Bagrut English key terms

The central point that a whole passage is built around. It is broader than any single detail and is usually stated in a topic sentence or must be summed up by the reader.

A fact, example, statistic, or quotation that backs up or illustrates a claim in a text. Details answer who, what, when, where, or why and give evidence for the main idea.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph is about. It guides the reader and helps you predict what the rest of the paragraph will explain.

A conclusion you reach by combining clues in the text with your own knowledge, when the writer does not state the point directly. Inferences must be defensible from the text, not guesses.

Stated openly and directly in the words of the text, so the reader does not need to work it out. Questions asking for explicit information can be answered by locating the exact sentence.

Suggested or hinted at rather than said outright. Meaning that is implicit must be inferred from word choice, tone, or what the writer chooses to leave out.

The reason a writer produced the text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, warn, or instruct. Identifying purpose helps you judge which details matter and how to read the tone.

The attitude the writer expresses toward the subject, for example humorous, critical, sympathetic, or neutral. Tone is revealed through word choice, sentence length, and punctuation rather than stated directly.

The group of readers a text is aimed at, such as teenagers, experts, or the general public. Audience shapes vocabulary, level of detail, and how much background the writer explains.

A statement that can be checked and proven true or false with evidence. Distinguishing facts from opinions is essential when a text tries to persuade you.

A statement of belief, judgment, or feeling that cannot be proven true or false. Opinions often contain evaluative words such as best, unfair, or should.

Material offered to support a claim, including statistics, examples, expert testimony, or results of studies. Strong evidence is specific, relevant, and comes from a reliable source.

A statement the writer asks you to accept as true. In argumentative texts, claims should be supported by evidence and may be challenged or evaluated by the reader.

An opposing view that a writer mentions and then answers. Recognizing counter-arguments helps you see whether the writer has dealt fairly with both sides of an issue.

A slant or one-sidedness in how information is selected and presented. Bias may be deliberate or unconscious and is often detected through loaded words and missing viewpoints.

A source whose information can be trusted because it is accurate, current, and written by someone with relevant knowledge. Signs include named authors, dates, and references to other research.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts, and cause-and-effect relationships.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as begin and start. Recognizing synonyms helps you understand restatements and avoid repeating the same word in your own writing.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as generous and stingy. Contrast signals like but, however, and unlike often point to an antonym that reveals a word's meaning.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. For example, childish and youthful describe similar ages but suggest very different attitudes.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any feelings or associations it suggests. Comparing denotation with connotation shows how writers create attitude through word choice.

A pronoun or phrase such as it, they, this, or the former that points back or forward to something already named. Tracking reference words is essential for understanding how sentences connect.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one connected whole. Cohesion is created by reference words, repeated key terms, and linking words such as however or therefore.

A word or phrase such as however, moreover, because, or in contrast that shows the relationship between ideas. Linking words signal addition, contrast, cause, result, or example.

To read quickly for the general idea, looking at headings, first sentences, and key words rather than every word. Skimming helps you decide whether a text is relevant before reading closely.

To move your eyes quickly over a text looking for one specific piece of information, such as a date, name, or number. Scanning does not require understanding every sentence.

A group of sentences about one idea, usually starting on a new line. A well-built paragraph has a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing or linking sentence.

A short restatement of the most important points of a text, in your own words and without personal opinion. A good summary keeps the writer's main ideas and leaves out minor details.

To express someone else's idea in different words while keeping the original meaning. Paraphrasing shows understanding and is used in answers instead of copying whole sentences from the text.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as your own without crediting the source. In exam answers, copying long sections of the passage word for word is penalized.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual speech to formal academic writing. Register must suit the audience and task, so an essay avoids slang while a friendly letter may use it.

Language that follows standard grammar, avoids slang and contractions, and keeps a polite, impersonal distance. Formal register is expected in essays, reports, and letters to officials.

Relaxed everyday language that may include contractions, idioms, and direct address. Informal register suits personal letters, diaries, and dialogue but is usually unsuitable for essays.

A single sentence in an essay that states the main argument or position the writer will develop. It usually appears near the end of the introduction and controls the structure of the whole piece.

The opening section of an essay that presents the topic, gives necessary background, and states the thesis. Its job is to engage the reader and make the purpose of the essay clear.

The final section of an essay that restates the main idea in fresh words, ties the arguments together, and may offer a final thought. It should not introduce a completely new topic.

A judgment reached after weighing the information in a text. Unlike a guess, it follows logically from the details presented and can be supported by pointing to them.

To write or speak in order to convince readers to accept a view or take an action. Persuasive texts rely on evidence, emotional appeal, and sometimes on loaded language.

Combining information from two or more texts or sections to form a fuller understanding. Synthesis goes beyond summarizing each source separately by showing how the ideas connect or conflict.

A reading and writing skill of identifying similarities and differences between ideas, people, or texts. Signal words such as similarly, whereas, and on the other hand make these relationships visible.