Mie Entrance English key terms

The main overall meaning or central point of a spoken or written text, as opposed to specific details. Listeners and readers often identify the gist first, then look for supporting information.

The single most important claim or message a passage or talk is built around. It is usually broader than any one detail and can often be stated in one sentence.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains or proves the main idea. Recognizing which details support which claim helps you answer questions about purpose and structure.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph is about. The remaining sentences develop or illustrate it.

A conclusion you draw by combining information in the text with your own knowledge, when the answer is not stated directly. Inference questions often use words like suggest, imply, or most likely.

To express the same meaning using different words, often more simply. Correct answers in reading and listening tests frequently paraphrase the original wording rather than repeat it.

A word that has a similar meaning to another word in a particular context, such as begin and start. Test questions often match a question word to a synonym in the passage.

A word with an opposite meaning to another, such as expand and shrink. Contrast signals like however or unlike often introduce antonyms in a text.

Information in the surrounding sentence or paragraph that helps you guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause-and-effect relationship.

Reading quickly to get the general idea or overall structure, for example by looking at headings, first sentences, and key words. It is used before detailed reading or to answer main-idea questions.

Moving your eyes quickly over a text to locate a specific piece of information, such as a date, name, or number, without reading every word.

A question asking what a pronoun or phrase such as it, this, or the former refers to in the text. You must trace the word back to the noun or idea it replaces.

A word or phrase that shows the logical link between ideas, such as however, therefore, in addition, or on the other hand. Connectors signal contrast, cause, result, addition, or sequence.

The way sentences and paragraphs are tied together so a text reads as a whole, using pronouns, repeated key words, connectors, and consistent referencing.

A sentence or phrase that moves the reader or listener from one idea, section, or stage to the next, often showing a change of topic or a shift in time.

The attitude of a speaker or writer toward the subject, revealed through word choice and style, for example humorous, critical, neutral, or enthusiastic.

The reason a writer or speaker produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose questions ask why the text was written or spoken.

The intended readers or listeners of a text. Knowing the audience helps you judge register, level of detail, and how formal the language should be.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual conversation to formal academic writing. Word choice, contractions, and sentence length all signal register.

Language that follows standard grammar and avoids slang, contractions, and casual expressions, used in essays, reports, and official communication.

A short account of a text's main points in your own words, leaving out examples and minor details. A good summary keeps the original order of ideas and does not add opinion.

A plan that lists the main points and supporting ideas of a piece of writing in order, often using headings and numbered levels, before you write the full text.

A sentence that states the central argument of an essay, usually appearing at the end of the introduction. It guides the structure of the whole piece.

The subject a text or talk is about, stated as a single word or short phrase, such as urban farming. The topic is broader than the main idea.

An important word in a question or text that carries the main meaning, such as a name, number, or action verb. Identifying keywords helps you locate answers quickly.

The skill of finding specific facts within a longer text or set of materials, such as a timetable, notice, or article, often under time pressure.

A spoken phrase that tells listeners what is coming next, such as first, another point, or to sum up. These words help you follow the structure of a talk.

A formal talk given to an audience to teach or explain a subject. Listening questions often ask about the speaker's examples, reasons, or conclusions.

Writing brief, organized notes while listening or reading, using abbreviations, symbols, and headings so you can recall key points and answer questions later.

An answer choice that sounds or looks plausible but is wrong, often because it repeats a word from the text while changing the meaning or ignoring a condition.

Choosing the most appropriate reply in a given social or practical situation, taking into account politeness, relationship, and purpose of the exchange.

A conversation between two or more speakers. Dialogue questions test whether you can follow turn-taking, respond appropriately, and understand implied meaning.

Language choices that show respect and consideration, such as using could you or would you mind instead of direct commands. Politeness affects which reply is correct in situational questions.

The rise and fall of the voice in speech, which can signal a question, surprise, or a change in meaning. Listening tasks may test how intonation affects the message.

A natural word partnership, such as make a decision or heavy rain, that native-like users expect together. Choosing the right collocation is often tested in grammar and vocabulary items.

The grammatical form of a verb that shows when an action happens, such as past, present, or future. Consistency of tense is important in essays and in understanding narratives.

The shape a verb takes to show tense, person, number, or aspect, such as go, goes, going, and gone. Errors in verb form are common in grammar questions and in student writing.

The system of rules for how words are arranged and changed to form correct sentences, covering word order, agreement, tense, and sentence structure.

A group of sentences about one main point, usually beginning with a topic sentence and ending with a concluding or linking sentence. Paragraphs organize longer texts into readable units.