HKDSE English key terms

The single most important point a passage or talk makes about its topic. It is broader than a detail and is usually stated or implied in the opening or closing.

A fact, example, statistic or reason that backs up a main idea. Detail questions ask you to locate or distinguish these from unrelated information in the text.

A conclusion you draw from clues in the text rather than from a directly stated sentence. Inference questions often use words like suggest, imply or most likely.

Reading quickly for the general sense of a text, often by looking at headings, first sentences and key words. It helps you decide whether a section is worth reading closely.

Moving your eyes quickly over a text to find one specific piece of information, such as a date, name or figure, without reading every word.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph is about. Recognising it helps you follow the structure of a longer passage.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one piece. Linking words, pronouns and repeated key words all create cohesion.

Words and phrases such as however, therefore, in addition and on the other hand that signal how ideas connect. They guide you through contrast, cause, result or sequence.

A word or phrase joining ideas within or between sentences, for example because, although or as a result. Choosing the right one shows the logical relationship clearly.

The writer's attitude towards the subject, such as humorous, critical, neutral or enthusiastic. Tone is revealed through word choice and is often tested in multiple-choice questions.

The reason a text was written, for example to inform, persuade, entertain or warn. Identifying purpose helps you judge which details matter most.

The readers a text is aimed at, such as teenagers, parents or professionals. Writers adjust vocabulary, format and tone to suit their audience.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual chat to formal reports. Register depends on the situation, the audience and the relationship between writer and reader.

A sentence that states the central argument or position of an essay, usually placed in the introduction. Everything that follows should support it.

The quality of a paragraph that develops one clear idea from start to finish. Sentences that drift to unrelated points break unity and weaken the writing.

A letter written in polite, standard English to someone you do not know well, such as an editor or an official. It uses a clear structure, full forms and no slang.

A formal letter describing a problem with a product or service and requesting action. It states facts, explains the impact and ends with a clear, reasonable request.

A short formal document suggesting a plan and arguing for it. It typically states the problem, the recommendation, the benefits and any costs or practical steps.

A structured piece of writing that presents findings or information, often with headings and a conclusion. It is factual in tone and avoids personal opinion unless asked for.

A narrative with characters, setting, conflict and resolution, written to entertain. In an exam it rewards a strong opening, vivid description and a clear ending.

The shape of a story from setup through rising tension to climax and resolution. A clear arc keeps readers engaged and gives the ending a sense of purpose.

A writing technique that reveals feelings and events through concrete actions, senses and dialogue instead of naming emotions directly. It makes description more vivid and believable.

To restate someone's idea in your own words while keeping the meaning. It is used to integrate sources without copying and must still be credited.

A short account of the main points of a text, leaving out examples and minor detail. A good summary is accurate, brief and in your own words.

Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own without credit. It includes copying text, copying structure closely and using a source without acknowledgement.

A note showing where information came from, giving the author, title and date. Citations let readers check sources and help you avoid plagiarism.

Recording key points from a talk or text in a shortened form using symbols, abbreviations and layout. Good notes capture structure and are quick to review later.

Spoken phrases such as firstly, moving on or to sum up that show how a talk is organised. They tell listeners where they are and what is coming next.

Listening to catch the overall message of a recording before worrying about individual words. It helps you predict content and answer main-idea questions.

Listening closely to catch specific facts such as numbers, names, times or reasons. It usually requires reading the question first so you know what to listen for.

Tasks that combine reading, listening and writing, often requiring you to use source material to produce a letter, report or proposal. Selecting and reshaping information is the core skill.

The set of source materials, such as articles, emails and notices, provided for an integrated task. You choose relevant points from it rather than copying everything.

A speaking task in which you act as a particular person in a given situation, such as a student raising a concern. You must stay in role and respond to prompts naturally.

A speaking task where several candidates discuss a topic together and reach or explore a view. Marks reward contributing, building on others and sharing turns fairly.

Techniques for keeping a conversation going, such as asking for opinions, agreeing, disagreeing politely, checking understanding and bringing quiet speakers in.

A short prepared talk given alone on an assigned topic. It needs a clear opening, organised points, supporting examples and a brief conclusion within the time limit.

How clearly words are spoken, including sounds, stress and rhythm. In speaking tests, clarity matters more than accent, and mispronounced key words can cause misunderstanding.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, used to show questions, emphasis and attitude. Varied intonation sounds natural and helps listeners follow your meaning.

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses and without excessive self-correction. It suggests control of language even when small errors occur.

A collected set of a student's work over time, used in school-based assessment to show progress. It may include drafts, reflections and a range of text types.

A short piece of writing in which you examine your own learning, choices or performance. It explains what worked, what did not and what you would change next time.

The stated standards used to judge a piece of work, such as content, organisation, language and accuracy. Reading them before you write helps you target marks.

Judging your own work against given criteria to find strengths and weaknesses. It supports improvement because you identify specific changes before submitting.