iTEP SLATE Core key terms

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. Singular subjects take singular verbs; plural subjects take plural verbs. Errors often occur with intervening phrases or indefinite pronouns.

A verb form used for habitual actions, general truths, and scheduled events. It is formed with the base verb, adding -s or -es for third-person singular subjects.

A verb form showing an action in progress at the moment of speaking or around now. It is formed with am/is/are plus the -ing form of the verb.

A verb form used for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; irregular verbs change form. It often appears with past time markers.

A verb form connecting past actions to the present. It is formed with have/has plus the past participle and is used for experiences, recent events, and actions continuing to now.

The verb form used in perfect tenses and passive voice, typically ending in -ed for regular verbs or a special form for irregular verbs. It is also used adjectivally.

A sentence structure where the subject receives the action rather than performs it. It is formed with a form of be plus the past participle, often followed by 'by' and the agent.

A sentence structure where the subject performs the action of the verb. It is usually clearer and more direct than passive voice and is common in everyday English.

A helping verb such as can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, or would. It expresses ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or advice and is followed by a base verb.

A helping verb used with a main verb to form tenses, questions, negatives, or passive voice. Common auxiliaries are be, have, and do; modals also function as auxiliaries.

The base form of a verb, often preceded by 'to' (e.g., to run). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb and follows certain verbs and adjectives.

The -ing form of a verb used as a noun. It can be the subject or object of a sentence and follows certain verbs and prepositions.

An adjective form used to compare two things. Short adjectives add -er; longer ones use 'more'. It is often followed by 'than'.

An adjective form used to compare three or more things, showing the highest degree. Short adjectives add -est; longer ones use 'most'. It is often preceded by 'the'.

A noun that can be counted and has both singular and plural forms. It can be used with numbers and articles a/an, and takes plural verbs when plural.

A noun that cannot be counted and typically has no plural form, such as water or information. It takes a singular verb and is not used with a/an.

A word used before a noun to indicate definiteness or indefiniteness. English has the definite article 'the' and the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an'.

A word showing the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence, often indicating time, place, or direction (e.g., in, on, at, by, with).

A dependent clause that modifies a noun, introduced by a relative pronoun such as who, which, that, or whose. It can be defining or non-defining.

A pronoun that introduces a relative clause and refers back to a noun in the main clause. Common ones are who, whom, whose, which, and that.

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) join equal parts; subordinating conjunctions (because, although) introduce dependent clauses.

A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It is introduced by a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun.

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence, containing a subject and a verb and expressing a full thought. It can be joined with other clauses.

An error in which two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction. It can be corrected with a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunction.

A specific type of run-on sentence where two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It is corrected by adding a conjunction or changing punctuation.

The central point or most important message of a paragraph, passage, or talk. It is often stated in a topic sentence or must be inferred from supporting details.

A piece of information that explains, illustrates, or proves the main idea. Details can include examples, facts, statistics, or reasons and are often tested in reading questions.

A sentence, usually at the beginning of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main idea. It guides the reader and is often followed by supporting details.

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than stated directly. In reading and listening, it involves understanding implied meaning beyond the literal words.

Information in the surrounding text that helps a reader guess the meaning of an unknown word. Clues can be definitions, examples, contrasts, or general sense of the passage.

The set of words known and used by a person. In reading, it refers to understanding word meanings, including synonyms, antonyms, and words in context.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a particular context. Recognizing synonyms helps in understanding paraphrased ideas in reading and listening.

A word that has the opposite meaning of another word. Antonyms are often tested in vocabulary questions and can help clarify meaning through contrast.

A restatement of a text or speech in different words, often to clarify or summarize. In listening and reading, questions may ask you to identify the paraphrase of an idea.

To state the main points of a text or talk briefly, leaving out details. It requires identifying the main idea and key supporting points.

The reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Identifying purpose helps readers understand tone and emphasis.

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and style. Tone can be formal, informal, humorous, critical, and so on.

A word or phrase that connects ideas and shows relationships between sentences or paragraphs, such as however, therefore, first, and in addition. It aids coherence in writing and listening.

The quality of a text that makes it flow logically and clearly, with ideas connected smoothly. It is achieved through organization, transitions, and consistent focus.

The way sentences and parts of a text are linked together through grammatical and lexical devices, such as pronouns, repetition, and conjunctions. It helps the text feel unified.

A group of sentences focused on one main idea, usually starting with a topic sentence and ending with a concluding sentence. Paragraphs are building blocks of essays.

A sentence that states the main argument or central claim of an essay, usually appearing at the end of the introduction. It guides the structure of the whole essay.

The opening part of an essay or talk that presents the topic, engages the audience, and often includes a thesis statement. It sets up what will follow.

The closing part of an essay or talk that restates the main idea, summarizes key points, and provides a final thought. It should not introduce new major ideas.

A plan that lists the main points and supporting details of a piece of writing in order. It helps organize ideas before drafting and ensures logical structure.

To review and improve a draft by changing content, organization, and clarity. Revising focuses on big-picture issues, unlike editing, which focuses on grammar and mechanics.

To correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice in a piece of writing. Editing usually follows revising and prepares the text for final presentation.

A preliminary version of a piece of writing that is subject to revision and editing. Writing often involves multiple drafts to improve content and accuracy.

The intended readers or listeners of a text or speech. Writers adjust tone, vocabulary, and level of detail based on the audience's knowledge and expectations.

A style of language used in serious or official contexts, avoiding slang and contractions. It is often required in academic writing and some professional communication.

A relaxed style of language used in everyday conversation and personal writing, often including contractions and slang. It is less appropriate for academic essays.

The relationship between a pronoun and the noun it refers to. Clear pronoun reference avoids ambiguity and is important for cohesion in writing.

The use of marks such as periods, commas, question marks, and quotation marks to clarify meaning and structure in writing. Correct punctuation is essential for clarity.

The skill of understanding the main idea of a spoken passage without focusing on every detail. It involves catching the overall topic, purpose, and key points.

The skill of catching specific information in a spoken passage, such as names, numbers, times, and reasons. It requires focused attention on particular parts of the audio.

The practice of writing down key information while listening or reading to aid memory and understanding. Effective notes use abbreviations, symbols, and organization.

The reason a speaker gives a talk or makes a statement, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. It is similar to author's purpose but applies to spoken language.

The attitude or emotion conveyed by a speaker's voice, including pitch, stress, and intonation. It can change the meaning of words and is important in listening comprehension.