Fukushima Entrance English key terms

The single most important point a whole passage is making. It is broader than any one detail and can usually be stated in one sentence after reading the entire text.

A specific fact, example, or reason inside a passage that explains, proves, or develops the main idea. Questions often ask you to identify which detail was or was not mentioned.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces what that paragraph is about. Recognizing it helps you locate the main idea quickly during timed reading.

A conclusion you draw from clues in the text rather than from a sentence stated outright. The answer must be supported by the passage, not by your personal opinion.

The reason a writer produced the text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or warn. Identifying it helps you judge tone and choose answers that fit the whole passage.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and sentence style. Common labels include neutral, critical, humorous, and sympathetic.

A pronoun or phrase such as it, they, this, or the former that points back to something already mentioned. Reference questions ask what the word refers to in context.

A group of sentences about one connected point, usually marked by an indentation or a blank line. Passages are organized into paragraphs, and each one usually carries one idea.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause, that helps you guess its meaning. Using clues beats translating word by word.

A combination of words that native speakers naturally use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Exams test whether you know the usual partner word, not just the meaning.

A verb combined with an adverb or preposition that creates a new meaning, such as give up or look after. The meaning often cannot be guessed from the separate parts.

The verb form that shows when an action happens, for example past, present, or future. Correct tense must also match time expressions like yesterday, now, or next week.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, as in she goes versus they go. Long phrases between subject and verb often hide the true subject in exam sentences.

A verb form used as an adjective or in compound tenses, such as the -ing form or the past participle. Choosing the right one depends on whether the meaning is active or passive.

A clause beginning with who, which, that, or whose that describes a noun, as in the book that I bought. It can be defining or non-defining, which affects commas.

A word such as and, but, because, or although that joins words or clauses and signals the logical link between them. The link often decides which answer fits a blank.

A short word such as in, on, at, by, or for that shows place, time, or relationship. Fixed combinations with verbs and adjectives must simply be memorized.

A noun that can take a plural form and be used with a or a number, such as chair or idea. Uncountable nouns like information or advice take no plural -s.

The words a, an, and the used before nouns. Choosing between them depends on whether the listener already knows which thing you mean and whether the noun is singular.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows how one sentence relates to the previous one. Transitions make writing flow and are often tested in blanks.

The quality of a piece of writing in which ideas are arranged in a clear, logical order that a reader can follow easily. It depends on paragraph order and linking words.

The subject a piece of writing is about, stated briefly, such as school clubs or recycling. A clear topic is the starting point for planning any composition.

One sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the writer's main claim or position. Everything later in the essay should support it.

A short plan listing the main points and their order before you write. Making one saves time and prevents an essay from drifting off the topic.

To restate someone's idea in your own words while keeping the meaning. It is useful for showing understanding and for avoiding copying in summaries.

A short version of a longer text that keeps only the main points and leaves out details and examples. A good summary uses your own words and stays neutral.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as your own without credit. It includes copying sentences and using someone's argument without citing the source.

A note that tells readers where a fact, quotation, or idea came from, usually giving author and title or date. Correct citation shows honesty and lets readers check sources.

The people a piece of writing is intended for. Word choice, formality, and amount of explanation should all be adjusted to suit them.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual speech to formal writing. Essays usually require a formal register, avoiding slang and contractions.

The general meaning or main point of something you hear, understood without catching every word. Listening questions often ask for the gist rather than details.

The skill of catching specific information such as numbers, names, times, or reasons while listening. It usually means reading the question first and waiting for that item.

Writing brief keywords and symbols while listening so you can answer questions afterward. Good notes record key facts and their order, not full sentences.

A spoken cue such as first, however, or to sum up that tells listeners how the talk is organized. Noticing these cues helps you predict what comes next.

An answer choice or spoken detail that sounds correct but is wrong or later corrected. Listening passages often mention a wrong figure before the true one.