HSC Italian Extension key terms

A literary or non-literary work set by the syllabus that students study in depth and must be able to discuss in detail during the examination.

The close examination of a text's language, structure, imagery and style in order to explain how meaning is constructed and communicated to the reader.

A deliberate deviation from ordinary expression, such as metaphor, simile or personification, used by a writer to create emphasis, imagery or emotional effect.

A figure of speech in which one thing is described as if it were another, without using words of comparison, to suggest a shared quality.

An explicit comparison between two different things, usually introduced by words such as come, simile a or pare, that highlights a resemblance for descriptive or rhetorical effect.

A short passage quoted directly from a prescribed text and used as evidence to support an interpretation or argument in a written response.

A restatement of a passage in simpler or clearer wording that preserves the original meaning, often used to explain difficult or archaic language to a reader.

A central idea or recurring concern explored in a text, such as love, exile, memory or identity, which unifies the work and invites interpretation.

A recurring element, image or phrase within a text that gains significance through repetition and contributes to its overall thematic pattern.

The attitude or emotional colouring conveyed by a text or speaker, for example ironic, nostalgic, solemn or bitter, which shapes how the reader responds.

A mode of expression in which the intended meaning differs from or contradicts the literal words, often creating humour, distance or critical commentary.

Meaning that is implied rather than stated directly, requiring the reader to infer ideas from context, tone or gaps in the text.

The level of formality in language, ranging from colloquial to elevated, chosen according to context, audience and purpose of communication.

The vocabulary of a language or of a particular text or author, including the choice of words that creates a distinctive style or atmosphere.

The arrangement of words and phrases into sentences, including word order and sentence length, which influences rhythm and clarity of expression.

The system of punctuation marks used in writing to clarify meaning, indicate pauses and structure sentences, with stylistic effects in literary texts.

A reasoned reading of a text that explains what it means and how that meaning is produced, supported by evidence from the work itself.

A personal response that evaluates a text, weighing its ideas and techniques and justifying judgements with reasoned argument and textual evidence.

The structured presentation of reasons and evidence in support of a position, developed logically through connected paragraphs in a written response.

The main proposition or claim that a response sets out to defend, stated clearly and then supported throughout the essay by analysis and evidence.

The historical, social and cultural circumstances in which a text was produced, which help explain its concerns, values and reception.

The life circumstances of an author, including upbringing, travels and personal experiences, that may illuminate themes and attitudes in the work.

A movement or tendency in literature, such as Romanticism, Verismo or Neorealism, sharing stylistic features and ideas that shape the works of its writers.

The writer of a literary work, whose choices of subject, style and perspective are analysed in relation to the text and its context.

The voice that tells a story, which may be first or third person, reliable or unreliable, and whose perspective shapes how events are presented.

The perspective from which a narrative is told, influencing what the reader knows and how characters and events are judged.

A fictional figure in a narrative, whose traits, motivations and development are revealed through action, dialogue and the narrator's description.

The techniques an author uses to build a character, whether through direct description or indirectly through speech, action and the responses of others.

The organisation of a story, including its sequence of events, use of flashbacks or frames, and the way tension and resolution are arranged.

The movement of people away from their home country to settle elsewhere, a recurring subject in Italian literature and a key theme in Italian social history.

The sense of self and belonging shaped by language, family, region and nation, often explored in texts dealing with migration and cultural change.

A regional variety of a language, distinct from the standard form, used in literature to convey local colour, authenticity and social identity.

The recognised standard form of Italian, based largely on literary and educated usage, taught in schools and used in formal writing and media.

A concise account in one's own words of the main points of a text or argument, omitting detail while retaining essential meaning.

A short formal essay that develops a single argument with a clear introduction, organised body paragraphs and a conclusion, supported by evidence.

The final section of a response that draws together the argument, restates the main position and offers a closing reflection without introducing new evidence.

A linking word or phrase, such as tuttavia, inoltre or pertanto, that shows the relationship between ideas and makes writing coherent.

The quality of a text whose ideas are logically connected and consistently developed, so that the reader can follow the argument without confusion.