Akita Entrance English key terms

The single most important point a speaker or writer makes about a topic. It is broader than any one detail and is usually stated near the beginning or end of a short passage.

A specific fact, example, reason, or figure that explains or proves the main idea. Questions often ask you to pick the detail actually stated rather than one that merely sounds plausible.

A conclusion you draw from clues in the text rather than from a sentence stated outright. The correct answer must be fully supported by the passage, not by your own outside assumptions.

A word, phrase, or example near an unfamiliar word that hints at its meaning. Useful types include definition clues, contrast clues with words like 'but', and example clues introduced by 'such as'.

The sentence that announces what a paragraph is mainly about, often placed first. Recognising it quickly helps you locate answers and predict what the rest of the paragraph will explain.

A group of sentences about one connected point, separated from other groups by an indentation or blank line. In composition tasks, each paragraph should develop a single clear idea.

To express the same meaning in different words while keeping the original sense. In listening and reading questions, the correct option is often a paraphrase rather than a word-for-word copy.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Recognising synonyms is essential because answer choices rarely repeat the exact wording of the passage or recording.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, such as 'increase' and 'decrease'. Contrast signals built on antonyms often reveal the meaning of an unfamiliar word in context.

The natural partnership between words, such as 'make a decision' rather than 'do a decision'. Choose the verb or preposition that native usage pairs with the noun, not just one that seems logical.

A verb combined with an adverb or preposition to create a new meaning, as in 'give up' or 'look after'. The particle often changes the sense completely, so learn the whole unit.

A short linking word such as 'in', 'on', 'at', or 'by' that shows place, time, or direction. Fixed phrases and time expressions depend on choosing the correct one.

The verb form that locates an action in time, such as present, past, or future, and can also show whether the action is simple, continuous, or completed.

The part of a verb phrase that shows how an action unfolds in time, for example whether it is ongoing ('is writing') or finished ('has written'). Time words in a sentence usually signal which aspect fits.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, as in 'she goes' but 'they go'. Long phrases between subject and verb often hide the true subject in test items.

A verb form used as an adjective or in building tenses, such as 'boring' versus 'bored' or 'written' in 'has written'. Choosing between present and past participles depends on whether the noun causes or receives the feeling.

A clause beginning with 'who', 'which', or 'that' that describes a noun, as in 'the book that I borrowed'. In reordering tasks, it usually attaches directly after the noun it describes.

A word such as 'because', 'although', or 'so' that joins ideas and signals the logic between them. Identifying the logic helps you order sentences and answer situation questions correctly.

The way sentences in a text are tied together using pronouns, repeated words, and linking expressions. In sentence-reordering items, these links show which sentence must come next.

The conventional arrangement of subject, verb, object, and modifiers in an English sentence. Adverbs of frequency, for instance, normally sit before the main verb but after 'be'.

Choosing the most natural reply to a short spoken prompt such as an invitation, an apology, or a request. The best answer fits the register and the social purpose, not merely the grammar.

The communicative purpose behind an utterance, such as apologising, offering, requesting, or declining. Naming the function first makes it easier to pick a reply that actually achieves it.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual talk with friends to polite service English. Choosing an answer that matches the relationship between speakers is often the deciding factor.

A question form that softens a demand, such as 'Could you please open the window?' or 'Would you mind waiting?' The reply must respond to the request rather than to the literal words.

Writing down spoken language exactly as heard. It trains you to catch unstressed syllables, linking between words, and small grammar endings such as plurals and past-tense -ed.

Recording key words, numbers, names, and times while listening so you can answer questions afterwards. Abbreviations and symbols save time while the recording plays only once.

The extra loudness or length given to a syllable in speech, as in the first syllable of 'record' when it is a noun. Stress patterns help you identify words and understand emphasis.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase. A rising tone often marks a yes/no question or uncertainty, while a falling tone suggests a statement has finished.

Moving facts from a recording or passage into a table, form, timetable, or chart. Accuracy with numbers, dates, and spelling matters more than full sentences in these tasks.

Reading quickly to locate one specific item, such as a price, a name, or a departure time, without reading every word. Your eyes hunt for the target shape rather than following sentences in order.

Reading rapidly to grasp the general subject or structure of a text, often by looking at headings, first sentences, and repeated words. It is used before detailed reading begins.

A short plan listing the points your composition will cover in order. Preparing one before writing keeps paragraphs focused and prevents repetition or missing content.

An expression such as 'however', 'in addition', or 'as a result' that shows how two ideas relate. Using a few accurately is better than filling a composition with them.

The subject a piece of writing or a talk is about, narrower than the main idea. Composition prompts usually state the topic and sometimes add a required angle or audience.

The stated number of words a written answer should contain. Going far below it loses content marks, while going far above it risks errors and leaves no time for checking.