NSW HSC Minimum Standard Writing Test key terms

The people who will read or hear a piece of writing. A writer chooses tone, vocabulary and detail to suit them, for example a formal audience such as a principal or an informal one such as a friend.

The reason a piece of writing is produced, such as to inform, persuade, explain, describe or entertain. Purpose shapes structure, content and the level of detail a writer includes.

The attitude a writer conveys through word choice and sentence style, for example serious, humorous, sympathetic or critical. Tone should match the audience and the purpose of the text.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual everyday speech to formal written English. Writers adjust register to fit the situation, the reader and the purpose of the text.

The way a text is organised into parts, such as an opening, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Clear structure helps a reader follow the order and connection of ideas.

A group of sentences about one main idea, usually marked by a new line and indentation. Good paragraphs develop one point fully before moving to the next.

A sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the main idea of that paragraph. The remaining sentences support or explain it with detail and evidence.

Facts, examples, reasons or descriptions that explain and strengthen a main idea. Specific detail makes writing convincing and helps the reader understand the point being made.

Information used to support a claim, such as facts, statistics, examples or expert opinion. Writers use evidence to make their arguments more credible and persuasive to readers.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole. Cohesion is achieved through linking words, pronoun reference and logical order of ideas.

A word or phrase that connects ideas, such as however, therefore, in addition or on the other hand. These signals show the relationship between sentences and guide the reader.

A word that joins words, phrases or clauses, such as and, but, because or although. Conjunctions show relationships such as addition, contrast, cause or condition.

A group of words expressing a complete thought, containing at least a subject and a verb. Sentences are the basic building blocks of written text.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot and must attach to a main clause.

A sentence containing one independent clause with a single subject and verb, for example the dog barked. It expresses one complete idea clearly and directly.

A sentence made of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but or or, or by a semicolon. Each clause could stand alone.

A sentence containing one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, for example when it rained, we stayed inside. It shows relationships between ideas such as time or cause.

An incomplete group of words punctuated as a sentence, usually missing a subject, a verb or a complete thought. Fragments confuse readers and are treated as errors in formal writing.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. Run-ons can be fixed with a full stop, a semicolon or a suitable conjunction.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, for example the student writes and the students write. Errors here are common when phrases separate the subject and verb.

The form of a verb that shows when an action happens, such as past, present or future. A piece of writing should keep tense consistent unless the time frame deliberately changes.

A word that expresses an action, an event or a state of being, such as run, happen or is. Verbs carry tense and must agree with their subject.

A word that names a person, place, thing or idea, such as teacher, city, book or courage. Nouns can be common or proper, singular or plural, and concrete or abstract.

A word used instead of a noun, such as he, she, it, they or them. Pronouns must refer clearly to the noun they replace so readers do not become confused.

A word that describes or modifies a noun, such as bright, careful or ancient. Adjectives add detail and precision to description but can be overused.

A word that modifies a verb, adjective or another adverb, often showing how, when or where, such as quickly, yesterday or here. Many adverbs end in -ly.

The marks used to separate and clarify written language, including full stops, commas, question marks, apostrophes and quotation marks. Correct punctuation helps readers understand meaning and grouping.

A punctuation mark used to show possession, as in the student's book, or to mark a contraction, as in don't. Misplaced apostrophes are a frequent error in writing tests.

An upper-case letter used at the start of a sentence, for proper nouns such as names and places, and for the pronoun I. Correct capitalisation signals care and clarity.

Writing words with the correct sequence of letters. Accurate spelling helps a reader focus on meaning, and common errors include homophones such as their and there.

A word that sounds the same as another but has a different spelling and meaning, such as their, there and they're, or to, too and two. Choosing correctly requires attention to context.

Reviewing and correcting a draft for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word choice. Editing usually follows planning and drafting and improves the accuracy of the final text.

A final careful check of a piece of writing for surface errors such as typos, missing words and punctuation slips. It is the last stage before a text is submitted.

The first stage of writing, in which the writer decides on purpose, audience, main ideas and order. Brief notes or a simple outline help produce a more organised text.

Writing a first full version of a text based on a plan. A draft allows the writer to get ideas down before refining them through revision and editing.

Writing that aims to convince a reader to accept a viewpoint or take an action. It uses reasons, evidence, emotive language and a clear call to action.

Writing that tells a story with characters, setting and a sequence of events. Narratives usually build towards a complication and resolution and often use descriptive language.

Writing that uses sensory detail to create a picture of a person, place or thing. Effective description appeals to sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.