Kochi Entrance English key terms

The central point that a whole passage communicates, stated or implied. Identifying it requires deciding what the writer most wants the reader to understand after finishing the text.

A specific fact, example, or reason that strengthens or illustrates a passage's main idea. Details answer questions about who, what, when, or why within a text.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text rather than stated outright. Readers combine clues with general knowledge to reach a reasonable but unstated meaning.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and sentence style. Tone may be critical, humorous, neutral, or sympathetic, and it shapes how a passage should be read.

A pronoun or phrase such as it, this, or the former that points back to something already mentioned. Tracking what a reference word stands for is essential to understanding connected sentences.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so that a text reads as one connected whole. Linking words, repeated key terms, and reference words all create cohesion.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Choosing between cheap and inexpensive, for example, changes the impression a sentence gives.

The direct, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from emotional associations. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps candidates choose the most precise word in context.

A pairing of words that native speakers naturally use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Unnatural pairings may be grammatically correct yet still sound wrong.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as break the ice. Idioms must be learned as whole units.

A verb combined with a particle or preposition to form a new meaning, as in give up or look after. Some are separable and some are not, which affects word order.

A meaningful unit attached to the front of a word to change its meaning, as un- does in unhappy. Knowing common prefixes helps candidates guess unfamiliar vocabulary.

A meaningful unit added to the end of a word, often changing its part of speech, as -ness turns kind into kindness. Suffixes frequently signal whether a word is a noun, verb, or adjective.

A group of words sharing one base but differing in form, such as decide, decision, decisive, and decisively. Recognizing families helps candidates fill gaps with the correct part of speech.

The level of formality suited to a situation, ranging from casual speech to academic writing. Choosing the wrong register can make otherwise correct English sound inappropriate.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, as in she writes versus they write. Long phrases between subject and verb often hide agreement errors.

Keeping verb tenses logical and stable within a sentence or passage unless a time shift is genuinely intended. Sudden, unmotivated tense changes are a common error in writing.

A clause that describes a noun, introduced by who, which, that, or whose. It may be defining, giving essential information, or non-defining, set off by commas.

The noun or noun phrase that a pronoun or relative word refers back to. Clear writing keeps the antecedent obvious so readers do not misread the sentence.

A reduced clause built from an -ing or -ed form, such as Walking home, she saw a fox. It replaces a fuller clause and adds information economically.

A descriptive phrase that does not clearly attach to the word it is meant to describe, as in Having finished the report, the printer jammed. The error confuses readers about who performed the action.

A sentence pattern expressing a condition and its result, using if or unless with matched verb forms. The first, second, and third conditionals each signal a different degree of reality.

A verb form used for wishes, demands, and hypothetical situations, as in I suggest that he be informed. It often appears after verbs like insist, recommend, and demand.

Balancing items in a list or comparison so they share the same grammatical form, as in reading, writing, and speaking. Faulty parallelism makes sentences awkward and unclear.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea. It guides the reader and keeps the writer from drifting off point.

A single sentence presenting the central claim of an essay and often previewing its structure. A strong thesis is specific and arguable rather than merely factual.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that shows how ideas connect. Transitions signal contrast, cause, sequence, or emphasis between sentences.

A brief plan listing an essay's main points and their order before drafting. It helps a writer check logic and coverage and prevents repetition.

Restating a text's meaning in different words while keeping the original sense. A good paraphrase changes structure and vocabulary without adding interpretation.

A shortened account that keeps only the central points of a text. It omits examples and minor details while remaining faithful to the original meaning.

Rendering text word by word without adapting grammar or idiom to the target language. It often produces unnatural output even when each word is correctly translated.

The overall sense of what a speaker or writer is communicating, apart from specific details. Listening for gist means following the general message before catching particulars.

Focusing on specific facts such as numbers, names, times, or reasons while listening. It usually follows an initial pass for gist and requires attention to signpost words.

A spoken cue such as first, however, or to sum up that shows how a talk is organized. Noticing these words helps listeners predict what comes next.

Recording key points in abbreviated form while listening or reading. Effective notes use symbols, spacing, and headings rather than full sentences.

Moving the eyes quickly over a text to locate specific information such as a date or name. It differs from skimming, which aims at general understanding.

Reading rapidly for the general sense of a passage, often by checking headings, first sentences, and conclusions. It is a first step before detailed reading.

A noun that can take a plural form and be used with numbers, such as chair or idea. Uncountable nouns like advice and information do not follow this pattern.