Bagrut English flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Main idea

The central point covering the whole passage, usually stated in the first or last sentence; a true statement about one detail is not the main idea.

Supporting detail

A specific fact, example, or reason that backs up the main idea. Detail questions are answered by words stated or closely paraphrased in the passage.

Sequence markers

Words such as first, then, after that, finally, and meanwhile that show the order of events in a narrative or process passage.

Pronoun reference

The rule that a pronoun such as it, they, or this points back to a nearby noun or clause that agrees with it in number and meaning.

Stated versus implied

Stated information appears in the words of the text; implied information follows necessarily from clues in the text without being written directly.

Thesis statement

The sentence presenting the writer's central argument in an article, usually near the start and restated in the conclusion.

Finding versus recommendation

In a report, the finding is what was observed or measured; the recommendation is what the writer says should be done as a result.

Narrative arc

The pattern of a story: setting and characters, a conflict or problem, rising action, a turning point, and a resolution or change.

Paragraph function

The job a paragraph does in the text: introducing, giving an example, presenting an opposing view, conceding a point, or concluding.

Reported versus own view

Phrases like critics claim or some argue introduce other people's views, which may differ from the writer's own position.

Literary conflict

The central struggle in a narrative, whether between characters, between a character and society or nature, or within a character's own mind.

Context clue

A nearby word or phrase that reveals an unknown word's meaning, through definition, example, contrast, or cause-and-result signals.

Cohesive device

A linking word or phrase such as however, therefore, moreover, or meanwhile that shows the logical relation between sentences or clauses.

Former and latter

Reference words for two items already mentioned: former points to the first one, latter to the second one.

Prefix and suffix

A prefix added to a word's start changes its meaning, as in un- or pre-; a suffix added to its end changes its part of speech.

Collocation

A conventional word partnership such as make a decision, take responsibility, or draw a conclusion; a different partner sounds wrong even if grammatical.

Register shift

A change in formality, shown by contractions, slang, or general you in informal writing and by full forms and passive voice in formal writing.

Scanning versus skimming

Scanning means searching for a specific target such as a date or name; skimming means reading quickly for the general idea.

Writer's purpose

The reason the text was written, such as to inform, persuade, warn, entertain, compare, or instruct; answered with a verb phrase, not a topic.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject, shown by word choice, punctuation, and hedging; described with adjectives such as neutral, critical, or humorous.

Necessary inference

A conclusion that must be true given the passage. A merely plausible idea that the text does not require is not a valid inference answer.

Distractor type: too broad

An answer option that states something wider than the passage supports, often using words like all, always, or every.

Paraphrased detail

A restatement of a passage detail in different words. Correct answers often paraphrase rather than copy the exact wording of the text.

Topic sentence

The sentence that states a paragraph's central idea, usually first, with the remaining sentences supporting or illustrating it.

Essay introduction

The opening paragraph that presents the topic, states a clear position, and signals how the essay will be organized.

Logical connector

A word joining ideas by their real relation: however for contrast, therefore for result, for example for illustration, in addition for adding.

Formal register

A style avoiding contractions, slang, and general you, using full forms, precise vocabulary, and often the passive voice.

Paragraph unity

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence supports the single central idea stated in its topic sentence.

Claim and evidence

A claim is an assertion the writer wants accepted; evidence is the data, example, or authority offered to support it.

Correlation versus causation

Two things occurring together does not prove that one causes the other; a third factor may explain both.

Overgeneralization

An argument weakness using absolute words such as all, always, never, or everyone, where the evidence supports only some cases.

Hedged language

Cautious wording such as may, suggests, tends to, or in some cases, which makes a claim weaker than absolute words like proves or always.

Synthesis across texts

Comparing two texts by stating where they agree, where they differ, and why, for example different data, purpose, or audience.