VCE Indonesian First Language key terms

The variety or register of a language used in a particular situation, such as formal, informal, or colloquial speech and writing. Choosing the right one depends on audience and purpose.

The standardised, prescribed form of a language used in official writing, education, and news media. It follows agreed grammar and spelling rules and avoids regional or slang expressions.

Language style suited to official or public contexts such as letters, reports, and speeches. It uses complete sentences, standard vocabulary, and avoids slang or casual contractions.

Everyday conversational language used with friends and family. It may include slang, shortened words, and looser grammar, and is unsuitable for official documents or formal presentations.

Colloquial youth slang that changes quickly and varies by region and social group. It signals familiarity and identity but is generally avoided in academic or professional writing.

The spelling system of a language, including rules for letters, capitals, and punctuation. Indonesian spelling has been standardised so that words are written consistently across publications and schools.

An affix attached to a base word to change its meaning or grammatical function. Indonesian has prefixes, suffixes, and combined affixes, such as me-, -kan, and ke-an.

The root form of a word before any affixes are added. It carries the core meaning and can often stand alone, for example jalan before berjalan or perjalanan.

A verb, the word class that expresses an action, event, or state. In Indonesian, verbs often take affixes such as me-, ber-, or di- depending on voice and meaning.

A noun, the word class naming a person, place, thing, or idea. Indonesian nouns are not marked for number or gender, so plurality is shown by reduplication or context.

The repetition of a word or part of a word to create a new meaning, most often plurality or emphasis. Examples include buku-buku for books and hati-hati for carefully.

A sentence in which the object of the action becomes the grammatical subject. Indonesian passive verbs commonly use di- or ter-, as in Buku itu ditulis oleh dia.

A sentence in which the doer of the action is the grammatical subject. Active verbs typically take the prefix me-, as in Dia menulis surat itu.

A conjunction, a word that links clauses, phrases, or sentences and shows their relationship. Examples include karena for cause, tetapi for contrast, and sehingga for result.

A compound or complex sentence containing more than one clause. The clauses are joined by conjunctions and express relationships such as cause, contrast, condition, or time.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole. It is achieved through conjunctions, pronouns, repetition, and consistent referencing.

A group of related sentences developing one main idea. A good paragraph usually has a topic sentence, supporting detail, and a link to the next paragraph.

The central idea or main point of a paragraph or whole text. It is often stated in a topic sentence and supported by examples or reasons.

Supporting details, examples, or reasons that explain and strengthen the main idea. They give evidence and make an argument or description more convincing.

An adverb, a word that describes how, when, or where something happens. Indonesian adverbs may be single words, reduplicated forms, or phrases such as dengan cepat.

An expository text that presents information, explains a topic, or argues a position with evidence. It typically opens with a thesis and follows with arguments and a conclusion.

A text that aims to persuade readers to accept a viewpoint. It states a claim, gives reasons and evidence, addresses the opposing side, and ends with a strong conclusion.

A text that tells a story or recounts a sequence of events. It usually has characters, a setting, a complication, and a resolution, and is common in fiction and personal recounts.

A text that paints a detailed picture of a person, place, or object using sensory language. Its purpose is to help readers imagine what is described.

A text that explains how to do or make something through ordered steps. It uses imperative verbs, sequencing words, and clear instructions, as in recipes or manuals.

The plot, the sequence of events in a narrative. It may move forward chronologically or use flashbacks, and typically builds through a conflict toward a resolution.

A character in a story, play, or narrative text. Characters may be main or minor, and their traits are revealed through action, dialogue, and description.

The setting of a narrative: the time, place, and social environment in which events occur. Setting helps create atmosphere and shapes how characters behave.

Characterisation, the techniques an author uses to reveal a character's personality. It may be direct description or indirect revelation through speech, action, and others' reactions.

The mood or atmosphere a text creates for the reader, such as tense, calm, or melancholic. Word choice, setting, and imagery all contribute to building it.

Figurative language such as metaphor, simile, personification, or hyperbole. Writers use it to create vivid images, convey emotion, and make descriptions more memorable.

The narrative point of view from which a story is told, such as first person, third person limited, or omniscient. It controls what information readers can access.

A brief restatement of a text's main points in the writer's own words. It keeps essential ideas and removes detail, examples, and repetition.

A short summary of a longer work such as a novel or film, covering its main plot and characters. It gives an overview without detailed analysis.

A quotation taken directly from a source and used as evidence in writing. Direct quotes must be accurate and clearly attributed to their author.

A reference list at the end of a piece of writing giving full details of every source cited. Entries follow a consistent format and are usually arranged alphabetically.

The origin of information used in research or writing, such as books, articles, interviews, or websites. Reliable sources should be current, credible, and properly acknowledged.

A structured conversation in which one person asks questions to gather information or opinions. In assessment tasks, it may involve preparing questions, recording answers, and reporting findings.

A spoken delivery of information to an audience, often supported by slides or notes. Effective presentations are clearly structured, use appropriate register, and engage listeners.

An exchange of views among several people on a topic. Participants practise turn-taking, agreeing and disagreeing politely, and supporting opinions with reasons.

A personal view or judgment about a topic, which may be supported by reasons and evidence. Expressing opinions appropriately involves softening language and acknowledging other views.