Miyagi Entrance English flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Contrast markers in listening

Words like 'but,' 'however,' and 'actually' signal a correction. The correct answer in listening tasks usually follows the contrast, not the first statement.

Next-action listening question

When asked what a speaker will do next, choose the last action proposed and accepted in the dialogue, not the first suggestion.

Speaker register clue

In Japanese, polite です・ます forms often indicate a customer, guest, or junior speaker; casual forms indicate friends or senior speakers. Register helps identify roles.

Direction sequence cues

For map questions, follow turn-by-turn phrases: go straight, turn right at the second corner, it's on your left. Orient yourself at the starting point.

Main idea vs. detail

A main-idea answer covers the whole passage. An option that is true but only about one sentence is a detail, not the main idea.

Pronoun reference resolution

For it, they, or this, find the nearest preceding noun that fits the number and logic of the sentence. The nearest match is usually correct.

Negative question strategy

For 'Which is NOT mentioned?', check each option against the passage and eliminate the three that are explicitly stated. The remaining option is the answer.

Refusal signal in dialogue

'I'd love to, but ...' signals a refusal. The reason after 'but' is the key information needed to answer the question.

Paraphrase as correct option

In longer-passage questions, the correct option restates the passage in different words. An option that copies exact wording is often a trap.

Information-transfer cross-check

For table or notice tasks, locate the cell matching two conditions and cross out rows failing either condition. The answer must satisfy both.

Japanese connective functions

しかし marks contrast, つまり marks restatement, and たとえば marks example. The author's main claim often follows しかし or つまり.

Cause-effect direction

Map because, so, therefore, and as a result to the correct direction. Reversing cause and effect is a common distractor in longer passages.

Subject-verb agreement rule

Singular subjects take singular verbs. Intervening phrases like 'along with' or 'as well as' do not change the number of the subject.

Conditional patterns

If + present, will for real future; if + past, would for unreal present; if + had + past participle, would have for unreal past.

Article use decision

Use a/an for first mention or one of many; the for previously mentioned or unique items; no article for general plurals and abstract nouns.

Japanese particle functions

は marks topic, が marks subject or new information, を marks direct object, に marks destination or time, で marks location of action or means.

Collocation over translation

Choose the word that collocates naturally: make a decision, do homework, take a shower. Literal translation from Japanese often produces wrong collocations.

Fixed chunk identification

In reordering tasks, identify phrasal verbs (look after), prepositional phrases (in the morning), and infinitive or gerund patterns as fixed units.

Adverb placement rules

Frequency adverbs (always, usually, never) go before the main verb but after 'be'. Manner adverbs usually follow the object.

Relative pronoun choice

Use who for people, which for things, where for places, whose for possession. The relative pronoun replaces the repeated noun.

Parallel structure requirement

Items joined by and, or, or but must have the same grammatical form: all nouns, all infinitives, or all gerunds.

Embedded question word order

In embedded questions, use statement order: 'Do you know where he is?' not 'where is he.' The auxiliary does not invert.

Paragraph structure

A basic paragraph has a topic sentence, two or three supporting sentences with reasons or examples, and a concluding sentence.

Transition word categories

Addition: also, moreover. Contrast: however, on the other hand. Cause: because, therefore. Example: for instance. Use them to show relationships.

Fragment and run-on avoidance

Every sentence needs a subject and a finite verb. Two independent clauses need a conjunction or semicolon, not just a comma.

Japanese formal vs. report style

Use です・ます for formal letters and だ・である for reports. Do not mix styles within one piece of writing.

Polite request forms

'Could you ...?' is more polite than 'Can you ...?'. Accept with 'Sure' and decline with 'I'm afraid I can't.'

Offer and response pair

'Would you like ...?' expects 'Yes, please' or 'No, thank you.' 'Do you want ...?' is more casual and takes a similar response.

Apology and reply

'I'm sorry for being late' is followed by an explanation or promise. 'That's all right' or 'No problem' is the appropriate reply.

Invitation accept and decline

Accept with 'I'd love to' or 'That sounds great.' Decline with 'I'd love to, but ...' plus a reason.

Telephone English formulas

'May I speak to ...?' is answered by 'Speaking' or 'This is ...'. 'Hold on, please' means wait.

Function-first response strategy

Identify whether the first line is a request, offer, apology, invitation, or opinion, then choose the response that fits that function, not just the grammar.