Check out our glossary of common terms and definition
A
- Accent
The way in which people in a particular area, country, or social group pronounce words.
- Active Voice
A sentence structure in which the subject performs the action of the verb.
- Adjective
A word that describes or provides more information about a noun or pronoun.
- Adverb
A word that can modify or describe a verb, adjective or another adverb.
- Agreement
A grammatical rule that the verb must match the number, person, and gender of the subject.
- Analytical Writing
Writing that evaluates, explains and explores the ideas or arguments logically and critically.
- Article
Words that appear before nouns to indicate whether the noun is specific or general.
B
- Band score
The score system used in the IELTS exam to measure English language proficiency, ranging from 0 to 9.
- Base Form
The simplest form of a verb without tense or suffixes.
- Brainstorming
A creative thinking method for generating new ideas spontaneously.
- Brief Response
A short, direct answer to a question, usually in spoken or written form.
- Business English
English used in professional settings that focuses on formal communication.
C
- Cohesion
The logical flow and connection between sentences and ideas in writing or speech.
- Collocation
Common word combinations that frequently appear together and sound natural.
- Comparative
A form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things.
- Complex Sentence
A sentence with an independent clause and at least one dependent clause.
- Compound Sentence
A sentence that connects two independent clauses with comma, semicolon or conjunction.
- Comprehension
The ability to understand, grasp, and interpret information fully.
- Conditional Sentence
A sentence that describes a hypothetical situation and its possible outcome.
- Conjunction
A word that joins together other words, phrases, or clauses.
- Context Clues
Hints within a text that helps understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
D
- Deduction
Logical reasoning used to infer meaning or conclusions from given information.
- Descriptive Writing
Describing people, places, or experiences in a way that a picture is formed into the reader's mind.
- Dictation
The act of speaking or reading for someone else to write it down.
- Discourse Markers
Words or phrases that organize speech or writing in a meaningful way.
E
- EAP (English for Academic Purposes)
English skills needed for academic study and research.
- EFL
Similar to ESL but focuses on teaching English in countries where it is not the primary language.
- Elision
The omission of sound or syllable in speech.
- Ellipsis
Words are left out of a sentence intentionally but meaning can still be understood.
- Error Analysis
The study of mistakes made by language learners.
- ESL
Programs designed to teach English to non-native speakers.
- Essay
A structured and short piece of writing on a particular subject.
- Etymology
The study of the origins and history of words and their meanings.
- Evaluation Criteria
The standards used to assess performance in writing, speaking, or language proficiency.
- Exam preparation
Resources and strategies to prepare for English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, and PTE.
F
- False Cognates
Words in different languages that look similar but have different meanings.
- False Friends
A word that is often confused with a word in another language with a different meaning.
- Fluency
The ability to speak or write smoothly, naturally, and without hesitation.
- Formal Language
A structured and polite way of speaking or writing, used in academic and professional settings.
- Fossilization
The process where incorrect language becomes a habit and cannot easily be corrected.
G
- General English
Everyday English used for communication in daily life and social situations.
- Gerund
A verb ending in "-ing" that is used like a noun in a sentence.
- Grammar
The rules and structure governing the use of words and sentences in English.
- Graphic Organizer
A visual thinking tool that help organize information and ideas easily.
H
- Homonyms
Words with the same spelling and pronunciation but different meanings.
- Homophones
Words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings.
- Hyphenated Word
A word joined by a hyphen to create a compound word.
I
- Idioms
Phrase where the words together mean completely different than words literal meaning.
- IELTS
A standardized test to assess English language proficiency for non-native English speakers. A standardized test to assess English language proficiency for non-native English speakers.
- IELTS Academic
The version of the IELTS exam designed for students applying to study in English-speaking countries or for professional registration.
- IELTS exam dates
Scheduled dates for administering the IELTS exam.
- IELTS General Training
The version of the IELTS exam typically required for migration to English-speaking countries or for work experience or training programs.
- IELTS preparation course
A course specifically designed to help students prepare for the IELTS exam.
- IELTS registration
The process of signing up for the IELTS exam.
- IELTS score report
The official document provided to candidates after completing the exam, showing their overall band score and scores for each individual module.
- IELTS test accommodation
Special arrangements or accommodations provided to candidates with disabilities or special needs during the exam.
