Osaka Public High School Entrance Examination - English flashcards

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

Listening: first vs second play

On the first play, focus on the main idea and context; on the second play, confirm specific details such as numbers, names, and reasons.

Discourse markers in listening

Words like 'however', 'so', 'because', and 'actually' signal contrasts, results, and causes; they help you follow the speaker's logic and predict answers.

Distractor in multiple-choice listening

An answer choice that repeats words from the audio but distorts the meaning; the correct answer is usually a paraphrase, not a verbatim repetition.

Directional language for maps

Phrases such as 'turn left', 'next to', and 'across from' indicate location; identify the starting point and follow the directions step by step.

Note-taking during listening

Jot down key numbers, times, and names immediately; later corrections in the audio may change these details, so update your notes accordingly.

Reading: skim then scan

Skim the passage to grasp the topic and main idea, then scan for specific information requested by the questions to save time.

Vocabulary-in-context strategy

Substitute each answer choice into the sentence and check whether the overall meaning remains logical and consistent with the passage.

Inference question rule

The correct answer must be supported by evidence in the text; avoid choices that are generally true but not stated or implied by the passage.

Pronoun reference resolution

Identify what 'it', 'they', or 'this' refers to by looking at the preceding sentence; this clarifies connections and helps answer detail questions.

False vs not given

'False' means the text contradicts the statement; 'not given' means the information is neither confirmed nor denied in the passage.

Author's purpose question

Consider the overall message and language: persuasive texts aim to convince, informative texts to explain, and humorous texts to entertain.

Subject-verb agreement trap

Ignore intervening phrases like 'of apples' in 'The box of apples is heavy'; the verb agrees with the true subject 'box'.

Tense consistency rule

Keep the same tense throughout a sentence unless a time shift is signaled by words like 'before', 'after', or 'now'.

Countable vs uncountable quantifiers

Use 'many' and 'a few' with countable nouns; use 'much' and 'a little' with uncountable nouns like 'water' or 'information'.

First conditional form

If + present simple, will + base verb; used for real or likely future possibilities, e.g., 'If it rains, we will stay home.'

Second conditional form

If + past simple, would + base verb; used for unreal or hypothetical present situations, e.g., 'If I were rich, I would travel.'

Passive voice formation

Be + past participle; use when the doer is unknown or unimportant, or to focus on the action rather than the agent.

Relative pronoun choice

Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things, 'that' for both in defining clauses, and 'whose' to show possession.

Collocation check in reordering

Fixed expressions like 'look forward to' or 'be used to' must stay together; identify them to anchor the order of other words.

Indirect question word order

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

Comma clues in reordering

A comma often precedes a subordinate clause or follows an introductory phrase; use it to determine clause boundaries and sequence.

Parallel structure rule

Items joined by 'and' or 'or' should have the same grammatical form, e.g., 'reading, writing, and speaking' not 'reading, writing, and to speak'.

Eliminating the extra word

In reordering tasks with one unnecessary word, remove the word that is grammatically or semantically redundant after forming a coherent sentence.

Short answer tense matching

Use the same tense and person as the question; for 'Why...?' questions, begin with 'Because' and give a direct reason from the text.

Summary main idea focus

Capture the topic sentence and conclusion; omit examples and details, and express the main idea in one or two concise sentences.

Word limit adherence

Stay within the specified word limit; exceeding it may be penalized, so be concise and prioritize essential information.

Paraphrasing in summaries

Restate ideas in your own words; if using original wording, keep quotations short and integrate them smoothly into your sentence.

Composition planning time

Spend 2-3 minutes brainstorming and outlining main points; a clear structure improves coherence and saves time during writing.

Opinion essay structure

Introduction states your view, body gives 2-3 reasons with examples, and conclusion restates and summarizes; use signpost phrases like 'One reason is'.

Sentence variety in writing

Combine short sentences with complex ones using conjunctions like 'although', 'while', and 'because' to improve flow and score.

Formal letter conventions

Include a greeting (Dear Mr. Smith), body paragraphs, and a closing (Sincerely); match formality to the recipient and purpose.

STAR method for interviews

Structure behavioral answers with Situation, Task, Action, Result; this provides a complete and organized response to experience-based questions.