PEIC A1 key terms

A word or short phrase you say when you meet someone, such as hello, good morning, or nice to meet you. Greetings open a conversation politely.

The first part of a conversation or talk where people say who they are, often giving their name, job, or where they come from so others know them.

Basic facts about you such as your name, age, address, phone number, and job. You often give these details when filling in forms or meeting new people.

Saying or writing the letters of a word in the correct order. In listening tests you often hear a name spelled letter by letter and must write it correctly.

A word or figure showing quantity, such as one, twenty, or a hundred. You hear numbers in prices, times, phone numbers, and addresses and must write them accurately.

The amount of money you must pay for something. In listening tasks you often hear a price and choose or write the correct figure, including currency words like pounds or dollars.

The hour and minute when something happens, such as half past three or a quarter to nine. You need to understand both digital and spoken clock times.

The day, month, and sometimes year when something happens, such as the third of May. You hear dates in bookings and appointments and must note them correctly.

A sentence telling you what to do in a task, such as choose the correct answer or write one word. Reading instructions carefully stops you losing marks.

A question type where you pick the right answer from two or more options, usually A, B, or C. Only one option is correct.

One of the possible answers you can choose in a multiple-choice question. You must compare the options and select the one that matches the text or recording.

A wrong answer that sounds or looks similar to the correct one. It is placed in a test to trick you, so you must check the details carefully.

An important word in a question that helps you find the answer in a text or recording. Underlining keywords before you listen or read saves time.

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a name, date, or number, without reading every word. It is useful for forms and timetables.

Reading a text quickly to get the general idea or topic without stopping on details. You use it first, then read more slowly for specific answers.

The most important point a text or talk is about. Understanding it helps you answer questions about the topic or purpose of a passage.

A small piece of specific information in a text or recording, such as a name, place, or number. Many test questions ask you to find a particular detail.

A document with spaces or boxes where you write information such as your name, address, and date of birth. You often complete forms in listening and reading tasks.

A task where you fill missing words into notes or a summary while listening or reading. The missing words usually come directly from the text.

An exercise with sentences or a text where some words are missing and you must write them in. You usually need the exact word from the recording or passage.

The maximum number of words you may write in an answer, often shown as no more than two words. Writing too many words can mean your answer is marked wrong.

A question type where you decide if a statement matches the text or not. Sometimes there is a third choice, not given, when the text says nothing about it.

A task where you connect items from two lists, for example speakers to topics or words to pictures. You draw lines or write letters next to each item.

One part of the exam with its own instructions and questions, such as a listening section or a short writing exercise. Each task tests a particular skill.

A short spoken or written message giving information to many people, such as a train delay or a shop closing early. Listening tests often include announcements.

A short piece of information sent from one person to another, by phone, note, or email. You may need to understand who sent it and what they want.

A recorded spoken message left when someone does not answer the phone. In listening tasks you hear the recording and answer questions about the caller and the reason for calling.

A conversation or call between two people. Listening tasks often use phone dialogues where you must catch names, numbers, and times.

Buying things in a shop or online. Listening and reading texts often use shopping situations where you hear prices, sizes, and quantities.

An arrangement made in advance for a hotel room, table, ticket, or appointment. You often need to note the date, time, and name for a booking.

Words telling you how to get somewhere, such as turn left, go straight, or take the second road. Listening tasks often ask you to follow a route on a simple map.

A drawing of an area showing roads, buildings, or places. In listening tests you may follow spoken directions and mark or choose a location on the map.

Friendly, informal conversation about simple topics like weather, family, or weekend plans. It helps you start a speaking test comfortably and keep talking.

The subject being talked or written about, such as hobbies, travel, or work. In speaking you are often given a topic and asked questions about it.

The way you say words, including sounds and stress. Clear pronunciation helps the examiner understand you, even if your grammar is simple.

The extra force you put on one part of a word or sentence. Correct stress makes your speaking easier to understand and can change a word's meaning.

The rise and fall of your voice when you speak. It shows questions, feelings, and emphasis, and helps you sound natural in a speaking test.

The ability to speak without long pauses or too much stopping to search for words. You build it by practising short answers on familiar topics.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a space or a new line. Good writing is organised into clear paragraphs.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the main point of that paragraph. It guides the reader and keeps your writing organised.

A word such as and, but, because, or however that joins ideas and shows the relationship between them. Linking words make writing smoother and clearer.

A group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete idea. Correct sentences are the basic building blocks of clear writing.

The marks used in writing, such as full stops, commas, and question marks, that show where sentences and ideas begin and end.

The large form of a letter used at the start of a sentence and for names of people, places, and days. Using capitals correctly is part of accurate writing.

Writing down words exactly as someone says them. It tests listening and spelling together and is common in basic English exams.

A brief reply of one or a few words, often used in listening and reading tasks. You must answer the question directly without extra words.

A written message sent electronically. Writing tasks often ask you to write a short email with a greeting, a clear message, and a closing.

Writing or speaking that tells what someone or something is like, using details about appearance, place, or feelings. It is a common speaking and writing task.