STEP English flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Skimming

Reading a text quickly to grasp its general meaning and structure, typically at 400–600 words per minute, without attending to every detail.

Scanning

Moving the eyes rapidly over a text to locate specific information such as a name, date, or number, while ignoring unrelated content.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from explicit textual evidence combined with logical reasoning; it is not stated directly and must be supportable from the passage.

Not Given

A reading answer choice used when the passage neither confirms nor contradicts a statement, so no answer can be decided from the text.

Cohesive device

A word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that signals the logical relationship between sentences or paragraphs.

Topic sentence

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central idea and controls what the supporting sentences discuss.

Distractor

An answer option that looks plausible because it repeats words from the text but is wrong in meaning, scope, or reference.

Reference word

A pronoun or phrase such as it, this, or the former that points to an earlier noun phrase; its referent must agree in number and logic.

Signpost word

A word or phrase such as firstly, however, or finally that reveals the structure of a talk and signals what comes next.

Listening distractor

An option mentioned in the audio but later corrected or contradicted by the speaker, often after words like actually or but.

Paraphrase recognition

Identifying that a correct answer option restates the audio's meaning in different words rather than repeating its exact wording.

Form completion

A listening task where answers are written into gaps in a form or table, respecting a stated word limit and correct spelling.

Note-taking abbreviation

A shortened symbol or letters, such as w/ for with or an arrow for leads to, used to record spoken information quickly.

Stress in numbers

The pattern where -teen numbers are stressed on the second syllable and tens numbers on the first, as in thirteen versus thirty.

Monologue structure

The typical organization of a talk: introduction stating the topic, body sections in sequence, and a conclusion restating the main point.

Previewing questions

Reading task questions before the audio starts to predict answer types and know what information to listen for.

Task response

The extent to which an essay addresses every part of the prompt, develops a clear position, and meets the minimum word requirement.

Coherence

The logical ordering of ideas so that each paragraph has one central point and the essay progresses clearly from introduction to conclusion.

Cohesion

The use of linking words, pronouns, and referencing to connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly without mechanical repetition.

Collocation

A natural word partnership such as make a decision or heavy rain; accurate collocation is valued more than rare vocabulary used incorrectly.

Complex sentence

A sentence with a main clause and at least one subordinate clause, for example: Although it rained, the event continued.

Register

The level of formality suited to the task; formal essays avoid contractions, slang, rhetorical questions, and conversational fillers.

Paragraph unity

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence supports its single controlling idea, with no unrelated material included.

Word limit penalty

A scoring deduction applied when an essay falls below the required minimum length, often because the argument is underdeveloped.

Fluency

The ability to speak at a steady pace with few long pauses, using natural fillers rather than stopping to search for grammar.

Long turn

A speaking task in which one candidate talks alone for one to two minutes after a short preparation period.

Sentence stress

The pattern of pronouncing content words more strongly than function words, giving speech its rhythm and meaning.

Paraphrasing strategy

Describing an unknown word by its function, category, or appearance, such as a tool used for cutting, to keep speaking.

Extending answers

Adding a reason, example, or detail after the direct answer so that a response lasts several sentences rather than one word.

Filler phrase

A short expression such as That's a good question used to gain thinking time without long silent pauses.

Narrative tense

The past simple for main events combined with past continuous for background actions, used when telling a story or recounting experience.

Interactive listening

Attending fully to the examiner's question, including its tense and focus, before responding so the answer matches what was asked.