Hyogo Entrance English cheat sheet

Listening items often state one number and then correct it with but, actually, or sorry; the corrected number is usually the answer.

Picture-selection tasks require identifying the object, action, location, and quantity named in the prompt before comparing the options.

Response-selection items test adjacency pairs: question→answer, request→accept/refuse, apology→reassurance, offer→accept/decline.

Arrival time minus travel time gives departure time; by means no later than, while until means continuing up to that time.

Monologue structure: introduction states the topic, body gives reasons or examples, ending states a conclusion, request, or warning.

Table completion: the column header predicts the category of the missing value (time, place, price, person) before the recording begins.

Contrast markers but, however, and actually signal correction; information after them often answers the item.

If two options are mentioned, the one tied to the question word (who, when, where, why, how) is the answer.

Main idea = topic + author's point; it is broader than any single detail and narrower than the entire subject of the passage.

Detail questions: locate the keyword or a synonym in the passage, then read the sentence before and after it.

Inference answers need textual evidence; an option that is true in real life but absent from the passage is wrong.

Reference questions: replace the pronoun with each candidate noun and check number, gender, and logic in context.

Narrative structure: setting→complication→climax→resolution; a character's change often carries the theme.

Expository structure: claim→evidence→explanation→conclusion; headings and first sentences signal the organization.

Vocabulary in context: use definition, example, contrast, or cause-effect clues in the same or adjacent sentence.

Paragraph function: decide whether the paragraph introduces, supports, contrasts, or concludes; the answer must fit that role.

Present perfect links a past action to the present and commonly occurs with for, since, already, yet, ever, and never.

Past simple is used with finished past times: yesterday, last week, in 2019, two days ago.

An object relative pronoun can be omitted: the book (that/which) I bought. A subject relative pronoun cannot: the book that is on the desk.

Second conditional: if + past simple, would + base verb; it describes an unreal or unlikely present or future situation.

After prepositions and after be + adjective, use a noun or -ing form: interested in reading, good at math, afraid of dogs.

Indirect questions use statement order: Do you know where he lives? not where does he live.

Adverbs of frequency go before the main verb but after be; they do not split a verb from its object.

Paraphrase items require matching meaning, not identical words; check subject, tense, polarity, and register.

Articles: a/an for first mention or one of many; the for a shared, unique, or previously mentioned referent.

Request: Can/Could you + base verb? Accept: Sure./Of course. Refuse: Sorry, but I need to...

Offer: Would you like...? / I'll... Accept: Yes, please. Decline: No, thank you.

Apology: I'm sorry (that) I... Common response: That's all right./No problem.

Permission: May/Can I...? Grant: Yes, you can. Refuse: I'm afraid you can't.

Invitation: Would you like to...? Soft refusal: I'd love to, but...

Register: use could/would with strangers, teachers, and staff; can with close friends.

Conversation completion: the missing line must answer the previous line and set up the next line.

Function labels include complaint, suggestion, warning, apology, and invitation; match the response to the function, not just the topic.

Guided writing conditions list content points; each point must appear explicitly, not merely be implied.

Length: count words after drafting; contractions usually count as one word and numbers usually count as one word.

Paragraph structure: topic sentence→supporting detail or example→closing sentence.

Use one base tense per paragraph; switch only when a time expression requires a change.

Connectors: however/although for contrast; because/so for cause; first/then/finally for sequence.

If the prompt specifies a format such as email, speech, or notice, include the required opening and closing.

Do not add new content points that the prompt did not request; extra points can lower task achievement.

After writing, check subject-verb agreement and plural -s; these are frequent point-losing errors.

Notice questions: identify purpose, audience, required action, deadline, and conditions.

Schedule tables: read row and column headers first, then find the intersection for the requested day and time.

Duration = end time − start time; add 60 minutes when borrowing an hour.

Email structure: greeting→purpose→details→request→closing; the subject line states the topic.

Charts: compare labels, units, and scales before reading values; the highest bar is not always the largest number.

Condition words if, unless, only, except, free, and included change the answer; locate them before choosing.

Authentic texts may state prices, dates, or names in two places; choose the version tied to the question.

Sender and recipient information is often in From, To, Cc, or the signature line, not in the body.