LanguageCert B1 Achiever key terms

The main overall point or general meaning of a spoken or written text, even when you do not understand every single word in it.

A specific piece of information in a text, such as a name, time, price or reason, that you must find and understand precisely.

An answer option or piece of information that sounds relevant but is wrong, often because it repeats words from the recording without matching the actual meaning.

Saying or writing the same idea with different words. In listening tasks the correct answer often repeats the recording's meaning, not its exact wording.

Writing short keywords, numbers or symbols while you listen so you can answer questions afterwards without losing your place in the recording.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'firstly' or 'in conclusion' that shows how a speaker is organising ideas and signals what comes next.

A spoken text in which one person talks alone, for example a voicemail, announcement or short talk, rather than a conversation between two people.

A conversation between two or more speakers. You must follow who says what, since questions often test one speaker's opinion or plan.

How a speaker feels about something, such as being pleased, worried, surprised or annoyed, shown by tone of voice and choice of words.

The rise and fall of a speaker's voice. It can show a question, a finished statement, doubt or emotion, and helps you understand meaning.

Reading a text quickly to get the general idea or topic before looking at the questions in detail.

Moving your eyes quickly over a text to find one specific thing, such as a date, a name or a number, without reading everything.

A short title above a section of text or above each paragraph, used in matching tasks to summarise what that part is about.

The sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main idea and helps you match it to a heading.

Understanding something the writer suggests but does not state directly, by combining clues in the text with your own knowledge.

An idea a text suggests without saying it openly, so you must read between the lines to understand the writer's real message.

The feeling or attitude a writer shows through word choice, such as friendly, formal, critical or humorous.

A linking word such as 'because', 'although' or 'therefore' that joins ideas and shows reasons, contrasts or results between sentences.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads smoothly, using pronouns, connectors and repeated ideas.

A word like 'it', 'they', 'this' or 'such' that points back to something already mentioned. You must identify what it refers to.

A word with a similar meaning to another, for example 'cheap' and 'inexpensive'. Matching tasks often use synonyms instead of exact words.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, for example 'expensive' and 'cheap'. Recognising opposites helps you check whether a statement is true or false.

The level of formality in language, ranging from informal chat to formal writing, which changes word choice and grammar.

A letter written in polite, standard language to someone you do not know well, such as a company, using full forms and no contractions.

A message to a friend or someone close, using relaxed language, contractions and everyday expressions, often starting with 'Hi' and ending with 'Best wishes'.

The opening line of a letter or email, such as 'Dear Sir or Madam' in formal writing or 'Hi Sam' in informal writing.

The closing words before your name at the end of a message, such as 'Yours faithfully', 'Kind regards' or 'Take care'.

In writing, the first sentence of a paragraph that states its main point, helping the reader follow your argument or description.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a line break. Clear paragraphs make writing easier to read.

The number of words a task allows or requires. Going too far under or over can lose marks, so count and plan carefully.

The exact wording of a writing question, including what to include, who the reader is and how many words to write.

A short item in a list marked with a dot. Writing tasks often give notes as bullet points that you must cover in your answer.

A word or phrase such as 'also', 'however' or 'as a result' that connects ideas and makes your writing flow logically.

The ability to speak smoothly and continuously at a natural speed, without too many long pauses or repeated restarts.

How clearly you say words, including individual sounds, word stress and sentence rhythm, so the listener can understand you.

The extra force given to a particular syllable in a word or a particular word in a sentence, which affects how clearly you are understood.

A pause or filler such as 'er' or 'um' while you are speaking. Some is natural, but too much can reduce your fluency score.

A word or sound used to fill a pause, such as 'well', 'you know' or 'um'. Used sparingly, it keeps speech flowing.

The way speakers in a conversation take turns to talk, including how they interrupt politely or invite the other person to speak.

The two-way exchange in a speaking test where you respond to the examiner's questions and keep the conversation going naturally.