Hiroshima Entrance English flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Paraphrase answer

In detail questions, the correct option restates a sentence with different words; an option that copies the passage verbatim is usually a trap.

Valid inference test

An inference must be supported by the text and contradicted by nothing in it. If any sentence conflicts, the option is wrong even if it sounds reasonable.

Main idea scope

The correct main-idea option covers the entire passage. Options true of only one paragraph are distractors, however accurate their content.

Pronoun reference trace

For it, this, or they, move backward to the nearest noun phrase that matches in number and makes logical sense in the sentence.

Vocabulary-in-context substitution

Insert each option into the original sentence and reread it. The answer keeps the sentence's logic intact; the common dictionary sense often fails this test.

EXCEPT question strategy

Three options have explicit textual support. The answer is the one you cannot locate a supporting sentence for, so check each option individually.

Collocation over grammar

Some words are grammatically possible but never used together. Learn fixed pairs such as make a decision, take responsibility, and pay attention to.

Affect versus effect

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence. Effect is usually a noun meaning a result. Choose by the grammatical slot, not by sound.

Uncountable nouns

Advice, information, furniture, equipment, and luggage take no plural -s and no a or an. Use much, little, or a piece of instead.

Connector logic match

However marks contrast, therefore marks result, moreover marks addition, whereas contrasts two clauses directly. A mismatched connector makes the sentence incoherent.

Sensible versus sensitive

Sensible means reasonable or practical. Sensitive means easily affected or emotionally responsive. Japanese learners often confuse the two in context items.

Head noun agreement

The verb agrees with the head noun of the subject. Phrases such as along with, as well as, and together with do not change the number.

Relative pronoun choice

Use who for people, which for things, whose for possession, where for places, and when for times. That never follows a comma.

Participle modifier direction

A present participle modifies the noun performing the action; a past participle modifies the noun receiving it. The broken window was repaired.

Third conditional form

Use had plus past participle in the if-clause and would have plus past participle in the result: If I had known, I would have come.

Negative adverbial inversion

After never, hardly, or not only at the start, the auxiliary comes before the subject: Never have I seen such a result.

Reported speech backshift

When the reporting verb is past, shift the reported tense one step back: is becomes was, will becomes would, has becomes had.

Topic sentence function

The first sentence states the paragraph's single controlling idea. Every following sentence must support it with a reason, example, or detail.

Composition content points

Guided writing tasks list required points. Missing any one of them loses content marks, so check each point off before finishing.

Accuracy before complexity

A short correct sentence earns more than a long one with a tense or agreement error. Control the structure you already know.

Linker variety

Use first, in addition, for example, as a result, however, and in conclusion. Repeating one linker weakens cohesion and lowers the score.

Wa versus ga

Wa marks the topic or known information; ga marks new or exhaustive information. This choice affects English articles and sentence focus in translation.

Meaning over word order

Japanese places the verb last and modifiers before nouns. English needs subject-verb-object order and relative clauses after the noun.

Keigo register consistency

English-to-Japanese translation must keep one register throughout: desu/masu for polite prose, de aru for formal written reports. Never mix them.

Supplying omitted subjects

Japanese often omits the subject. Add an English pronoun only where grammar or clarity demands it, and never one that changes the meaning.

Signpost words in listening

However, actually, in fact, and to be honest signal a correction. The answer usually follows these words, not the earlier statement.

Number correction pattern

Speakers often state a figure and then revise it. The second number is the answer, so keep listening after the first one.

Hedging for inference

Phrases such as I'm not sure, maybe, and it depends signal uncertainty. Inference questions about feelings or plans hinge on these markers.

Keyword note-taking

Write only names, numbers, and places while listening. Full sentences make you miss the next turn and the answer that follows.

Summary content rule

A summary keeps the main claim and its key support and drops examples and repetition. It adds no new opinion and stays under the word limit.

Paragraph opener clue

The first sentence usually has no referring pronouns and no definite article pointing backward. Sentences with this or these need a prior referent.

Information transfer order

Read the table or chart labels first, then find the matching sentence. Copy or paraphrase exactly as the task requires and keep units explicit.