Password Skills Plus key terms

Reading quickly to get the general idea of a text, often by looking at headings, first sentences and key words. You do this before reading closely.

Reading quickly to find specific information, such as a name, date or number, without reading every word in the text.

A conclusion you draw from clues in a text rather than from information stated directly. The answer is suggested by the writer's words but not written out.

The central point or message of a paragraph or whole text. It is often stated in a topic sentence but can also be implied.

To express the same meaning using different words, often with a different sentence structure. Exam questions frequently restate part of the text in this way.

A word or phrase that links ideas across sentences, such as 'however', 'therefore' or 'in addition'. These links help you follow the logic of a text.

A pronoun or phrase such as 'it', 'they' or 'this' that points back to something already mentioned. Understanding what it refers to is needed to follow meaning.

A word that has a similar meaning to another word. Questions often use a synonym instead of the exact word in the passage.

A task where you fill gaps in a short summary of a passage using words from the text or from a list. It tests close reading of specific information.

A task where you choose the best heading for each paragraph from a list. It tests your ability to identify the main idea of each paragraph.

An option or detail that sounds relevant but is wrong. It is included to test whether you can tell the correct answer from similar-sounding information.

Words and phrases a speaker uses to show the structure of a talk, such as 'firstly', 'moving on' or 'to sum up'. They help you predict what comes next.

Writing short key words and symbols while you listen so you can answer questions later. Good notes focus on main points, names, numbers and links between ideas.

The general meaning or main point of what a speaker says, understood without catching every detail. Questions may ask you to identify it.

Listening closely for specific facts, figures or instructions in a recording. It requires attention to exact wording rather than only the overall message.

A recording in which one person speaks for most or all of the time, such as a lecture or announcement. Listen for structure and signposting words.

A recording in which two or more people talk to each other. You need to follow who says what and how the speakers respond to each other.

The way pronunciation differs between groups of speakers. Test recordings may include different accents, so practise listening to a range of voices.

A question that gives several possible answers and asks you to choose the correct one. Read all options first and watch for distractors.

Using the question or the context to guess what kind of information you will hear, such as a number, name or place, before the recording starts.

How fully and relevantly you answer the writing question. It includes covering all parts of the prompt and developing your ideas with support.

The quality of being clear and logically organised, so a reader can follow your ideas from one point to the next. Paragraphing and ordering of ideas matter.

The way sentences and paragraphs are connected using linking words and reference. It makes a piece of writing flow smoothly rather than feel like separate sentences.

The range and accuracy of the vocabulary you use. A good score needs both common words used correctly and less common words used naturally.

How varied and correct your sentence structures are. It covers both simple and complex sentences and the number of errors that affect meaning.

A sentence, usually at the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. It guides the reader and helps keep the paragraph focused.

An example, reason, fact or explanation that develops a main point. It makes an argument more convincing and shows the reader what you mean.

The level of formality in language, such as formal, neutral or informal. Academic writing usually needs a formal register, avoiding slang and casual spoken phrases.

The number of words in your written answer. Writing far fewer words than the task requires can lower your score because your ideas may not be fully developed.

A set of reasons and evidence supporting a position. A clear argument states a view, explains why, and considers other sides.

Words often used in study and formal texts, such as 'analyse', 'significant' or 'factor'. Knowing them helps you understand reading passages and write in a formal style.

The question, statement or topic you are asked to respond to in a writing or speaking task. Read it carefully and make sure your answer addresses every part.

A group of sentences about one main point. A clear paragraph often starts with a topic sentence and is followed by supporting details.

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses and without too much repetition or self-correction. It does not mean speaking without any errors.

How clearly you produce sounds and words so a listener can understand you. It includes individual sounds, stress and intonation.

The rise and fall of your voice when speaking. It signals meaning, such as whether you are asking a question or showing surprise.

The way speakers share a conversation by knowing when to speak and when to listen. In a test, it means responding to the examiner and developing the exchange.

A longer answer that develops a point with reasons, examples or detail. It is more useful in a speaking test than a one-word or very short reply.

A short word or sound such as 'um' or 'well' used while you think. Occasional fillers are natural, but too many can make speech less fluent.

A pause or delay before or during speech, often because you are choosing words. Short pauses are normal; frequent or long ones can make speech sound less fluent.