Linguaskill General key terms

A reading or listening task where you choose one option to complete a sentence or short text. The wrong options are usually grammatically possible, so you must use meaning and context to decide.

An incorrect answer option written to look attractive. It may repeat a word from the text or sound plausible, but it does not match the meaning or grammar of the question.

Saying the same idea with different words. Exams often test this by asking about a text whose wording differs from the question, so you must recognise the shared meaning rather than matching words.

The main overall point of a text or recording, rather than its details. Questions on gist ask what the speaker or writer is mainly trying to communicate.

A conclusion you draw from clues in a text that are not stated directly. You combine evidence with general knowledge to work out what the writer implies.

Reading quickly to get the general idea or topic of a text. You look at titles, first sentences and repeated words rather than reading every word carefully.

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a date, name or price. Your eyes move over the text looking for a key word rather than reading in order.

A pair or group of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Wrong word partners are a common trap in gap-fill questions.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads smoothly. Linking words, pronouns and repeated ideas all create cohesion, and questions often test which connector fits.

A word or phrase that shows the relationship between ideas, such as 'however', 'because' or 'in addition'. Choosing the right connector depends on whether ideas contrast, cause or add.

A pronoun or phrase that points back or forward to something already mentioned, such as 'it', 'this' or 'they'. Understanding what it refers to is essential for following a text.

The level of formality in language, ranging from very formal to casual. You choose register based on the reader or listener, the situation and the purpose of the message.

A message written in a polite, professional style, often to someone you do not know well. It avoids contractions and slang, uses full forms and usually opens and closes with set phrases.

A relaxed message to a friend or close colleague. It can use contractions, short sentences, everyday vocabulary and direct greetings, and it often sounds like spoken language written down.

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph. It usually comes first and tells the reader what the rest of the paragraph will explain or support.

A group of sentences about one main idea, separated from other groups by a space or indentation. Clear paragraphs make a piece of writing easier to follow and show how ideas are organised.

The quality of writing that is logical and easy to follow because ideas are arranged in a sensible order. A coherent answer moves smoothly from one point to the next without confusing jumps.

How fully a piece of writing answers everything the question asks. You lose marks if you miss a required point, write too few words or include irrelevant material instead of covering the task.

The number of words you are told to write, often given as a range. Writing far fewer words usually means missing content, while writing far more can waste time and add errors.

Checking your own writing for mistakes before you finish. You look for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word choice, and you also check that sentences are clear.

A word or phrase such as 'firstly', 'although' or 'therefore' that joins parts of a text and makes the relationship between ideas clear. Using a range of them improves writing scores.

The first part of the speaking test, where you answer simple questions about yourself, your work or studies, your home town and your free time. Answers should be short but not one word.

A speaking task where one candidate talks alone for about a minute on a given topic, often with prompts. You need to keep going, organise ideas and fill the time without long pauses.

A speaking task where two candidates discuss a topic or decide something together. You must ask questions, respond to your partner and build on their ideas rather than speaking alone.

The way speakers share a conversation, one starting while another listens and then responds. Good turn-taking means not interrupting too much and not staying silent when you should speak.

The exchange between speakers as they react to each other. In speaking tests, marks come from how well you respond, ask questions and keep the conversation moving, not just from your grammar.

The ability to speak at a steady, natural pace with few long pauses. It does not mean speaking fast; it means keeping going and repairing problems without breaking the flow.

A pause or filler sound such as 'um' or 'well' while you think of what to say. Some hesitation is normal, but too much suggests a limited ability to keep speaking.

A short word or phrase that organises speech, such as 'so', 'anyway', 'to be honest' or 'on the other hand'. They help you link ideas, gain thinking time and sound natural.

How clearly you produce sounds, stress and intonation so a listener can understand you. Good pronunciation is about being intelligible, not about sounding like a native speaker.

The rise and fall of your voice as you speak. It can show whether you are asking, finishing or continuing, and it affects how interested or polite you sound.

The strongest syllable in a word, such as the first syllable in 'TAble' or the second in 'beGIN'. Putting stress in the wrong place can make a word hard to understand.

Writing short key words and symbols while listening so you can answer questions later. Good notes are brief and organised, and you should not try to write full sentences.

Listening to catch specific facts such as numbers, names, times or reasons. You need to stay focused because details may be mentioned once and then corrected later.

Words a speaker uses to show the structure of a talk, such as 'firstly', 'moving on' or 'to sum up'. They help you predict what is coming and follow the order of ideas.

A long piece of speech by one person, such as a talk, announcement or voicemail. Listening tasks often use monologues, so you must follow the argument without any replies.

The way pronunciation varies by region or social group. Test recordings include different accents, so you should practise understanding English spoken in a range of voices.

A listening question where similar-sounding numbers or letters are given, such as 'fifteen' and 'fifty' or 'B' and 'V'. You must listen carefully and check the information in context.