Chiba Entrance English key terms

The central point a passage communicates, usually stated or implied in one sentence. Identifying it helps a reader decide which details matter and which are secondary.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer who, what, when, where, why, or how and should be distinguished from central claims.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining stated information with background knowledge. The answer is not written directly in the text but must follow logically from the evidence given.

The reason a writer produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes word choice, structure, and how much evidence the writer provides.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and sentence style. It may be neutral, critical, humorous, or sympathetic, and it differs from the reader's own reaction.

Reading quickly to grasp the general topic and structure without processing every word. Readers skim headings, first sentences, and repeated terms before deciding where to read closely.

Moving the eyes quickly over a text to locate a specific item, such as a date, name, or number. The reader ignores unrelated content instead of reading every sentence in order.

Restating a passage's meaning in your own words while keeping the original ideas. A good paraphrase changes vocabulary and sentence structure but not the essential content or emphasis.

A short account of a text's central points, written in the summariser's own words. It omits examples and repetition, keeps the original order of ideas, and contains no personal opinion.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea. The remaining sentences support or develop it, giving the paragraph a clear focus.

A sentence that states the central argument of an essay and often previews its structure. It appears near the beginning and every body paragraph should relate back to it.

The way sentences are tied together on the surface of a text through pronouns, repeated words, and linking expressions. Cohesion makes separate sentences read as one connected piece.

The quality of a text whose ideas are arranged in a logical order that a reader can follow. Coherence concerns the overall plan, not just the linking words between sentences.

A word or phrase, such as however or in addition, that signals the relationship between two ideas. Transitions guide readers through contrast, addition, cause, example, or conclusion.

The relationship between a pronoun and the noun it stands for. Clear reference means readers can identify exactly which person, thing, or idea the pronoun points to.

A group of sentences developing one main idea, usually marked by indentation or a line break. It normally contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and sometimes a concluding sentence.

A plan listing an essay's main points and supporting ideas in order before drafting. It helps the writer check balance, avoid repetition, and keep the argument on track.

Generating many ideas on a topic quickly without judging them, then selecting the useful ones. It happens before outlining and helps a writer overcome a blank page.

The final sentence of a paragraph or essay, which restates the main point or draws an implication. It should close the discussion rather than introduce a new topic.

The maximum or minimum number of words an answer may contain. Candidates should plan before writing and check the count at the end, since exceeding or missing it can lose marks.

A pair or group of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Learning whole combinations sounds more natural than translating word by word.

A verb combined with an adverb or preposition to create a new meaning, as in give up or look after. The meaning usually cannot be guessed from the separate parts.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and interrupting phrases between subject and verb should not change the choice.

A clause beginning with who, which, that, whose, or where that describes a noun. It may be defining, giving essential information, or non-defining, adding extra information between commas.

A phrase built on an -ing or -ed form that adds information about a noun or an action. Writers use it to combine sentences, but the implied subject must match the main clause.

A helping verb such as can, may, must, should, or might that expresses ability, permission, obligation, or possibility. It is followed by a base verb and does not change form for person.

A sentence pattern in which the object of the action becomes the grammatical subject, as in the report was written. It is used when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.

A word with a meaning close to another word's, though rarely identical in tone or use. Recognising synonyms helps in paraphrase questions and in guessing unfamiliar vocabulary.

Information in the surrounding sentences that helps a reader work out an unfamiliar word's meaning. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts, and the general sense of the passage.

The essential message of a spoken or written text, understood without catching every detail. Listeners often grasp the gist from the opening remarks, repeated words, and the speaker's conclusion.

Writing brief keywords and symbols while listening or reading so that key facts are not lost. Effective notes record structure and main points rather than full sentences.

An answer option or detail that seems plausible but is not supported by the text or recording. Distractors often reuse the passage's words while changing the meaning slightly.

A spoken or written expression that tells the audience what is coming next, such as first, another point, or to sum up. Signposts make a lecture or essay easier to follow.

The rise and fall of the voice across a sentence, which can signal a question, surprise, or a finished thought. It carries meaning that words alone may not show.

A verb such as rise, fall, peak, or level off that describes how a quantity changes over time. Accurate trend verbs are essential when reporting data from a graph or table.

One of the two reference lines on a graph: the horizontal one usually shows categories or time, and the vertical one shows values. Reading both is necessary before describing a trend.