EIKEN key terms

The single most important point a passage or talk is making, which the other details support. Readers and listeners identify it by asking what the whole text is mainly about.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point. The remaining sentences explain, illustrate, or qualify it.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason that backs up a broader claim in a text. Questions often ask which detail is stated or which one is NOT mentioned.

A conclusion a reader draws from clues in the text rather than from an explicit statement. The answer must be logically supported, not merely plausible.

Reading quickly to grasp the overall gist or structure of a passage, without stopping for every word. It is used before detailed reading and for matching headings.

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

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, contrast, or example, that helps a reader guess its meaning without a dictionary.

A restatement of a sentence or idea in different words while keeping the same meaning. Correct answer choices in reading tests are usually paraphrases of the passage.

An answer choice that seems attractive but is wrong, often because it repeats a word from the text, exaggerates, or answers a different question.

A pronoun or phrase such as it, they, this, or the former that points back (or forward) to another word in the text. Questions ask what such a word refers to.

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

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows the logical relationship between ideas, such as contrast, cause, or sequence.

The general meaning or essential point of a spoken or written text, understood without catching every detail. Listening questions often ask about the gist of a conversation.

Focusing attention on specific facts in a recording, such as times, prices, names, or instructions, while filtering out less relevant speech.

Writing brief keywords, symbols, or abbreviations while listening so that information can be recalled when answering questions after the audio ends.

A spoken phrase that signals the structure of a talk, such as first of all, on the other hand, or to sum up, helping listeners follow the speaker's organization.

The feeling or stance a speaker conveys through tone, word choice, and stress, such as enthusiasm, doubt, annoyance, or polite disagreement.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, which can change meaning by signaling a question, surprise, emphasis, or the speaker's emotional state.

The extra loudness or length given to a particular syllable or word in speech. It can highlight contrast or correct a misunderstanding.

Two words that differ by only one sound, such as ship and sheep or light and right. Recognizing them is essential for accurate listening comprehension.

The way words blend, shorten, or change in natural rapid speech, for example going to becoming gonna, which makes listening harder than reading a transcript.

A single sentence that states the central argument of an essay, usually placed at the end of the introduction. Everything else in the essay should support it.

A brief plan listing the main points and their order before writing. It helps keep an essay organized and prevents the writer from drifting off topic.

The quality of an essay whose ideas are arranged in a clear, logical order so that each part leads naturally to the next and the reader can follow easily.

A conjunction or adverb such as because, although, furthermore, or as a result that connects clauses and shows how ideas relate to each other.

The set of words and phrases closely associated with a particular subject, such as environment or technology, which allows a writer to discuss it precisely.

A combination of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Using them correctly makes writing sound natural.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual conversation to academic writing. An essay should keep a consistent, appropriate register throughout.

Using cautious language such as may, tend to, or it is likely that to avoid overstating a claim. It is common in academic argument and shows balanced judgment.

An opposing view that a writer acknowledges and then answers. Including one strengthens an essay by showing that the writer has considered other positions.

The ability to speak smoothly at a natural pace with few long pauses, so that the listener can follow without effort. It is distinct from grammatical accuracy.

The way words are spoken, including individual sounds, word stress, and intonation. Clear pronunciation matters more for communication than sounding like a native speaker.

A sound or word such as um, well, or you know used to hold the floor while thinking. Occasional fillers are natural, but too many reduce fluency.

The rules by which speakers alternate in a conversation, including how they signal they have finished and how they interrupt politely.

A request or explanation that makes something clearer, such as asking Could you repeat that? or restating a point in simpler words.

A question asked after an answer to get more information or keep a conversation going, for example Why do you think that is?

A short talk given with little or no preparation time on a topic assigned on the spot. It tests the ability to organize ideas quickly and speak coherently.