of writing that brings the ideas together and restates the main point in a new way. It should not introduce a completely new topic.

The number of words in a piece of writing. Eiken writing tasks set a minimum and maximum, so candidates should count their words before finishing.

A common way to support an opinion: first say why you think so, then give a specific case that shows it. This pattern fits many Eiken writing prompts.

A personal view about a topic, which may be supported by reasons. Writing tasks often ask you to state your opinion clearly and then explain it.

A short talk in which you tell the listener your name, where you are from, and a few things you like or do. It is often the first speaking task.

A speaking task in which you look at a picture and say what the people are doing, where they are, and what you can see.

The verb form used for actions happening now, made with be plus the -ing form, as in she is running. It is very useful for describing pictures.

A question the examiner asks after your answer to get more information or keep the conversation going. You should answer it with a full sentence, not one word.

The ability to speak smoothly at a reasonable speed with few long pauses. It matters more in speaking tests than perfect grammar.

The way a speaker says words, including sounds, stress, and rhythm. Clear pronunciation helps the listener understand you even if your grammar is simple.

A short sound or phrase such as um, well, or let me see that a speaker uses while thinking. A few are natural, but too many make speech hard to follow.

A speaking task in which you pretend to be in a situation, such as shopping or asking for directions, and respond to the examiner as if it were real.