PEIC B1 key terms

The main general meaning or point of a spoken or written text, without the small details. Listeners and readers often identify gist first, then look for specific information.

Particular facts inside a text, such as names, times, prices or places. Exam tasks often ask you to find these while ignoring other content around them.

Reading quickly to get the general idea of a text. You look at titles, first sentences and key words rather than reading every word carefully.

Looking through a text quickly to find one piece of information, such as a date or a name, without reading everything in order.

Understanding something that the speaker or writer suggests but does not state directly. You use clues in the text plus your own knowledge to reach the meaning.

The words and situation around a phrase that help you understand it. Context can show whether a word is positive or negative, formal or informal.

A pair or group of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as 'make a decision' or 'heavy rain'. Learning whole combinations sounds more natural than translating word by word.

A verb combined with a small word such as up, off or on, which changes or adds to the meaning, for example 'give up' or 'look after'. These are very common in everyday English.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the single words, such as 'break the ice' or 'under the weather'. Idioms are common in informal speech.

The level of formality in language, from very casual to very formal. Choosing the right register matters in emails, letters and speaking tasks.

Language used in serious or official situations, such as reports, applications or business letters. It avoids slang, contractions and very personal expressions.

Words and phrases such as 'however', 'because' or 'in addition' that connect ideas and show relationships. They help writing and speech flow clearly.

The way sentences and paragraphs are connected so a text feels like one piece. Pronouns, repeated words and linking words all create cohesion.

A group of sentences about one main idea, usually starting on a new line. Good paragraphs have a topic sentence and supporting details.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the main idea. It tells the reader what the rest of the paragraph will be about.

The subject being discussed or written about, such as 'holidays' or 'transport'. In speaking exams you are often given a topic and some prompt words.

A short instruction, question or set of words that tells you what to talk or write about. Prompts help you organise your answer in exam tasks.

A card given in a speaking test with a topic and points to cover, plus a short preparation time. You use it to plan a short talk.

A long turn where one person speaks alone without interruption, often for one or two minutes in a speaking exam. It should be organised and easy to follow.

The way speakers share a conversation, taking turns to speak and letting others finish. Good turn-taking means not interrupting too much and responding to your partner.

Two-way communication where speakers respond to each other, ask questions and react. In speaking exams, interaction with the examiner or partner is often assessed.

The ability to speak smoothly at a reasonable speed without too many long pauses. Fluency does not mean perfect grammar; it means keeping communication going.

How clearly words are said, including sounds, stress and intonation. Clear pronunciation helps the listener understand you, even if you make small mistakes.

The extra force given to one syllable in a word or one word in a sentence. Correct stress helps listeners recognise words and understand the message.

The rise and fall of the voice when speaking. Intonation can show questions, feelings or the end of an idea.

To say or write the same idea using different words. Paraphrasing is useful when you do not know a word or when answering questions in your own words.

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word, such as 'big' and 'large'. Recognising synonyms helps in reading and listening tasks.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Antonyms are often used in matching and vocabulary exercises.

A task where you choose the correct answer from several options, usually A, B or C. Read all options before deciding and check why the others are wrong.

An incorrect option in a multiple-choice task that looks possible but is wrong. Distractors often repeat words from the text to trick you.

A task where you complete sentences or a text by writing missing words in blank spaces. The missing word must fit both the grammar and the meaning.

Changing a word's form, for example from 'happy' to 'happiness' or 'decide' to 'decision', to fit a sentence. It tests knowledge of prefixes, suffixes and word families.

Letters added to the front of a word to change its meaning, such as 'un-' in 'unhappy' or 're-' in 'rewrite'. Knowing common prefixes helps you guess meanings.

Letters added to the end of a word to change its form or word class, such as '-ness' in 'happiness' or '-ly' in 'quickly'. Suffixes often show if a word is a noun, verb or adjective.

Writing short key words while listening so you can answer questions later. Good notes are brief, organised and use symbols or abbreviations.

Words and phrases that show the structure of a talk, such as 'firstly', 'however' or 'to sum up'. They help listeners follow the order of ideas.

The speaker's or writer's feeling about a subject, for example agreement, doubt or annoyance. Tone of voice and word choice often reveal attitude.