Ibaraki Entrance English key terms

A polite request asking a speaker to repeat something you did not hear clearly. In listening tasks, it signals that the following repetition may contain the answer.

An expression used to introduce a new but related topic in conversation. In dialogues it often marks a shift to the information a question asks about.

An adverb used to correct a previous statement or to introduce surprising information. Listeners should notice it because the speaker may change an earlier plan or number.

A friendly way to accept a suggestion or plan. It shows agreement, so in a dialogue it usually means the other speaker's proposal will happen.

A polite opening used before saying no, disagreeing, or giving bad news. It softens the message, so the real refusal comes after these words.

A question asking someone to explain a word, phrase, or action more clearly. It often appears when a listener does not understand the speaker's meaning.

A casual way to suggest an idea or ask for someone's opinion about a plan. It is usually followed by a noun or an -ing form.

A polite suggestion phrase meaning 'Shall we ...?' It invites the listener to do something together and often expects agreement or a counter-suggestion.

A polite offer or invitation. It can be followed by a noun or 'to' plus a verb, and the expected answer is yes or no.

A strong advice expression meaning 'should, or something bad may happen.' It is followed by the base form of a verb and often sounds firmer than 'should.'

An expression meaning that something is expected, planned, or required by a rule or other people. It often contrasts with what actually happens.

An adverb meaning 'in place of something else.' It shows that one action, person, or thing replaces another, often after a negative statement.

A phrasal verb meaning to refuse an offer, invitation, or request. In situational reading, a character may politely turn something down and then suggest another plan.

The most important point that a whole passage explains or supports. It is broader than a single detail and is often stated in the first or last paragraph.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point. The other sentences give examples, reasons, or details that support it.

A conclusion a reader draws from clues in a passage rather than from a direct statement. Inference questions ask what is likely true or what the writer suggests.

A question phrase meaning 'based only on information in the text.' The correct answer must be supported by the passage, not by personal knowledge.

A transition word that signals contrast. It tells the reader that the next idea differs from, or limits, the idea just given.

A transition word that signals a result or logical conclusion. It shows that the next statement follows from the reason or evidence just presented.

A phrase that introduces a specific case to explain or support a general statement. It helps readers connect an abstract idea to something concrete.

A phrase used to compare two things by emphasizing how they differ. It often introduces a sentence that presents the opposite side of a situation.

A subordinating conjunction meaning 'even though.' It introduces a fact that makes the main statement surprising or partly opposite to expectation.

A phrase meaning to feel happy and excited about a future event. The word 'to' is a preposition, so a noun or an -ing form follows it.

An expression meaning to be familiar with something so that it no longer feels strange. It is followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by the base verb.

A past expression meaning that something happened regularly or was true in the past but is not true now. It is followed by the base form of a verb.

A pattern meaning that something is more than is acceptable or possible, so the action cannot happen. Example: 'The box was too heavy to carry.'

A pattern meaning that something has the right amount or quality for an action to be possible. The adjective or adverb comes before 'enough.'

A paired expression that adds B as an extra or stronger item after A. It emphasizes that two things are true, not just one.

A paired expression that presents two choices, with only one of them possible or intended. It can connect nouns, phrases, or clauses.

A paired expression that makes both of two items negative. It means 'not A and not B' and takes a singular verb when the nearest subject is singular.

A conjunction meaning 'immediately after.' It shows that one action happens right after another, often in a narrative or a set of instructions.

A result pattern. An adjective or adverb comes between 'so' and 'that,' and the 'that' clause explains the result of that degree.

A sentence pattern in which 'it' is a placeholder subject and the real action comes later in a 'to' phrase. It often describes difficulty, importance, or necessity.

A present perfect expression meaning that someone has visited a place at some time and has now returned. It describes experience, not a current trip.

A group of sentences about one main point, usually separated from other groups by a line break or indentation. In a composition, each paragraph should have a clear focus.

A short plan that lists the main points of a piece of writing in order. It helps a writer organize ideas before drafting and avoid missing important information.

A word such as 'and,' 'but,' 'because,' or 'although' that joins words, phrases, or clauses. Using them correctly makes written sentences smoother and clearer.

An -ing verb form used as a noun, as in 'Swimming is fun' or 'I enjoy reading.' It can be the subject, object, or object of a preposition.