Michigan ECCE key terms

An incorrect answer option in a multiple-choice question that is designed to look plausible but does not correctly answer the question. Recognizing why an option is wrong is as useful as finding the right one.

The central point a passage or talk is built around. It is broader than any single detail and is often stated in a topic sentence or must be summarized from the whole text.

A specific fact, example, or reason that explains or proves the main idea. Detail questions usually ask what, who, when, or how much, and the answer appears directly in the text.

A conclusion a reader draws from clues in the text rather than from a directly stated sentence. Inference questions often use words like suggest, imply, or most likely.

The sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that announces what the paragraph is about. Locating it quickly helps you predict the content that follows.

Reading quickly to grasp the general meaning or organization of a text without attending to every word. It is useful before detailed questions and when time is limited.

Moving the eyes rapidly over a text to locate a specific piece of information such as a name, date, or number, ignoring everything else until it is found.

A pronoun or phrase such as it, this, or the former that points back to something already mentioned. Questions on reference ask what the word refers to in context.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one unit. Linking words, pronouns, and repeated vocabulary all create cohesion and help you follow the writer's logic.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Contrasts, definitions, and examples in the text often give the meaning away.

The writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject, for example humorous, critical, or neutral. Tone is shown through word choice and is often the target of inference questions.

The feeling or association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Slim and skinny share a meaning but differ in connotation, which affects how a sentence is understood.

A word with a meaning close to another word. Vocabulary questions often ask you to pick the option nearest in meaning to a word highlighted in a passage.

A natural pairing of words that native speakers use together, such as make a decision or heavy rain. Choosing the right partner word is a common grammar and vocabulary task.

A verb combined with a particle that changes its meaning, such as give up, look after, or turn down. The particle cannot be swapped freely, so these must be learned as units.

A fixed expression whose meaning is not obvious from its individual words, such as break the ice. Idioms appear in listening and reading texts and are rarely tested in isolation.

A linking word or phrase such as however, therefore, or on the other hand that signals how ideas connect. They mark contrast, cause, addition, or sequence and guide comprehension.

Restating a message in different words while keeping the meaning. Correct listening and reading answers are usually paraphrases of the recording or text, not exact copies.

The overall meaning or essential point of a spoken or written message. Gist questions ask what the conversation or passage is mainly about rather than for small details.

Attending to specific facts in a recording, such as times, prices, names, or reasons. It requires focused attention because such facts are said once and may be rephrased.

Writing brief keywords, symbols, or abbreviations while listening so you can answer questions afterward. Good notes capture structure and key facts without distracting you from the audio.

A spoken phrase such as first, another thing, or to sum up that shows how a talk is organized. Noticing signposts helps you predict what comes next and follow the structure.

The reason a person is speaking, for example to complain, to apologize, or to request information. Questions on purpose ask what the speaker is trying to achieve, not what they say.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual chat to formal writing. Register depends on audience and situation and affects which words and grammar forms are appropriate.

Writing that avoids contractions, slang, and personal chatty phrasing, using full sentences and precise vocabulary. It suits essays, reports, and letters to people you do not know well.

A single sentence that states the central claim of an essay and previews how it will be supported. It usually appears at the end of the introduction and controls the whole piece.

The quality of a piece of writing in which ideas follow a clear, logical order and connect smoothly. Coherence comes from good organization and appropriate linking words.

The process of expanding a main point with reasons, examples, and explanation so it is fully supported. Weak development leaves claims unsupported and is a common scoring weakness.

Reviewing a draft to correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice. It comes after revising for content and organization and before submitting the final text.

A final careful check of a text for small surface errors such as typos, missing words, and punctuation slips. It is the last stage before a piece is considered finished.

The ability to speak smoothly at a reasonable pace with few long pauses, hesitations, or self-corrections. Fluency is judged separately from accuracy of grammar and vocabulary.

How clearly words are produced, including individual sounds, word stress, and intonation. Unclear pronunciation can block communication even when grammar and vocabulary are correct.

The rise and fall of the voice across a phrase, which signals questions, lists, or emphasis. It carries meaning that words alone may not express clearly.

The extra force given to a particular syllable in a word or to a particular word in a sentence. Wrong stress can make a familiar word hard for a listener to recognize.

A filler sound or word such as um, well, or you know used while thinking of what to say. Occasional use is natural, but frequent fillers reduce fluency scores.

The pattern of alternating between speaking and listening in a conversation. Good turn-taking means responding to your partner, not delivering a long monologue or interrupting constantly.

In speaking, the technique of explaining a word you cannot recall by describing it or using a simpler synonym. It keeps communication going and shows resourcefulness to the examiner.

A word or phrase that adds information about another word, such as an adjective before a noun or an adverb before a verb. Misplaced modifiers can make a sentence confusing.