SACE Stage 2 Punjabi (continuers) key terms

The script used to write Punjabi, with 35 main consonants, ten vowel signs and several auxiliary marks. Candidates must read and write it accurately, including the rules for joining letters and placing vowel symbols.

A vowel sign attached to a consonant to show which vowel follows it. Each matra has a fixed position, above, below, before or after the consonant, and errors in placement change the word's meaning.

Vowel signs written above or beside consonants, such as the short strokes for a and i. Distinguishing similar laga marks is essential for correct spelling in written responses.

A dot written above a letter to mark nasalisation, as in the word for 'five'. Candidates must use tippi and bindi correctly because they distinguish otherwise similar spellings and pronunciations.

A dot placed above a letter, often marking nasal sound at the end of a syllable. It differs from tippi in usage, and correct choice affects both spelling accuracy and pronunciation.

A small mark placed above a consonant to show that it is doubled or stressed, as in the word for 'horse'. Using adhak correctly changes meaning, so it is checked in dictation and writing tasks.

A dot written under a letter, representing a distinct nasal consonant sound. It appears in words borrowed from Sanskrit and must be recognised in reading and reproduced accurately in writing.

A word that names a person, place, thing or idea. Recognising nouns and their gender and number helps candidates build grammatically correct sentences in written and spoken tasks.

A word expressing an action or state, which changes form for tense, person, gender and number. Accurate verb agreement is a common focus of grammar questions and assessed writing.

The grammatical category of masculine or feminine assigned to Punjabi nouns. Gender controls adjective and verb endings, so candidates must know the gender of common vocabulary to write accurately.

Whether a noun or verb is singular or plural. Punjabi marks plural in several ways, and matching number between subject and verb is essential for correct sentence construction.

The form of a verb that locates an action in time, such as present, past or future. Candidates must select and form tenses correctly in narrative, descriptive and transactional writing.

A word that describes or limits a noun, agreeing with it in gender and number in many cases. Using adjectives appropriately enriches descriptions in both writing and speaking tasks.

A word that stands in place of a noun, such as the equivalents of I, you, he, she and they. Correct pronoun choice affects politeness level and clarity of reference in written texts.

Pronoun and verb forms used to show politeness to elders or superiors, roughly like formal 'you' in other languages. Choosing the right register is assessed in letters, dialogues and interviews.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual speech among friends to formal written Punjabi. Candidates must adjust vocabulary and grammar to suit audience and purpose in assessed tasks.

Everyday, relaxed Punjabi used with friends and family, including contractions and colloquial words. Recognising it helps candidates understand dialogues and choose appropriate tone in informal writing.

Polished, standard Punjabi suited to official letters, reports and speeches. It avoids slang and uses complete sentences, respectful pronouns and precise vocabulary appropriate to public communication.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as phrases describing anger or betrayal. Idioms are tested in comprehension and expected in sophisticated writing.

A traditional saying that expresses folk wisdom, often drawn from farming or village life. Proverbs appear in literature and oral culture, and candidates may be asked to explain or apply them.

The traditional beliefs, stories, songs and customs passed down in Punjabi communities. It is a recurring cultural topic in texts and supports discussion of identity and heritage.

A lively folk dance performed by women in Punjab, accompanied by rhythmic clapping and sung couplets called boliyan. It often symbolises celebration and community spirit in cultural texts.

A vigorous folk dance traditionally performed by men at harvest celebrations, now popular worldwide. References to it commonly appear in texts about festivals, music and diaspora identity.

A major Punjabi festival marking the harvest and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Texts about it combine agricultural, religious and community themes useful for comprehension and cultural discussion.

Punjabi communities living outside Punjab, notably in Britain, Canada, Australia and the United States. Their experiences of migration, language maintenance and identity are frequent themes in senior Punjabi courses.

The movement of people away from their homeland to settle elsewhere. Migration narratives explore sacrifice, family separation and belonging, and are common in reading and writing prompts.

A person's sense of belonging to a culture, shaped by language, traditions, family and community. It is a central theme for discussion and personal writing in the continuers course.

A written message addressed to a person or organisation, either personal or formal. Candidates must follow Punjabi conventions for greeting, closing and layout in assessed writing.

A letter written to an official body or business, using respectful language, a clear subject line and a standard closing. Structure and register are both assessed in the writing task.

A personal letter to a friend or relative, written in a warm, conversational tone with everyday vocabulary. It still requires correct grammar, paragraphing and appropriate opening and closing formulas.

A short piece of writing on a topic for a newspaper, magazine or school publication, with a heading, introduction, body and conclusion. Candidates must present a clear viewpoint with supporting reasons.

A factual account of an event or situation, usually written in the third person with a headline and chronological structure. Accuracy, objectivity and clear organisation are the main criteria.

A shortened version of a text that keeps its main ideas and removes detail. Candidates must identify key points and express them in their own words within a word limit.

The central point that a paragraph or whole text conveys, supported by details and examples. Identifying it is the first step in comprehension, summary and analytical answers.

The surrounding words, situation or cultural background that clarifies meaning. Candidates use context clues to work out unfamiliar vocabulary and to interpret tone in reading passages.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text rather than stated directly. Examiners reward answers that read between the lines and justify the interpretation with textual support.

Quotations or details from a text used to support an answer or opinion. Citing evidence precisely strengthens comprehension and analytical responses in both internal and external assessment.

A specific mention of a line, paragraph or part of a text to support a point. Clear referencing shows the examiner exactly where an idea comes from and improves the credibility of an answer.

A piece of writing that suggests a plan or solution and argues for it with reasons and benefits. It requires a persuasive tone, clear structure and realistic supporting detail.

The reason a text is written, such as to inform, persuade, entertain or instruct. Recognising purpose guides candidates to choose suitable structure, vocabulary and register in their own writing.