HSC Spanish Continuers key terms

A person who speaks a language, either as a native speaker or as a learner. In listening tasks, identifying who is speaking helps you understand register, accent and purpose.

The level of formality in language, ranging from informal chat with friends to formal speech in official settings. Recognising register helps you choose appropriate vocabulary and structures in writing and speaking.

The pronunciation pattern of a region or social group, including stress and intonation. In listening, different accents (e.g. peninsular, Mexican, Argentine) may affect comprehension.

The rise and fall of pitch in speech that conveys meaning, emotion or sentence type (e.g. question vs statement). It is a key clue in listening for attitude and intention.

The purpose or aim behind a spoken or written message, such as to persuade, inform, complain or invite. Identifying intention is central to responding appropriately in all skill areas.

The communicative goal of a text or utterance, for example to request information, give advice or express an opinion. In writing tasks, it determines text type, tone and structure.

A category of written or spoken text with typical features, such as an email, letter, article, review, diary entry or speech. Each type has its own conventions of layout and language.

A letter written in a polite, formal style to someone you do not know well or to an institution, using conventional greetings and closings. It requires formal address and structured paragraphs.

The form of address used when speaking or writing to someone, such as tú, usted, vos or vosotros. Choosing the right form depends on the relationship, formality and region.

The closing formula of a letter, email or conversation, such as 'Un saludo' or 'Atentamente'. The choice depends on the level of formality and the relationship with the recipient.

A verb mood used to express wishes, doubts, emotions, hypothetical situations or impersonal statements. It often appears in subordinate clauses after 'que' with verbs like 'esperar' or 'dudar'.

The verb mood used for statements of fact, certainty and reality. It contrasts with the subjunctive, which expresses subjectivity, and is the default mood in most declarative sentences.

A past tense (also called pretérito perfecto simple) used for completed actions at a specific point in the past. It contrasts with the imperfect, which describes ongoing or habitual past situations.

A past tense used to describe habitual actions, background details, ongoing states or descriptions in the past. It often sets the scene while the preterite narrates specific events.

A past tense formed with 'haber' plus a past participle (e.g. 'he hablado'), used for past actions connected to the present or within a time period not yet finished.

The verb form ending in -ado or -ido (with irregular forms like 'hecho', 'visto') used to form compound tenses and as an adjective. It can also appear in passive constructions.

A construction where the subject receives the action rather than performing it, formed with 'ser' plus participle (e.g. 'fue construido'). It is common in news and formal writing.

Reported speech, where someone's words are reported rather than quoted directly. It involves changes in pronouns, tenses and time expressions (e.g. 'Dijo que vendría').

Agreement between grammatical elements, such as subject and verb in number and person, or noun and adjective in gender and number. Errors in agreement are common in writing.

The grammatical category of nouns and adjectives as masculine or feminine. It affects articles, pronouns and adjective endings, and sometimes changes meaning (e.g. 'el capital' vs 'la capital').

A word or phrase that links ideas and sentences, such as 'sin embargo', 'por lo tanto' or 'además'. Using a range of connectors improves coherence in writing and speaking.

The logical organisation of ideas in a text so that the message is clear and easy to follow. It involves a clear structure, relevant content and consistent focus on the topic.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked through connectors, pronouns and reference words to create a unified text. It works together with coherence to make writing effective.

Language appropriate for official, academic or professional contexts, using polite forms, complete sentences and formal vocabulary. It contrasts with informal language used with friends and family.

A structured conversation where one person asks questions and another answers, often for information or publication. In listening and reading, it tests comprehension of questions and responses.

A public notice or advertisement designed to inform or persuade an audience. It may be spoken (radio, TV) or written, and often uses persuasive language and catchy phrases.

A piece of writing on a topic published in a newspaper, magazine or online. It usually has a headline, introduction, body and conclusion, and may express an opinion.

A critical review of a book, film, restaurant or event that describes and evaluates it. It combines summary with opinion and often recommends or discourages the audience.

A personal diary entry where the writer records experiences, thoughts and feelings, usually in an informal tone. It often uses the first person and past tenses.

A spoken talk delivered to an audience, often with a clear structure: introduction, development and conclusion. It requires signposting language and appropriate register.

A formal discussion where participants express opposing views on a topic. It requires turn-taking, polite disagreement and persuasive language.

An informal spoken exchange between two or more people. It involves listening, responding, turn-taking and using appropriate register and expressions for the relationship.

The shared customs, traditions, values and artistic expressions of Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Understanding cultural references helps interpret texts and communicate appropriately.

The global group of people who speak Spanish, including Spain, Latin America, parts of the US and Equatorial Guinea. Awareness of regional differences is important for comprehension.

A custom or belief passed down through generations within a community, such as festivals, food or music. Knowledge of traditions supports cultural understanding in reading and listening.

Current events and issues in the news. Reading and listening about current affairs helps build vocabulary and cultural knowledge relevant to exam topics.