- IELTS test cancellation
The process of canceling a scheduled IELTS exam appointment.
- IELTS test fee
The cost associated with taking the IELTS exam.
- IELTS test requirements
The prerequisites and eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS exam.
- IELTS test results
The outcome of the exam, typically available online or via mail after a certain period following the test date.
- IELTS test tips
Strategies and advice for performing well on the IELTS exam.
- IELTS test validity
The duration for which IELTS scores are considered valid for various purposes, such as university admissions or visa applications.
- Imperative Sentence
A sentence that gives a command, request, or advice to do something.
- Indefinite Pronoun
A pronoun that does not refer to any person, amount, or thing in particular.
- Infinitive
The base form of a verb that can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb, often preceded by "to".
- Intonation
The rise and fall of pitch in speech that conveys meaning or emotion.
- Irregular Verb
A verb that does not follow standard past tense rules of “-ed” ending.
J
- Jargon
Specialized or technical language used by a particular profession or group.
- Jumbled Sentences
Sentences with mixed-up words that need to be rearranged for correct meaning.
K
- Key Word Transformation
A language exercise to reword the sentence using keyword while keeping the original meaning.
- Kinaesthetic Learning
A learning style that involves movement, hands-on activities, and physical experience.
L
- Language learning strategies
Techniques and methods for effectively learning English.
- Language proficiency
The level of skill or ability a person has in using the English language.
- Language schools
Institutions that offer courses and programs for learning English.
- Lexical Resource
The range of vocabulary you know and how flexibly and fluently you use them.
- Linking Words
Words that connect ideas, sentences or clauses and improve coherence.
- Listening Comprehension
The ability to understand spoken language in conversations and make sense.
- Listening exercises
Activities focused on improving listening skills in English.
- Listening test
The component of the IELTS exam where candidates listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer questions to assess their listening skills.
M
- Main Idea
The central thought or most important point of a text or conversation.
- Metaphor
A figure of speech used for comparing two things showing similarity or likeness.
- Modals
Helping verbs that are used along with main verbs to represent the ability, possibility and probability of a subject.
- Monologue
A long speech by one person, often in a play, presentation, or interview.
N
- Narrative Writing
A style of writing that uses the technique of narration to tell a story.
- Non-Finite Verb
A verb form that does not show tense, person, or number.
- Noun
A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
O
- Objective Test
A test with definite right or wrong answers, such as MCQ’s or True/False.
- Onomatopoeia
A figure of speech that uses words to imitate the sounds similar to the noises they describe.
- Oral Fluency
The ability to speak smoothly, accurately, and with natural rhythm.
P
- Paraphrasing
To express something again using different words but keeping the original meaning.
- Part of Speech
A category that describes the role a word plays in a sentence such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- Passive Voice
A sentence structure where the object receives the action.
- Phonetics
The study of the sounds of human speech, including their production, transmission, and perception.
- Practice tests
Mock exams designed to simulate the format and difficulty level of actual English proficiency tests.
- PTE
A certification exam that tests basic English language skills, suitable for learners at an intermediate level.
- PTE exam administration
The process of administering the PTE exam, including test security and monitoring procedures.
- PTE exam certificate
The official document provided to candidates who pass the PTE exam, certifying their English language proficiency.
- PTE exam dates
Scheduled dates for administering the PTE exam.
- PTE exam fees
The cost associated with taking the PTE exam.
- PTE exam format
The structure and components of the PTE exam, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections.
- PTE exam format changes
Updates or modifications to the PTE exam structure, content, or administration procedures.
- PTE exam invigilator
A person responsible for supervising and monitoring candidates during the PTE exam.
- PTE exam pass mark
The minimum score required to pass the PTE exam.
- PTE exam preparation materials
Study resources, such as textbooks, practice tests, and online courses, designed to help students prepare for the PTE exam.
- PTE exam registration
The process of signing up for the PTE exam.
- PTE exam results
The outcome of the exam, typically available online or via mail after a certain period following the test date.
- PTE exam retake policy
Guidelines and procedures for candidates who wish to retake the PTE exam to improve their scores.
- PTE exam tips
Strategies and advice for performing well on the PTE exam.
- PTE exam validity
The duration for which PTE scores are considered valid for various purposes, such as academic or professional advancement.
- PTE for Schools
A version of the PTE exam specifically designed for younger learners, typically taken by students aged 11 to 14.
