Aomori Entrance English key terms

The most important point a speaker or writer wants to communicate about a topic. It is broader than a detail and is often stated near the beginning or end of a short talk or passage.

A specific fact, example, reason, or number that explains or proves the main idea. In listening and reading tasks you often match details to what was said or written.

A conclusion you reach by combining information in the text or audio with your own knowledge, even though it is not stated directly. Correct inferences must be supported by evidence, not guesswork.

A word, phrase, or example near an unknown word that helps you guess its meaning. Types include definition clues, synonym clues, antonym clues, and examples introduced by words like 'such as'.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Synonym questions ask you to choose the option closest in meaning to a word used in the passage.

A word with the opposite meaning of another word, such as 'increase' and 'decrease'. Recognizing contrast signals like 'however' and 'although' helps you identify antonym relationships in a text.

To restate the same meaning using different words and sentence structure. Listening and reading questions often test whether you can recognize a paraphrase of what was actually said or written.

The sentence that states the main point of a paragraph, usually placed first but sometimes last. Identifying it quickly helps you answer questions about a passage's organization and purpose.

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a date, price, or name, without reading every word. Useful for charts, schedules, and notices in information-transfer tasks.

Reading quickly to get the general idea of a passage, often by looking at titles, first sentences, and headings. It is used before detailed reading to predict content and save time.

A task in which you move information from a passage or conversation into another form, such as a table, chart, form, or schedule. Accuracy with names, numbers, and spelling is essential.

Writing short, organized notes while listening or reading, using abbreviations, symbols, and keywords. Good notes capture numbers, names, and reasons so you can answer questions after the audio ends.

A planned approach to a listening task, such as predicting content from the question, listening for keywords, and ignoring unfamiliar words that do not affect the answer.

An important word in a question or passage that carries the main information, such as a name, number, or action. Finding keywords helps you locate answers quickly in audio and text.

An answer choice that sounds or looks correct but is not supported by the text or audio. Distractors often repeat words from the passage while changing a detail such as time, place, or person.

A word or phrase that shows the relationship between ideas, such as 'because', 'however', 'therefore', and 'in addition'. Connectors signal cause, contrast, result, or addition and guide comprehension.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one unit. Pronouns, repeated words, and connectors create cohesion, and questions may ask what a pronoun like 'it' refers to.

A pronoun or similar word, such as 'he', 'this', or 'they', that points back to a noun mentioned earlier. Understanding reference words prevents confusion when a passage uses several people or things.

A group of related sentences about one idea, usually starting on a new line. Recognizing paragraph structure helps you locate topic sentences and understand how a longer passage is organized.

To state the main points of a text or talk briefly, in your own words, leaving out minor details. Summaries are tested in reading tasks and are useful in guided writing.

A task in which you arrange given words or sentences into a correct order. Success depends on grammar patterns, connectors, pronoun reference, and the logical flow of ideas.

The arrangement of words in a sentence, especially subject, verb, object, and the position of adverbs. English word order is fairly fixed, so incorrect order changes meaning or makes a sentence ungrammatical.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, as in 'She goes' versus 'They go'. Errors often appear with long subjects, collective nouns, and phrases between subject and verb.

The verb form that shows when an action happens, such as present, past, or future. Time words like 'yesterday' and 'next week' signal which tense a sentence requires.

A small word such as 'in', 'on', 'at', 'by', or 'for' that shows place, time, or relationship. Fixed phrases like 'interested in' and 'good at' must be memorized as units.

A natural word partnership that native-like English uses, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Collocation questions test whether you know which words commonly appear together.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be understood from its individual words, such as 'break the ice' or 'under the weather'. Idioms appear in short dialogues and listening tasks.

A task in which you choose or write the missing response in a conversation. You must follow the function of the previous line, such as a request, apology, invitation, or suggestion.

A question that asks someone to do something in a courteous way, often using 'Could you...?', 'Would you mind...?', or 'I was wondering if...'. The expected reply usually agrees, apologizes, or offers an alternative.

Ways to propose help or an idea, using forms like 'Shall I...?', 'Why don't we...?', or 'How about...?'. Recognizing these functions helps you pick the correct response in dialogue tasks.

A writing task with instructions, notes, or prompts that tell you what to include, such as a short email or opinion paragraph. Content points, grammar accuracy, and clear organization are all scored.

A short piece of writing organized into an introduction, body, and conclusion. For exam purposes it should answer the question directly, use linking words, and stay within the required word count.

A brief plan listing the main points and their order before you write. Making an outline for two or three minutes helps prevent repetition and keeps a composition focused on the question.

The number of words required or allowed in a writing task. Going far below the limit loses content marks, while going far above it increases the chance of errors and may be penalized.

A task that combines skills, such as reading a notice and then writing a reply, or listening to a talk and completing a table. You must connect information across sources accurately.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual speech with friends to formal writing such as applications. Choosing the right register matters in emails, letters, and dialogue completion.