AUB-EN - AUB English Entrance Examination flashcards

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

Main idea question

Asks for the central point covering the entire passage. The correct answer must be broad enough to include all paragraphs but not so broad that it generalizes beyond what the text states.

Explicit detail question

Asks for information directly stated in the passage. Locate the relevant lines, then choose the option that paraphrases them without adding interpretation or outside knowledge.

Inference question

Requires a conclusion drawn from stated evidence plus minimal reasoning. The answer must be logically supported by the text; options needing outside facts or assumptions are incorrect.

Too narrow distractor

An answer option that is factually true according to the passage but describes only one detail or paragraph. It fails main-idea questions because it does not cover the whole text.

Vocabulary in context

A question asking what a word means as used in a specific sentence. Test each option by substituting it back; the correct one preserves the sentence's logic and tone.

Author's purpose

The reason the writer produced the text, such as to inform, persuade, compare, criticize, or explain a process. Purpose differs from tone, which is the writer's attitude.

Tone versus mood

Tone is the writer's attitude toward the subject, revealed by word choice. Mood is the feeling created in the reader. Both are inferred from connotation, not stated directly.

Connotation

The emotional or evaluative association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Words like 'thrifty' and 'stingy' share denotation but differ sharply in connotation and tone.

Contrast transition

A signal word showing opposition between ideas, such as however, nevertheless, whereas, yet, or on the other hand. It tells the reader the next clause reverses or qualifies the previous one.

Cause-effect transition

A connector showing that one idea results from another, such as therefore, consequently, thus, hence, or because. It marks logical dependency rather than mere sequence.

Concession transition

A word admitting a counterpoint before the main claim, such as although, though, while, or granted that. It signals that the writer acknowledges an opposing view.

Subject-verb agreement rule

The verb agrees with the grammatical subject, not with nouns in intervening prepositional phrases. In 'the box of tools is heavy,' the singular subject 'box' controls the singular verb.

Comma splice

An error joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Correct it with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction such as 'and' or 'but'.

Run-on sentence

Two or more independent clauses fused without adequate punctuation or a conjunction. It differs from a comma splice, which does include a comma between the clauses.

Dangling modifier

An introductory phrase whose implied subject does not match the subject of the main clause. In 'Walking home, the rain started,' the rain appears to be walking.

Parallel structure

Items in a list, comparison, or series must share grammatical form. 'She likes hiking, swimming, and to cycle' fails because the third item breaks the pattern.

Pronoun-antecedent agreement

A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and gender. Collective nouns like 'team' usually take singular pronouns in formal written English, though context can justify plural use.

Restrictive versus non-restrictive clause

A restrictive clause identifies which noun is meant and takes no commas. A non-restrictive clause adds extra information and is set off by paired commas.

Active versus passive voice

Active voice makes the doer the subject and is usually clearer. Passive voice foregrounds the receiver or hides the doer and suits formal or scientific writing.

Redundancy in writing

Repeating the same meaning in different words, as in 'each and every' or 'past history.' Editing removes one element to keep the sentence concise and clear.

Misplaced modifier

A modifier placed too far from the word it describes, creating ambiguity. Moving it next to the target noun usually repairs the sentence's meaning.

Colon usage

A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a list, explanation, or quotation. It should not separate a verb from its object or a preposition from its object.

Semicolon usage

A semicolon joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction, or separates list items that already contain internal commas.

Apostrophe rules

Use apostrophes for possession and contractions, never for simple plurals. 'Its' is possessive; 'it's' means 'it is.' Plural nouns ending in s take an apostrophe after the s.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, independent of emotional association. Questions about precise meaning often hinge on denotation while tone questions hinge on connotation.

Rhetorical question

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer. It implies a strong assertion and often appears in persuasive passages to engage the reader.

Thesis statement

The sentence expressing a text's central claim, usually near the end of the introduction. Supporting paragraphs should each advance part of this claim.

Topic sentence

The sentence stating a paragraph's main point, often first. It controls the paragraph's focus and links back to the overall thesis of the passage.

Supporting evidence

Facts, examples, statistics, or quotations used to back a claim. Strong evidence is relevant, specific, and sufficient rather than merely repeated assertion.

Coherence versus cohesion

Coherence is the logical unity of ideas across a text. Cohesion is the surface linking of sentences through transitions, pronouns, and repeated key terms.

Figurative language

Language using comparison or imagery beyond literal meaning, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole. It shapes tone and often carries the passage's theme.

Word formation and register

Register is the level of formality suited to audience and purpose. Formal academic writing avoids contractions, slang, and first-person informality unless the genre permits them.