QCAA English as an Additional Language key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text or recording rather than from a statement made directly. Readers and listeners combine clues with their own knowledge to work out unstated meaning.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as the warmth of 'home' or the coldness of 'cheap'. These shades of meaning shape how an audience responds.

The direct, literal meaning of a word as listed in a dictionary, separate from any emotional associations it may carry. It provides the neutral core meaning against which connotation is compared.

The attitude a writer or speaker expresses towards the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure and emphasis. It may be ironic, respectful, urgent, playful or critical.

The overall feeling or atmosphere created by a text, such as tension, nostalgia or calm. Mood is produced by setting, imagery and rhythm and is experienced by the reader rather than stated by the author.

The level of formality in language chosen to suit a situation and audience, ranging from casual conversation to formal academic writing. Register involves vocabulary, grammar and politeness conventions.

The intended readers, listeners or viewers of a text. Identifying the audience helps explain choices about vocabulary, structure, evidence and level of detail in both comprehension and production.

The reason a text was created, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, instruct or reflect. Purpose shapes structure, language choices and the kind of evidence a writer includes.

The central claim or main argument that a text or essay develops. A strong thesis is specific, arguable and supported throughout the response by evidence and analysis.

The opening sentence of a paragraph that states its main idea and links it to the overall argument. It guides the reader and helps maintain coherence across a piece of writing.

The way sentences and paragraphs are connected so a text reads as a unified whole. It is achieved through linking words, pronoun reference, repetition and consistent ordering of ideas.

The quality that makes a text logically clear and easy to follow because ideas are organised in a sensible order and relate to one another meaningfully. It operates at the level of overall meaning.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'in contrast' or 'to sum up' that signals how parts of a text relate. These markers guide readers through shifts in argument, time or emphasis.

An informal word or expression typical of everyday conversation, such as 'heaps' or 'gonna'. Recognising colloquialisms helps listeners understand informal spoken texts and helps writers avoid inappropriate informality.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as 'break the ice'. Idioms are common in spoken English and often reveal cultural values.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Imagery often carries symbolic weight and contributes to mood and theme.

A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, without using 'like' or 'as', for example 'the city is a sleeping giant'. It creates comparison and can shape how readers perceive a subject.

A comparison between two unlike things introduced by 'like' or 'as', such as 'as quiet as a library'. Similes make descriptions more concrete and can reveal a speaker's attitude.

The use of an object, place or action to represent a larger idea beyond its literal meaning, such as a river standing for change. Symbols add layers of meaning to literary texts.

A recurring idea or message explored in a text, such as belonging, justice or loss. Themes are usually implied through characters, events and language rather than stated outright.

The methods an author uses to build and reveal a character, including description, dialogue, actions and the responses of others. It helps readers understand motivation and relationships.

The perspective from which a text is told, such as first person, third person limited or omniscient. It controls what information the audience receives and how they judge events.

The voice that tells a story, who may be a character within it or an outside observer. A narrator's reliability and knowledge affect how readers interpret the events described.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer, used to engage an audience or emphasise a point. It is common in persuasive speeches and opinion pieces.

A deliberate language strategy used to influence an audience, such as repetition, emotive language, statistics, appeals to authority or inclusive pronouns. Identifying these techniques supports critical analysis of arguments.

A leaning towards one side of an issue shown through selection of facts, word choice or omission of opposing views. Recognising bias helps readers evaluate the fairness of a text.

The extent to which a source or speaker can be trusted to provide accurate and balanced information. Judgements about reliability consider expertise, evidence, currency and possible motives.

The social values, beliefs, customs and history surrounding a text's creation and reception. Understanding it explains references, assumptions and behaviours that may otherwise seem puzzling to an outsider.

A particular way of viewing an issue, shaped by a person's background, culture and experience. Texts often present multiple perspectives, and analysing them reveals whose voice is included or excluded.

The ability to recognise, interpret and respond thoughtfully to differences and similarities between cultural groups. It involves suspending assumptions and considering how values shape communication.

A text that combines more than one mode of communication, such as written words, images, sound and layout. Meaning in these texts arises from how the modes work together.

The skill of interpreting meaning in images, layout, colour and symbols, including how elements are positioned and emphasised. It supports analysis of advertisements, infographics and web pages.

The feature that draws the viewer's attention first in a visual or multimodal text, achieved through size, colour, placement or contrast. Designers use salience to highlight key messages.

To restate the meaning of a source in your own words while keeping the original ideas, usually at a similar level of detail. Paraphrasing demonstrates comprehension and must be referenced.

To condense the main points of a text into a brief account, leaving out detail and examples. A good summary captures the central ideas accurately and in the writer's own words.

Presenting another person's words, ideas or work as your own without acknowledgement. It is treated seriously in academic settings and is avoided through accurate citation and referencing.

Reading quickly to gain a general impression of a text's topic and structure, often by looking at headings, first sentences and key terms. It helps readers decide what needs closer attention.

Reading rapidly to locate specific information such as a date, name or figure without reading every word. It is a targeted search strategy used in both reading and listening tasks.