SACE Stage 2 Bengali (continuers) key terms

The joining of two sounds or words into one form, often changing the final or initial letter, as when a word ending in a vowel meets one beginning with a vowel. Candidates must recognise and explain common changes.

A compound word formed by combining two or more words into a single unit, where the meaning may be narrower than the parts suggest. Students identify compound types and explain how meaning is built.

A compound in which the whole word names something other than its parts, such as a person described by an attribute. The final element usually points to the entity being named.

A compound where one member describes or qualifies the other, and the meaning centres on the qualified word. The describing word usually comes first in Bengali.

The grammatical role a noun or pronoun plays in relation to a verb, such as doer, object, instrument, or recipient. Bengali marks these roles with case endings or postpositions.

A case ending attached to a noun or pronoun to show its grammatical relation to other words. Bengali has several such endings, and choosing the right one affects sentence meaning.

The doer of an action in a sentence, the entity that carries out the verb. In Bengali the verb agrees with the subject in person and status.

The object of a verb, the thing or person affected by the action. Bengali distinguishes direct and indirect objects, and case marking depends on whether the object is animate or definite.

A postposition placed after a noun or pronoun to express relations such as place, time, or purpose. Bengali uses these where English often uses prepositions.

The possessive case ending that shows ownership or relationship, roughly matching English "of" or the apostrophe-s. It changes form depending on the final sound of the word.

The verb of a sentence, expressing the action or state. Bengali verbs inflect for tense, person, and politeness level, and the form must match the subject.

A verb form that cannot end a sentence on its own and must be followed by another verb. It often shows a preceding action, purpose, or condition within a longer sentence.

A verb made of a main verb plus a helping verb, where the helper adds nuance such as completion, ability, or direction. The combination functions as one predicate.

A suffix added to a root or stem to form a new word or a different grammatical form. Bengali has many such endings for nouns, adjectives, and verbs.

A prefix attached to a word to modify or extend its meaning, often borrowed from Sanskrit. It can change the sense of the base word significantly.

A word retained from Sanskrit in its original form, used in formal and literary Bengali. Such words often appear in essays and official writing.

A word derived from Sanskrit but changed in form through natural use over time. These words form much of everyday spoken Bengali vocabulary.

A native Bengali word not derived from Sanskrit, belonging to the older layer of the language. Such words are common in daily speech and folk expression.

A loanword adopted from another language, such as Persian, Arabic, Portuguese, or English. Recognising the source helps students discuss register and style.

An idiom whose overall meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words. Using one correctly shows idiomatic control of the language.

A traditional saying that expresses a widely held observation or piece of advice. Proverbs are often used in essays and speeches to support a point.

A figure of speech in which one thing is described as if it were another, without an explicit comparison word. It creates layered imagery in poetry and prose.

A comparison between two unlike things using a word such as "like" or "as". It makes description vivid and is common in Bengali poetry.

A literary ornament or figure of speech that adds beauty or force to expression, including simile, metaphor, and alliteration. Students identify and explain these in poetry analysis.

The rhythm or metrical pattern of a poem, created by the arrangement of syllables and stresses. Recognising it helps students discuss how a poem sounds and moves.

A single line of a poem, the basic unit of verse layout. Quoting a line accurately supports evidence in literary responses.

A group of lines forming a unit in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose. Stanzas often shape the structure and development of a poem's argument.

A person or figure represented in a literary text, whose actions and words reveal personality and motive. Character analysis is central to discussing fiction and drama.

The setting of a literary work, including time, place, and social circumstances. The setting shapes mood and can influence characters' choices.

The subject matter or content of a text, what it is about at the level of events and ideas. Distinguishing it from theme helps structure literary answers.

The central idea or message a text conveys beneath its surface events. Stating it clearly, with evidence, is expected in essay responses.

A concise summary of the main points of a text, leaving out detail. Writing an accurate summary tests comprehension and control of paraphrase.

A paragraph or a short passage used as stimulus material for comprehension questions. Answers must refer to the content of the passage rather than outside knowledge.

A structured piece of writing that develops an argument or discussion across paragraphs. Students are often asked to produce one in timed conditions.

A first or rough version of a piece of writing, used for planning and revision. Drafting helps organise ideas before the final response.

Rewriting a text to improve clarity, accuracy, and style, or to express the same content in different words. It is a common task in language examinations.

A formal letter written to an institution or official, following set conventions of address, salutation, and closing. Register and layout are assessed.

A personal letter written to a friend or relative, using a relaxed and warm tone. It still requires clear structure and appropriate greeting and closing.

A formal conversation in which one person asks questions and another responds, often for research or broadcast. Students may need to conduct or transcribe one.

A spoken or written presentation of information to an audience, structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Clarity and organisation are key criteria.

A discussion in which participants exchange views on a topic, listening and responding to each other. It is assessed for relevance and interactive skill.