NSSCAS English Second Language 8202 flashcards

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

Distractor correction signal

In listening, an early answer is often replaced. Words such as actually, sorry, or I meant signal that the corrected value, not the first one heard, is the answer to write.

Question-order rule

In most listening and reading tasks, answers appear in the same order as the questions. If you hear the answer to question 5, mark question 4 and move on.

Word limit in note completion

Instructions such as NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS set a hard limit. Articles, numbers and hyphenated compounds each count, and exceeding the limit scores zero even if correct.

Spelling-out cue

Names, streets and unusual words are usually spelled letter by letter on recordings. Copy each letter as given rather than guessing a familiar spelling.

Signpost words in lectures

Expressions such as firstly, however, the main reason and to sum up mark the structure of a talk and often sit immediately before the next answer.

Tone-based inference

When the answer is not stated directly, use stress and intonation. A rising tone or hesitation often signals doubt, polite refusal or disagreement rather than agreement.

Three-part spoken answer

A strong discussion answer gives a direct response, a reason, and a brief example or contrast. This shows range and keeps the answer extended without rambling.

Circumlocution strategy

When a word is missing, describe it: it's a kind of…, the thing you use to… This keeps communication going and is credited as a speaking strategy.

Word stress shift

Stress moves with word families: PHOtograph, phoTOgrapher, photoGRAPHic. Misplacing stress reduces pronunciation marks even when individual sounds are correct.

Back-channelling

Brief sounds such as mm, right and I see show active listening in paired tasks. They keep the exchange going without taking over the turn.

Polite interruption formula

Sorry, could I just say… or Can I come in here? allows a candidate to enter a group discussion without losing marks for aggressive interruption.

Prompt coverage rule

In picture- or prompt-based speaking tasks, every bullet point must be addressed. An unanswered prompt point limits the content mark regardless of fluency.

Skimming before close reading

Read headings, first lines and the final paragraph first to establish topic, purpose and stance. This makes locating detailed answers faster and more accurate.

False versus Not Given

False means the text contradicts the statement. Not Given means the text is silent on it. Absence of evidence is never treated as denial.

Own-words requirement

Items marked in your own words reject lifted phrases. Change word class or sentence structure, for example they decided becomes their decision, while keeping the meaning.

Context clue types

Meaning of an unfamiliar word is signalled by a definition, an example, a contrast or a cause-effect link in nearby sentences, not by its most common dictionary sense.

Heading versus keyword trap

A heading must capture the whole paragraph's main idea. A heading that repeats one frequent keyword is usually the distractor, not the answer.

Gap grammar check

Before writing a summary-completion answer, decide whether the gap needs a noun, verb or adjective, then check that the chosen word fits the surrounding grammar.

Directed writing format signals

Format is marked: letters need salutation and sign-off, reports need headings, speeches need direct address to the audience, articles may need a headline.

Register matching

Formal tasks avoid contractions and slang; articles and speeches may use rhetorical questions and direct address. Register must match the stated audience and purpose.

Source-material handling

When notes or a text are supplied for directed writing, select, reorganise and develop them. Copying the given wording verbatim earns no credit for content.

Paragraph unity rule

Each paragraph carries one controlling idea, opened by a topic sentence and closed with a link or consequence. This prevents the middle of an essay from sagging.

Counter-argument paragraph

In argumentative writing, one paragraph presents the opposing view and refutes it. The conclusion then restates the position without introducing new evidence.

Sentence variety for emphasis

A short sentence placed after two long ones creates emphasis. Varying length and opening structure raises marks for style and structure.

Subject-verb agreement traps

The number of students is singular; a number of students is plural. Each, every and neither take singular verbs despite nearby plural nouns.

Backshift after reporting verb

After a past reporting verb, tenses move back: He said he was leaving. In unreal if-clauses use were and would, never was and will.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined only by a comma form a comma splice. Repair it with a full stop, a semicolon or a coordinating conjunction.

Apostrophe placement

Singular possession puts the apostrophe before s (the girl's bag); plural possession puts it after (the girls' bags). Its without an apostrophe is possessive.

Countable versus uncountable

Fewer goes with countable nouns (fewer cars); less goes with uncountable nouns (less traffic). This distinction is regularly tested in editing tasks.

Connector meanings

However contrasts, therefore concludes, moreover adds, whereas contrasts inside one sentence. Choosing the wrong connector changes the logic of the sentence.

Summary selection test

A point is main if removing it changes the meaning of the whole passage. Examples, repetition and figurative language are dropped to meet the word limit.

Information transfer column fit

Each cell must match its column heading in word class and type: a date column takes a date, a reason column takes a clause, and nothing absent from the source is added.