Myanmar Matriculation English key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text rather than stated directly. You combine clues with your own knowledge to understand what the writer implies.

The central point that a paragraph or passage is about. It is often stated in a topic sentence but may be implied by the details.

A fact, example, reason, or statistic that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how.

A sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. The rest of the paragraph develops or supports it.

A meaning suggested indirectly by words or events without being plainly stated. Readers must infer it from context and tone.

The writer's attitude toward the subject or audience, shown through word choice and sentence style. It may be serious, humorous, critical, sympathetic, or neutral.

The feeling a text creates in the reader, such as suspense, sadness, or calm. It is produced by setting, description, and diction.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. For example, 'cheap' suggests poor quality while 'inexpensive' does not.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without emotional associations. It is the neutral core meaning that dictionaries record.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps you guess the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Examples include definitions, contrasts, and examples.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a particular context, such as 'begin' and 'start'.

A word that means the opposite of another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Antonyms are often used as context clues through contrast.

The quality of a text that makes it flow logically and clearly. Ideas are connected in a sensible order and linked with appropriate transitions.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked together through pronouns, repetition, and connecting words so the text reads as one unit.

A word or phrase that shows the relationship between ideas, such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'in addition'. It guides the reader through the argument.

The principle that every sentence in a paragraph should develop one central idea. Sentences that drift from the point weaken unity.

A sentence that presents the main argument or position of an essay. It usually appears at the end of the introduction and controls the whole essay.

The opening section of an essay that presents the topic, gives background, and states the thesis. Its purpose is to engage the reader and set direction.

The final section of an essay that restates the thesis, summarizes key points, and offers a final thought. It should not introduce new main ideas.

A sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. The rest of the paragraph develops or supports it.

A sentence structure in which the subject performs the action, as in 'The teacher marked the papers'. It is usually clearer and more direct than passive voice.

A sentence structure in which the subject receives the action, formed with 'be' plus a past participle, as in 'The papers were marked by the teacher'.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. A singular subject takes a singular verb; a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Keeping the same verb tense throughout a sentence or passage unless a change in time requires a different tense. Shifts confuse the reader.

A clause that describes a noun and begins with a relative pronoun such as who, which, or that. It can be defining or non-defining.

The relationship between a pronoun and the noun it replaces. Clear reference means the reader can easily identify the antecedent.

A sentence that expresses a condition and its result, usually with 'if'. Types include zero, first, second, and third conditional, each with different tense patterns.

The way we report what someone said without quoting directly, often changing pronouns and tenses, as in 'She said she was tired'.

The exact words a speaker used, enclosed in quotation marks, as in 'She said, "I am tired."'

A helping verb such as can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, or would. It expresses ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.

A word used before a noun to show whether it refers to something specific or general: 'a', 'an' (indefinite) and 'the' (definite).

A word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often indicating place, time, or direction, such as 'in', 'on', 'at', or 'by'.

The marks used in writing, such as full stops, commas, semicolons, and quotation marks, to separate ideas and clarify meaning.

The arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence. It includes simple, compound, and complex sentences and affects clarity and emphasis.

A group of words that contains a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause cannot.

To restate someone else's ideas in your own words while keeping the meaning. It is used in summaries and to avoid direct quotation.

A brief statement of the main points of a text, written in your own words and much shorter than the original.

A letter written for official or business purposes, using polite language, a clear structure, and standard conventions such as salutation and closing.

A personal letter to a friend or relative, using relaxed language, contractions, and a conversational tone.

The level of formality in language chosen for a particular audience and situation, ranging from casual conversation to academic writing.