NSW OC Test key terms

A conclusion drawn from clues in a text rather than stated outright. Readers combine evidence with background knowledge to work out what is implied, such as a character's feelings or a likely outcome.

The central point a passage is built around. It is broader than any single detail and usually answers the question of what the whole text is mostly about.

A fact, example, or reason that backs up the main idea or a claim. Details are narrower than the main idea and can usually be checked directly against the passage.

Words or information in a text that justify a conclusion or answer. Strong answers can point to specific evidence rather than relying on a general impression of what the passage says.

The attitude a writer conveys through word choice and phrasing, such as humorous, critical, or sympathetic. Tone is different from the topic, which is simply what the text is about.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'thrifty' and 'stingy' describe similar behaviour but carry very different connotations.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional associations. Contrasting denotation with connotation helps explain why two near-synonyms can create different effects.

A short account of a text's key points in your own words. A good summary keeps the main idea and essential details while leaving out minor examples and repetition.

Restating a passage's meaning using different words while keeping the original sense. Paraphrasing shows understanding and is not the same as quoting the author's exact wording.

The reason a writer produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Identifying purpose helps a reader judge which details matter most and how to interpret the wording.

The order in which events or steps occur in a text. Signal words such as 'first', 'then', and 'finally' often mark sequence in narratives and instructions.

A relationship in which one event makes another happen. Recognising which event is the cause and which is the result helps readers explain why something occurred in a passage.

Examining how two or more things are alike and how they differ. Texts often use this structure to weigh options, and questions may ask which similarity or difference the author emphasises.

A fact can be checked and shown to be true or false; an opinion expresses a belief, judgement, or feeling. Distinguishing them helps readers judge how reliable a statement is.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a to b, a:b, or a fraction. Ratios describe relative size and can be scaled up or down while keeping the same relationship.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 3/4 = 9/12. Solving proportions lets you find an unknown value when the relative sizes of quantities are known.

A ratio that compares quantities with different units, such as kilometres per hour or dollars per kilogram. A unit rate expresses the comparison per single unit of the second quantity.

A fraction or ratio expressed out of one hundred. Percentages make comparisons easier, and finding a percentage of an amount means multiplying by that fraction of the whole.

A number written as one quantity divided by another, showing parts of a whole. The bottom number names how many equal parts make the whole and the top number counts the parts taken.

A number written using place value to the right of a decimal point, such as 0.75. Decimals, fractions, and percentages can all represent the same value in different forms.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. The mean describes a typical value but can be pulled up or down by unusually large or small numbers.

The middle value in a set of numbers arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, the median is the mean of the two middle values.

The difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set. It measures how spread out the values are, though it depends only on the two extreme numbers.

The total distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape, found by adding the lengths of all its sides. Perimeter is measured in linear units such as centimetres.

The amount of surface a flat shape covers, measured in square units. For a rectangle, area equals length multiplied by width; other shapes use their own formulas.

The amount of space a three-dimensional object occupies, measured in cubic units. For a rectangular prism, volume equals length times width times height.

The amount of turn between two lines that meet at a point, measured in degrees. Angles are classified as acute, right, obtuse, or straight according to their size.

A whole number greater than one whose only positive factors are one and itself, such as 2, 3, 5, and 7. One is not prime because it has only a single factor.

A whole number that divides another number exactly with no remainder. For example, the factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

The result of multiplying a whole number by another whole number. Multiples of 4 include 4, 8, 12, and 16, and every number is a multiple of itself.

The agreed sequence for evaluating expressions: brackets first, then powers, then multiplication and division left to right, then addition and subtraction left to right. Following it ensures everyone gets the same answer.

A combination of numbers, variables, and operations, such as 3x + 5. Expressions can be simplified or evaluated once the value of the variable is known.

A regular arrangement of numbers, shapes, or events that follows a rule. Finding the rule lets you predict later terms or work out a missing item in the sequence.

A broad statement drawn from specific examples, such as concluding that all multiples of 6 are even. A generalisation is only reliable if no counterexample exists.

A single case that shows a general statement is false. Finding one counterexample is enough to disprove a claim, even if many other examples support it.

Reaching a certain conclusion from statements accepted as true, using rules of reasoning. If the starting statements are true and the reasoning is valid, the conclusion must be true.

A statement offered as a reason or starting point in an argument. The strength of a conclusion depends on whether the premises are true and actually support it.

Something taken for granted as true without being stated. Arguments often rely on hidden assumptions, and spotting them helps you judge whether the reasoning holds up.

A comparison that points out a similarity between two things, often to explain or reason about one by reference to the other. Analogies can mislead when the things differ in important ways.

Deciding the purpose, structure, and key content of a piece of writing before drafting. A brief plan helps keep a response organised and focused on the task.

Grouping sentences into paragraphs, each usually built around one idea. Clear paragraphing signals shifts in topic or time and makes a piece easier for a reader to follow.

A sentence, usually near the start of a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. The remaining sentences then develop or support that point.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a piece reads as a connected whole. Repeated key words, pronouns, and linking phrases all help create cohesion.

The readers a piece of writing is aimed at. Word choice, level of detail, and tone should be adjusted to suit what that audience already knows and expects.

Reviewing a draft to correct errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Editing comes after revising for ideas and structure, and it sharpens the accuracy of the final piece.