NSSCAS English Second Language 8202 key terms

A conclusion drawn from clues in a text or recording rather than from a statement made directly. Listeners and readers combine evidence with background knowledge to work out meaning that is implied but not spoken.

The main point or overall sense of a spoken or written text, as distinct from its supporting details. Identifying gist means being able to say briefly what the whole passage is about.

An answer option or detail that seems correct but is not supported by the text or recording. Distractors often repeat words from the passage while changing the meaning or the relationship between facts.

A word or phrase that signals the direction of an argument or talk, such as however, therefore, firstly or in conclusion. Noticing signposts helps a listener predict what comes next and follow structure.

Recording the key points of speech or reading in shortened form while listening or reading. Effective notes use abbreviations, symbols and layout rather than full sentences, so attention is not lost.

Expressing the same meaning with different words and sentence structure. In comprehension tasks the correct answer is often a paraphrase of the recording or text, not a word-for-word copy.

The level of formality in language, chosen to suit the audience and situation. Formal register suits reports and official letters; informal register suits friends and personal messages.

The intended readers or listeners of a piece of communication. Knowing the audience determines choices of vocabulary, register, amount of explanation and overall tone.

The reason a writer or speaker produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, instruct or complain. Identifying purpose guides both how a text is read and how a response should be written.

The attitude of a writer or speaker towards the subject, shown through word choice and sentence style. Tone may be critical, sympathetic, amused, neutral or ironic.

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, usually placed near its beginning. It controls the paragraph and tells the reader what the rest of the sentences will develop.

A single sentence in an essay that states the central claim or position the writer will defend. It usually appears in the introduction and shapes the structure of the whole piece.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole. Cohesion is created by pronouns, repeated key words, conjunctions and other linking devices.

A word or phrase that connects ideas across sentences, such as furthermore, in contrast, as a result or on the other hand. Correct use shows the logical relationship between points.

The associations or emotional colouring a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'thrifty' suggests approval while 'stingy' suggests disapproval, although both concern spending.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without emotional associations. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps a candidate choose words that fit the intended tone.

A word with a meaning close to that of another word in the same language. Few synonyms are fully interchangeable, so register and connotation must be checked before substituting one for another.

A habitual pairing of words that native users expect together, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Choosing the wrong partner word makes writing sound unnatural even when grammar is correct.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'break the ice' or 'a blessing in disguise'. Idioms are usually informal and should be used sparingly in formal writing.

Characteristic of ordinary conversation rather than formal writing, including slang and relaxed contractions. Colloquial expressions suit informal letters and dialogue but weaken formal reports.

A shortened account that keeps the main ideas of a text and leaves out examples and repetition. A good summary is written in the summariser's own words and stays within any word limit set.

Moving information from one form into another, such as from a passage into a table, chart, flow diagram or set of notes. Accuracy matters more than style, and every heading must be matched correctly.

A shortened form of a word or phrase, such as 'e.g.', 'approx.' or 'govt'. Abbreviations save time in personal notes but must be written out in full in formal compositions.

Reading quickly to gain the general sense of a text, for example by looking at headings, first sentences and key words. It is used before detailed reading to decide what matters.

Running the eyes over a text to locate a specific piece of information, such as a date, name or figure, without reading every word. It is the fastest strategy for answering detail questions.

A word or phrase that organises speech or writing and shows how ideas relate, such as 'well', 'by the way', 'to sum up' or 'on the contrary'. Markers guide listeners through a talk.

Meaning suggested indirectly rather than stated openly, often through word choice, emphasis or what is left unsaid. Questions on implied meaning require evidence from the text, not personal opinion.

A line of reasoning supported by evidence and developed towards a conclusion. A strong argument in an essay anticipates counter-arguments and answers them rather than simply asserting a view.

Facts, examples, statistics or quotations used to support a claim. In directed writing, evidence should be relevant to the task and attributed where the source requires it.

A group of sentences developing one main idea, marked by indentation or a line space. Clear paragraphing signals the structure of a piece and helps the reader follow the writer's plan.

The marks used to separate and clarify written language, including full stops, commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes and quotation marks. Correct punctuation controls meaning and rhythm in writing.

The mark used either to show possession, as in 'the teacher's desk', or to replace omitted letters in contractions, as in 'don't'. It is never used to form an ordinary plural.

A shortened word form in which an apostrophe replaces missing letters, such as 'it's', 'they're' or 'we've'. Contractions suit informal writing and speech but are usually avoided in formal reports.

A common error in which two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, as in 'The bus was late, we missed the film'. It is corrected with a full stop, semicolon or conjunction.

A group of words containing a subject and a finite verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence; a dependent clause cannot and must be attached to a main clause.

A word that joins words, phrases or clauses, such as 'and', 'but', 'because' or 'although'. Choosing the right conjunction shows the logical link between ideas.

A change from one subject to another during a conversation or talk, often signalled by a phrase such as 'moving on' or 'that reminds me'. Recognising shifts helps listeners track which question is being answered.