UNAM Mature Age Entry key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated directly. Readers combine clues with background knowledge to reach a reasonable, defensible meaning the author implies but does not spell out.

The central point a passage is built around, usually expressible in one sentence. Supporting details, examples, and explanations all serve to develop or defend it.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea. The remaining sentences support, illustrate, or qualify it.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and phrasing. It may be critical, sympathetic, ironic, neutral, or humorous, and is distinct from the reader's own reaction.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Choosing 'thrifty' rather than 'stingy' signals approval, so connotation shapes tone and persuasion.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, stripped of emotional colouring. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps candidates answer vocabulary-in-context questions accurately.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a unified whole. It is achieved through pronouns, repeated key words, and connectors such as 'however' or 'therefore'.

The logical organisation of ideas so the reader can follow the argument from point to point. A coherent text has a clear order and no unexplained jumps in reasoning.

A word or phrase that signals the relationship between ideas, such as addition ('moreover'), contrast ('nevertheless'), cause ('consequently'), or example ('for instance'). Recognising its function is essential in cloze and summary questions.

A brief restatement of a text's essential points in the reader's own words, omitting examples and repetition. A good summary preserves the author's emphasis and contains no personal opinion.

Rewording a passage's meaning using different vocabulary and sentence structure while keeping the original sense. It tests whether a candidate understands rather than merely recognises wording.

A word with a meaning close to another, though rarely identical in use or connotation. Synonym questions reward attention to context rather than simple substitution.

A word opposite in meaning to another, such as 'scarce' and 'abundant'. Antonym items often hinge on prefixes and on the precise sense intended in context.

A meaningful element attached to the front of a word to change its sense, as in 'mis-' (wrongly) or 'anti-' (against). Knowing common prefixes helps candidates decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

An element added to the end of a word to alter its meaning or grammatical class, for example '-less' (without) or '-tion' (forming a noun). It often signals whether a blank needs a noun, verb, or adjective.

Agreement between parts of a sentence, especially subject and verb in number and person. Errors such as 'the list of items were long' are concord faults tested in grammar sections.

Marks such as commas, semicolons, colons, and apostrophes that clarify structure and meaning. Correct use prevents ambiguity, for example distinguishing a restrictive clause from extra information.

The level of formality appropriate to a situation, ranging from casual speech to academic prose. A formal report avoids slang, while an informal letter may use contractions.

An expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'to break the ice'. Idioms must be learned as fixed units and often appear in usage questions.

The habitual pairing of words that native users expect together, such as 'heavy rain' rather than 'strong rain'. Choosing the natural partner is tested in vocabulary and cloze items.

The body of government with power to make, amend, and repeal laws, such as a parliament or national assembly. Its members are usually elected and debate proposed bills before voting.

The branch of government that implements laws and directs day-to-day administration, headed in most states by a president or prime minister and cabinet. It also conducts foreign policy and commands the armed forces.

The branch of government that interprets laws and settles disputes through courts. Its independence, secured by tenure and salary protections, is central to the rule of law.

The fundamental set of rules establishing a state's institutions, powers, and citizens' rights. It normally ranks above ordinary legislation, which courts may strike down if inconsistent with it.

The principle that everyone, including officials, is subject to publicly known law applied equally and impartially. It contrasts with arbitrary rule by decree or personal favour.

Supreme authority within a territory, exercised by a state independently of external control. In democratic theory the people are the ultimate source of that authority.

A sustained rise in the general price level, which reduces the purchasing power of money. It is commonly measured by changes in a consumer price index over twelve months.

The total market value of goods and services produced within a country in a period, usually a year. It is a standard though imperfect measure of economic size and activity.

The percentage charged for borrowing money or paid for savings, set by central banks and commercial lenders. Raising it typically cools borrowing and can slow inflation.

Energy from sources naturally replenished within a human lifetime, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat. It contrasts with finite fossil fuels whose burning releases greenhouse gases.

The trapping of heat near Earth's surface by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Human emissions intensify it, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity in policy decisions.

A comparison of two quantities by division, showing how many times one contains the other. Ratios can be written with a colon, as a fraction, or in words and are scaled by multiplying both parts.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, used to solve for an unknown quantity. Cross-multiplication converts a proportion into a simple linear equation.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, useful for comparing quantities of different sizes. To find a percentage of an amount, multiply by the rate and divide by one hundred.

A single value summarising a set of numbers, most often the arithmetic mean found by dividing the total by the count. It is sensitive to unusually large or small values.

A measure between zero and one of how likely an event is, calculated as favourable outcomes divided by all equally likely outcomes. Probabilities of all possible outcomes sum to one.

A statement that two expressions are equal, containing one or more unknowns to be solved for. The same operation applied to both sides preserves the equality.

Reading values, trends, and comparisons from tables, charts, or graphs to answer questions. It requires careful attention to units, scales, and labels rather than calculation alone.

Drawing valid conclusions from given statements by applying rules of deduction and spotting invalid patterns. In aptitude tests it usually involves syllogisms, sequences, and conditional statements.

Examining claims and arguments for evidence, assumptions, and consistency before accepting them. It includes identifying bias, distinguishing correlation from cause, and evaluating the strength of reasons.

A comparison identifying a relationship between one pair of items and applying the same relationship to another pair. It tests recognition of patterns such as part-to-whole or cause-to-effect.