PEIC Level 3 (B2) key terms

The main general meaning of a spoken or written text, understood even when you do not catch every individual word or detail.

Listening with the aim of catching specific facts such as names, numbers, times or prices rather than the overall message.

Writing short keywords and symbols while listening or reading so you can recall information later without recording every word.

An answer option or spoken detail that sounds plausible but is wrong, often included to test whether you understood the whole message.

A short phrase such as 'however' or 'firstly' that signals how a speaker is organising ideas or changing direction in a talk.

The way words blend, shorten or change sound in natural fast speech, which can make familiar phrases hard to recognise.

The pronunciation pattern of a speaker's region or social group, affecting vowel sounds, stress and rhythm but not the language itself.

The rise and fall of the voice across a sentence, which can show a question, surprise, or a speaker's attitude.

The extra force given to a particular syllable or word, which helps listeners identify key information in a sentence.

Reading a text quickly to get its general idea or overall structure before deciding whether to read it more closely.

Moving your eyes quickly over a text looking for one specific piece of information, such as a date or a name.

Reading carefully and slowly to understand precise information, relationships between ideas and the exact wording of a passage.

Working out meaning that the writer suggests but does not state directly, by combining clues in the text with your own knowledge.

The sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main idea and controls what follows.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked together so a text reads as one smooth, logical whole rather than separate statements.

A word or phrase such as 'although', 'therefore' or 'in addition' that shows the relationship between two ideas or clauses.

A pronoun or phrase like 'this', 'they' or 'the former' that points back to something already mentioned in the text.

The writer's attitude towards the subject, for example humorous, critical or neutral, shown through word choice and sentence style.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual chat to formal writing, chosen to suit the situation and audience.

To express the same meaning using different words, often to show understanding or to avoid copying someone else's phrasing.

To state the main points of a text or talk briefly, leaving out examples and minor details while keeping the key message.

The ability to speak or write smoothly at a reasonable speed with few long pauses, even if some errors are made.

The unspoken rules of conversation about when to speak, when to let others finish and how to signal you want a turn.

Short sounds or words such as 'mm', 'right' or 'I see' that show a listener is following and wants the speaker to continue.

How clearly and correctly words are said, covering individual sounds, word stress and the rhythm of whole phrases.

A word or sound such as 'well' or 'you know' used to hold a turn while thinking, which can sound natural or overused.

The skill of extending an answer with reasons, examples or detail instead of replying with a single short sentence.

One or two sentences near the start of an essay that state the main argument or position the piece will develop.

A group of sentences about one main idea, usually beginning with a topic sentence and ending with a link to the next point.

Writing that avoids slang and contractions, uses complete sentences and suits official, academic or professional situations.

Relaxed writing such as personal emails or messages, where contractions, short sentences and everyday vocabulary are acceptable.

A word such as 'because', 'however' or 'finally' that joins ideas and makes the logic of a piece of writing clear.

To read your own finished text carefully to find and correct mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation before submitting it.

To review a draft and improve its content, structure and clarity, going beyond simply fixing surface errors.

An early version of a piece of writing produced before the final copy, allowing ideas to be reorganised and improved.

The number of words in a piece of writing, often limited by exam instructions and worth checking before you finish.

The person or group a text is written for, whose needs and knowledge should shape the content, style and level of detail.