VWO Engels flashcards

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

Skimming versus scanning

Skimming means reading quickly for the main idea, using titles, openings, and conclusions. Scanning means searching a text for one specific piece of information, such as a name or number.

Signal words contrast

Words such as however, yet, although, and whereas announce a contrast with the previous statement. They usually mark where an author rejects or qualifies an earlier claim.

Antecedent of a reference word

The antecedent is the word or phrase that a pronoun or demonstrative refers back to. Test each candidate by substituting it into the sentence to check grammar and meaning.

Function of a paragraph

A paragraph can introduce, illustrate, contrast, conclude, or refute. Determining its function requires comparing its content with the preceding and following paragraphs.

Distractor based on verbatim wording

A wrong answer option that repeats exact words from the text but changes the logical relation, such as swapping cause and effect or dropping a condition.

Hedging in argumentative texts

Hedging uses modal verbs and adverbs (may, could, arguably, to some extent) to weaken a claim. It signals caution rather than certainty and affects tone questions.

Summary gap-fill constraints

In gap-fill summaries the inserted word must satisfy two conditions: it must match the passage's meaning and fit the grammatical slot in tense, number, and word class.

Chronological question order

In listening exams, questions normally follow the order of the recording. A missed item should be abandoned so attention stays on the upcoming segment.

Hedged numbers in audio

Speakers often revise figures with words like actually, or rather, or about. The final corrected number, not the first one heard, is usually the intended answer.

Weak forms in English speech

Unstressed function words reduce to a schwa sound, so 'can', 'of', and 'to' sound different from their dictionary forms. Recognising weak forms improves listening accuracy.

Intonation and speaker attitude

Rising or falling pitch, stress placement, and irony markers convey agreement, doubt, or sarcasm. Attitude questions often depend on these cues rather than on vocabulary alone.

Global versus detail questions

Global questions ask for the main idea or purpose and are answered from openings and conclusions. Detail questions require a specific fact, reason, or figure from one passage segment.

Visual context in video items

In viewing tasks, images, captions, and on-screen text can carry part of the message. Occasionally the visuals contradict the spoken words, and the question tests that mismatch.

Note-taking abbreviations

Efficient listening notes use symbols, arrows, and shortened words. Writing full sentences during playback consumes time and causes later information to be missed.

Accent variation in listening tests

Recordings may feature British, American, Australian, or other accents. Familiarity with vowel differences and connected speech matters more than expecting one standard pronunciation.

Formal email salutation

A formal English email opens with Dear Mr, Ms, or Dr plus surname, or Dear Sir/Madam when the name is unknown, and closes with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.

Cohesive devices in writing

Conjunctions and linking adverbs (however, moreover, as a result, whereas) connect ideas explicitly. Varied and accurate use raises the coherence and vocabulary scores.

Sentence variety

A strong text mixes simple, compound, and complex sentences. Subordinate clauses with although, because, while, or which demonstrate syntactic range to the marker.

Content points in writing tasks

VWO writing prompts list required content points. Every point must be addressed explicitly, because omissions reduce the content score even when the language is accurate.

Defining versus non-defining clauses

A defining relative clause carries essential information and takes no comma. A non-defining clause adds extra information and is set off by commas.

Dutch-English false friends

Words like 'actual' (current, not actual), 'since' (because), and 'learn' (teach) cause errors. Checking these during proofreading removes frequent interference mistakes.

Subject-verb agreement check

The verb agrees with its subject in number and person. Third-person singular present tense adds -s, and compound subjects joined by 'and' take a plural verb.

Word count tolerance

Writing tasks set minimum and maximum lengths. Staying slightly above the minimum is safe, while exceeding the maximum can cost marks or be disregarded by the marker.

Turn-taking strategies

Phrases such as 'May I add something?' or 'Could I come back to that?' manage the conversation. They demonstrate interactive competence in the oral assessment.

Paraphrasing when a word is missing

When the exact English word is unavailable, describe the concept instead of switching to Dutch. Circumlocution preserves fluency and keeps the interaction in the target language.

Word stress shift

Stress can move between related word forms, as in PHOtograph, phoTOgraphy, and photoGRAPHic. Correct stress placement strongly affects intelligibility in oral exams.

Do-support in questions

English present and past simple questions use do, does, or did plus the base verb. Dutch speakers often omit this auxiliary, producing errors such as 'What means this word?'.

Politeness in disagreement

Disagreeing politely uses softeners: 'I see your point, but...', 'I'm not sure I agree', or 'That may be true, although...'. Direct contradiction can lower the interaction score.

Signposting a monologue

A structured spoken text announces its topic, presents two or three main points with examples, and states an explicit conclusion. Listeners follow signposted speech more easily.

Narrative perspective

Perspective describes who tells the story: first or third person, omniscient or limited. It shapes what the reader can know and how reliable the account appears.

Enjambment in poetry

Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence across a line break without punctuation. It creates momentum and can shift emphasis onto the first word of the next line.

Thesis with textual evidence

A literary argument states an interpretive claim and supports it with short quotations plus analysis of how form, diction, and structure produce meaning.