OGET (OK174) key terms

Understanding information stated directly in a text or recording, such as names, dates, or explicit facts, without needing to infer anything beyond what the words plainly say.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text or speech rather than stated outright. The reader or listener combines clues with background knowledge to reach a reasonable, defensible meaning.

The central point a passage or talk is built around, usually expressible in one sentence. Supporting details explain, illustrate, or prove it; distractors are details rather than the point itself.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason that explains, illustrates, or strengthens the main idea. Questions often ask which detail is stated or which one does NOT belong.

A brief restatement of a passage's key points in your own words, omitting minor details. A strong summary covers the whole passage rather than one section and adds no outside opinion.

Restating a source's meaning in different words while keeping the original sense. Good paraphrasing changes vocabulary and sentence structure but preserves the author's point accurately.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause-effect relationship, that helps you work out the word's meaning while reading.

Determining what a word means from how it is used in a specific sentence or passage, since many words carry several senses and only one fits the surrounding ideas.

The reason a writer produced a text: to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain a process. Purpose shapes tone, structure, and which details the writer chooses to include.

The writer's or speaker's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and phrasing, for example critical, humorous, nostalgic, or objective. Tone differs from the reader's reaction.

The perspective from which a text is told, such as first person (I), second person (you), or third person (he, she, they). It also covers an author's stance on an issue.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. Calling something 'cheap' versus 'affordable' describes the same price with different connotations.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from the feelings or associations it may evoke. Denotation is the neutral core that connotation colors.

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that signals how ideas connect, showing contrast, cause, sequence, or emphasis between sentences and paragraphs.

The structure a passage follows, such as chronological order, comparison-contrast, cause-effect, problem-solution, or description. Recognizing it helps you predict where information is likely to appear.

Distinguishing statements that can be verified with evidence from statements expressing beliefs, judgments, or feelings. Words like 'should,' 'best,' and 'beautiful' often signal opinion.

A slant or preference that leads a writer to present information unfairly, omitting contrary evidence or loading language. Detecting bias helps you judge how much to trust a source.

Deliberately focusing on a speaker, filtering distractions, and monitoring your own understanding so you can retain key points and respond appropriately rather than merely hearing sound.

Recording key points, names, numbers, and relationships while listening or reading, using abbreviations, symbols, and outlines so information can be reviewed and used later.

A spoken signal that organizes a talk, such as 'first,' 'in contrast,' or 'to summarize.' Cues tell listeners what is coming and which points matter most.

The goal behind a spoken message, such as informing, persuading, or instructing an audience. Identifying it helps you judge which details are central and how to evaluate the claims.

Attending closely for specific facts in speech, such as figures, names, dates, or directions, often because a question will ask you to recall or apply that exact information.

An answer choice or detail that sounds relevant but does not correctly answer the question, often because it is true but off-topic, partly wrong, or too extreme.

A sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the central claim and often previews the organization. Everything else in the essay should support or develop it.

The sentence that introduces the controlling idea of a paragraph, usually placed first. It tells readers what the paragraph will cover and links back to the essay's thesis.

The quality that makes writing flow logically, with ideas connected clearly and arranged so each sentence builds on the previous one. Transitions and consistent focus create coherence.

The quality of a paragraph or essay in which every sentence supports the central idea, with no stray material that belongs elsewhere or belongs in a different piece of writing.

A plan that lists main points and supporting details in hierarchical order before drafting. It exposes gaps, prevents repetition, and keeps a long piece organized around its thesis.

Producing a complete early version of a piece of writing to get ideas down in order. Drafts are expected to be imperfect and are improved later through revision and editing.

Reworking a draft's content and structure, such as sharpening the thesis, reorganizing paragraphs, adding evidence, or cutting irrelevant material. Revision is more than fixing surface errors.

Correcting a draft at the sentence level: grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and word choice. Editing follows revision, once the content and organization are settled.

A final careful pass to catch remaining typos, missing words, and punctuation slips before submitting. It is the last step, not a substitute for revising and editing.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person: singular subjects take singular verbs, plural subjects take plural verbs, even when words intervene between them.

The requirement that a pronoun match the number and gender of the noun it refers to, as in 'each student must bring his or her book' rather than 'their book.'

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. It can be fixed with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus coordinating conjunction.

Joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Correct it by adding a coordinating conjunction, replacing the comma with a semicolon or period, or restructuring the sentence.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but lacking a subject, a complete verb, or an independent clause. Fragments must be completed or joined to a nearby sentence.

Shaping content, tone, and level of detail to fit who will read or hear the message. Writing for a specialist differs sharply from writing for a general reader.

Speaking smoothly and at a natural pace with few long pauses or false starts, so listeners can follow without strain. Fluency is not the same as perfect grammar.

How clearly a speaker produces sounds, syllables, and word stress so listeners can identify words. Unclear pronunciation can block communication even when grammar is correct.

The speed and rhythm of speech. Speaking too fast blurs words and overwhelms listeners; too slow loses attention. Effective speakers vary pace to emphasize key points.