- PTE listening test
The component of the PTE exam where candidates listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer questions to assess their listening skills.
- PTE reading test
The component of the PTE exam where candidates read passages and answer questions to demonstrate their reading comprehension skills.
- PTE speaking test
The component of the PTE exam where candidates engage in a conversation with an examiner to assess their spoken English skills.
- PTE test accommodations
Special arrangements or accommodations provided to candidates with disabilities or special needs during the exam.
- PTE writing test
The component of the PTE exam where candidates write short essays or letters to demonstrate their writing skills.
Q
- Question Tag
A short phrase added at the end of a sentence to confirm or check information.
- Quotation Marks
Punctuation marks (“ ”) used to enclose direct speech, quotes, or specific words in writing.
R
- Reading Comprehension
The ability to understand what is written, and to connect it to what you already know.
- Reading exercises
Activities focused on improving reading skills in English.
- Reading test
The component of the IELTS exam where candidates read passages and answer questions to assess their reading comprehension skills.
- Register
The level of formality in language use, varying from formal to informal depending on the context and audience.
- Relative Clause
A dependent clause that provides additional information about a noun, often introduced by "who," "which," or "that.”
S
- Skimming
A reading technique used to quickly grasp the main idea of a text without reading every word.
- Speaking exercises
Activities focused on improving speaking skills in English.
- Speaking skills
The ability to communicate effectively in English verbally.
- Speaking Task
An activity in language exams where test-takers express ideas verbally, assessing fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
- Speaking test
The component of the IELTS exam where candidates engage in a conversation with a certified examiner to assess their spoken English skills.
- Synonym
A word with the same or nearly same meaning to another word.
T
- Test center
Locations where the IELTS exam is administered.
- Test format
The structure and components of the IELTS exam, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking modules.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
A standardized test that measures how well non-native English speakers can read, write, speak, and listen in English.
- TOEFL Essentials
A new, shorter version of the TOEFL exam introduced by ETS (Educational Testing Service) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on essential language skills.
- TOEFL exam dates
Scheduled dates for administering the TOEFL exam.
- TOEFL iBT
The most commonly administered version of the TOEFL exam, conducted online.
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
A remote proctored version of the TOEFL iBT exam that can be taken from home.
- TOEFL Listening Section
The portion of the TOEFL exam where candidates answer questions based on audio recordings of lectures, conversations, and classroom discussions.
- TOEFL PBT
An alternative version of the TOEFL exam administered in areas where the internet-based test is not available.
- TOEFL preparation materials
Study resources, such as textbooks, practice tests, and online courses, designed to help students prepare for the TOEFL exam.
- TOEFL Reading Section
The component of the TOEFL exam where candidates answer questions based on passages from academic texts.
- TOEFL registration
The process of signing up for the TOEFL exam.
- TOEFL score report
The official document provided to candidates after completing the exam, showing their overall score and scores for each section.
- TOEFL sectional scoring
The scoring system used to evaluate performance in each section of the TOEFL exam, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
- TOEFL Speaking Section
The part of the TOEFL exam where candidates express their spoken English skills, including tasks like reading aloud, listening and speaking, and independent and integrated speaking.
- TOEFL test accommodation
Special arrangements or accommodations provided to candidates with disabilities or special needs during the exam.
- TOEFL test cancellation
The process of canceling a scheduled TOEFL exam appointment.
- TOEFL test center
Locations where the TOEFL exam is conducted.
- TOEFL test fee
The cost associated with taking the TOEFL exam.
- TOEFL test results
The outcome of the exam, typically available online or via mail after a certain period following the test date.
- TOEFL test tips
Strategies and advice for performing well on the TOEFL exam.
- TOEFL test validity
The duration for which TOEFL scores are considered valid for various purposes, such as university admissions or visa applications.
- TOEFL Writing Section
The part of the TOEFL exam where candidates demonstrate their written English skills by composing essays based on given prompts.
V
- Vocabulary
The collection of words and phrases known and used by a person.
W
- Word Stress
The emphasis placed on a particular syllable in a word, affecting pronunciation and meaning in spoken English.
- Writing exercises
Activities focused on improving writing skills in English.
- Writing skills
The ability to compose written English effectively.
- Writing test
The component of the IELTS exam where candidates write essays or letters to demonstrate their writing skills.
