Kanagawa Entrance English key terms

The single most important point a speaker or writer wants to communicate about a topic. It is broader than a detail and usually stated near the beginning or end of a passage.

A specific fact, example, reason, or number that explains or proves the main idea. Questions often ask you to identify which detail is stated or which one is NOT stated.

The sentence that announces what a paragraph is about, usually the first sentence. Recognizing it helps you predict the rest of the paragraph and answer main-idea questions quickly.

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

Reading quickly while looking only for a specific piece of information, such as a name, date, or price. Your eyes move over the text without reading every word in order.

Reading rapidly to grasp the general topic and structure of a text before answering questions. You look at titles, first sentences, and headings rather than every word.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you guess the meaning of an unknown word. Examples include definitions, contrasts, and cause-and-effect relationships nearby.

A pronoun or similar word such as it, they, this, or the former that points back to something already mentioned. Questions often ask what such a word refers to.

The way sentences in a text are connected so that it reads as one smooth piece. Linking words, pronouns, and repeated key words all create cohesion.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows the logical relationship between ideas. Choosing the right connector is a common sentence-completion task.

A relationship in which two ideas differ or oppose each other, signaled by words like but, although, and on the other hand. Noticing contrast prevents you from misreading the writer's position.

A relationship in which one event makes another happen, signaled by words like because, so, lead to, and result in. Understanding it helps with both comprehension and summary writing.

The verb form that shows when an action happens, such as past, present, or future. Consistency of tense across sentences is frequently tested in ordering and transformation items.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, for example 'The list of names is long.' Long phrases between subject and verb often hide the true subject.

A clause that describes a noun and begins with who, which, that, or whose, as in 'the book that I bought.' It can be combined into a sentence during transformation tasks.

A verb form used as an adjective or to shorten a clause, such as the -ing form or the past participle. Participles are often tested when rewriting two sentences as one.

A question placed inside a longer sentence, using statement word order, as in 'Do you know where he lives?' The auxiliary do is dropped and the verb comes after the subject.

Telling what someone said without quoting directly, usually shifting the tense back, as in 'She said she was tired.' Time and place words often change too.

Saying the same idea in different words while keeping the meaning. Correct answer choices on reading tests are often paraphrases rather than exact copies of the text.

A short restatement of the most important points of a text, written in your own words and without minor details or personal opinion. It usually keeps the original order of ideas.

A pair or group of words that native speakers naturally use together, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain.' Learning whole phrases is more useful than learning single words.

A verb combined with a particle that creates a new meaning, such as give up, look after, or turn down. The particle cannot usually be guessed from the verb alone.

Language chosen to fit a particular setting, such as ordering food, asking directions, or apologizing. The right answer depends on who is speaking, where, and for what purpose.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual talk with friends to polite or formal speech with strangers. Choosing the wrong register makes a reply sound rude or unnatural.

The purpose of an utterance, such as inviting, requesting, refusing, or suggesting. Recognizing the function helps you pick a reply that actually responds to what was said.

A word or phrase that tells listeners or readers what is coming next, such as 'first,' 'another point,' or 'to sum up.' These words are important clues in listening tasks.

Writing short keywords and symbols while listening so you can answer questions afterward. You should record numbers, names, and reasons rather than full sentences.

An answer choice that looks attractive but is wrong, often because it repeats a word from the text or audio. It may be true in general but not answer the question asked.

The overall meaning or general point of a spoken or written text. Gist questions ask what the text is mainly about rather than for a specific detail.

A point where a speaker or writer moves from one subject to another, often marked by words like 'Now' or 'By the way.' Noticing it keeps you from mixing up two ideas.

A group of sentences about one idea, usually starting on a new line and beginning with a topic sentence. Recognizing paragraph boundaries helps you locate information fast.

A short title above a section of text that tells you what the section covers. Headings are the fastest way to find the right part of a long passage or notice.

Finding a specific fact inside a longer text such as an advertisement, timetable, or article. The answer is usually stated directly, so speed and careful scanning matter.

A plan for a piece of writing that lists the main points in order before you write sentences. A quick outline keeps a short composition organized and on topic.

A sentence or phrase that links one part of your writing to the next, such as 'For these reasons' or 'On the other hand.' Good transitions make a composition easy to follow.

Writing a short text on a given topic with little or no provided structure, usually judged on content, organization, and accuracy. A clear structure and simple correct sentences earn more than long risky ones.

The arrangement of words in a sentence, which in English usually follows subject, verb, object. Ordering questions test whether you can rebuild a sentence with correct word order.