OGET (OK174) flashcards

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

Main idea

The central point that covers the entire passage or recording. A correct main-idea option must be broad enough to include all parts and specific enough to exclude topics the source never addresses.

Supporting detail

A specific fact, example, or statistic that backs up a larger claim. Detail questions ask you to locate exactly what the source states, not what seems reasonable.

Valid inference

A conclusion that must follow from stated evidence. If an option is only plausible or likely, it is not supported; the text must force the conclusion logically.

Speaker's purpose

The reason a speaker communicates, usually expressed as an infinitive: to persuade, to inform, to request, to warn, to clarify. Purpose differs from tone, which is the attitude conveyed.

Tone versus purpose

Tone is the speaker's attitude, described by adjectives such as neutral, sarcastic, or cautious. Purpose is the intended effect, described by a verb phrase such as to criticize or to entertain.

Paraphrase distractor rule

Wrong options often repeat exact words from the audio while reversing the logic. The correct answer usually paraphrases the source and preserves the original relationship between ideas.

Qualifier traps

Words such as approximately, except, not until, and only change what a detail question is asking. Missing a qualifier is the most common cause of error on numeric or named details.

Two-speaker resolution

When speakers disagree, the tested point is often the resolution or the reason for disagreement, not either speaker's opening statement. Track who says what and how it is settled.

Vocabulary in context

Substitute each option into the original sentence and keep the one that preserves the passage's logic. The most common dictionary sense is frequently the wrong choice.

Except and not questions

Three options are supported by the passage and one is not. Verify each option against a specific line; the odd one out is the answer, even if it sounds generally true.

Author's purpose verbs

Purpose is expressed as a verb phrase: to explain, to compare, to criticize, to persuade. Match the verb to the passage's dominant function, not to a single sentence.

Structural signal words

However and but signal contrast; therefore and thus signal conclusion; for example signals illustration; first and then signal sequence. These words reveal the passage's organization.

Pronoun antecedent

The noun a pronoun or 'this' refers to. Locate the nearest grammatically compatible noun; if two candidates exist, the reference is ambiguous and a revision naming the noun is needed.

Necessary versus plausible

A reading inference must be necessary, meaning the text forces it. An option that is merely plausible or likely is incorrect unless the passage provides direct support.

Scope of main idea

A main-idea option must cover all paragraphs yet exclude material the passage never discusses. Too narrow equals a detail; too broad equals an unsupported generalization.

Reading question types

Main idea, supporting detail, inference, vocabulary in context, author's purpose, and organization or structure. Identify the type from the stem before evaluating answer choices.

Conciseness rule

Prefer the shortest option that preserves meaning. Redundancy such as 'return back', 'past history', or 'combine together' is always incorrect in revision items.

Dangling modifier

A sentence opening with a participial phrase requires the subject to be the actor. 'Walking to school, the rain began' is wrong because the rain was not walking.

Comma splice

Two independent clauses joined by a comma alone. Repair with a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction such as 'and' or 'but'.

Subject-verb agreement

The verb agrees with the true subject, ignoring prepositional phrases between them. In 'the box of tools is heavy', the subject is 'box', so the verb is singular.

Parallel structure

Items in a list or comparison must share grammatical form: all infinitives, all gerunds, or all noun phrases. Mixed forms break parallelism and mark a wrong answer.

Transition logic

However signals contrast, therefore signals result, for instance signals example, meanwhile signals simultaneity. The transition must match the logical relationship between the clauses.

Sentence combining

Merging short sentences into one should preserve all original meaning while removing repetition. The best combined sentence keeps every key idea and uses a clear connector.

Ambiguous pronoun reference

A pronoun is ambiguous when two preceding nouns could be its antecedent. The correct revision replaces the pronoun with the specific noun.

Writing item categories

Revision items test clarity, conciseness, sentence combining, transitions, agreement, punctuation, and modifier placement. Name the category to predict the error type.

Speaking scoring criteria

Constructed responses are scored on topic development, delivery (fluency, pronunciation, intonation), and language use (grammar and vocabulary). All three contribute to the final score.

Response structure

State a position, support it with one or two specific reasons or examples, then close with a brief wrap-up. This structure satisfies topic development within the time limit.

Fluency and fillers

Vocalized fillers such as 'um' and long hesitations lower fluency scores. A brief silent pause is preferable to a filler sound while planning the next clause.

Intonation patterns

Yes/no questions typically rise at the end; statements and wh-questions typically fall. Contrastive stress lands on the word being emphasized.

Final consonant endings

Word-final sounds such as -s, -ed, and -t/-d carry grammatical meaning. Dropping or devoicing them changes tense or number and lowers pronunciation scores.

Speaking time management

Plan in the first few seconds, develop the middle with examples, and conclude in the final seconds. An unfinished response loses points even if the delivered portion is fluent.

Accuracy over complexity

A correctly formed simple sentence outscores a broken complex one. Prioritize grammatical accuracy and clear vocabulary over elaborate structures that introduce errors.