WA ASET key terms

The central point an author wants readers to understand after finishing a passage. It is broader than any single detail and is usually stated or implied in the opening or closing sentences.

A specific fact, example, statistic, or reason that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions like who, what, when, and how much within a passage.

A conclusion drawn from clues in a text plus the reader's own reasoning, rather than from a statement written outright. Inferences must be defensible using evidence from the passage.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or synonym, that helps a reader work out the word's meaning without a dictionary.

A word that means nearly the same thing as another word in a given context, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Recognizing synonyms helps readers restate ideas and answer vocabulary questions.

A word with an opposite or nearly opposite meaning to another word, such as 'scarce' and 'abundant'. Contrast clues in a sentence often signal that an antonym is nearby.

The reason a writer produced a text, commonly to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes tone, structure, and the kinds of evidence the writer chooses to include.

The attitude a writer expresses toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and sentence style. Tone may be neutral, critical, humorous, urgent, or formal, and differs from the reader's own reaction.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'thrifty' sounds approving while 'stingy' sounds critical, though both describe careful spending.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional shading. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps readers judge why an author chose one word over another.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb, even when words sit between them.

The requirement that a pronoun match the noun it refers to in number and gender. A plural noun such as 'employees' needs a plural pronoun such as 'they' rather than 'he' or 'she'.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. Fragments can often be repaired by joining them to a nearby sentence.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. It can be fixed with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause expresses a complete thought, while a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.

A word, phrase, or clause that describes or limits another element in a sentence. A modifier should sit close to the word it describes to avoid confusion.

Presenting items in a series or list in the same grammatical form, such as all verbs or all noun phrases. Consistent structure makes writing easier to read and signals careful editing.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'in addition' that shows the relationship between ideas. Transitions guide readers through contrast, cause, sequence, or emphasis.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as 3:5 or as a fraction. Ratios let you scale recipes, mixes, or staffing levels while preserving the same relationship.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 3/4 = 9/12. Proportions are solved by cross-multiplying to find an unknown value in a scaling problem.

A ratio comparing quantities with different units, such as kilometres per hour or dollars per hour. Rates describe how one quantity changes relative to another over time or space.

A number expressed as a part of one hundred, written with a percent sign. Percentages make comparisons of different-sized groups easier, as in discount or tax calculations.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. The mean is affected by unusually high or low figures, unlike the median, which is the middle value.

The middle value in a data set arranged from smallest to largest; with an even count, it is the mean of the two middle values. It resists distortion from extreme outliers.

A data point far removed from the rest of a set. Outliers can pull the mean strongly while leaving the median nearly unchanged, so they matter when interpreting results.

The agreed sequence for evaluating expressions: parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction, working left to right within each level.

Finding an approximate answer by rounding numbers to convenient values before computing. Estimation helps check whether a calculated result is reasonable in size.

A letter or symbol standing for an unknown or changing quantity in an expression or equation. Solving an equation means finding the value that makes it true.

Information that supports a claim, such as data, examples, expert statements, or observed results. Strong evidence is relevant, sufficient, and drawn from a reliable source.

An unstated belief a person accepts as true in order to reach a conclusion. Identifying hidden assumptions is central to judging whether an argument holds together.

A flaw in reasoning that makes an argument unreliable, such as attacking a person instead of the issue or assuming that one event caused another without proof.

A leaning or preference that distorts fair judgment, sometimes unintentionally. Biased sources may select facts, frame questions, or omit context in ways that favour one conclusion.

A reasoning pattern linking an action or event to its result. Sound causal claims require evidence that the cause preceded the effect and that no other factor explains it.

The consistency of a source or measurement, meaning it produces similar results on repeated use. Reliability is necessary but not sufficient for a source to be trustworthy.

The degree to which information or a tool actually measures or describes what it claims to. A valid source is both reliable and genuinely relevant to the question at hand.

Original material created at the time of an event, such as a survey, photograph, interview, or official record. Primary sources offer direct evidence but may reflect a single viewpoint.

A work that interprets or summarizes primary material, such as a textbook, news summary, or review article. These sources add analysis but can introduce distortion.

Presenting another person's words, ideas, or data as one's own without credit. It can be avoided by quoting, paraphrasing accurately, and citing the original source.

A formal reference identifying where information came from, usually including author, title, and date. Citations let readers verify claims and give credit to original creators.

Legal protection giving creators control over how their original work is copied, shared, or adapted. Using protected material generally requires permission or a recognised exception such as fair use.

The duty to protect private information from unauthorised access or disclosure. In workplaces it covers client records, personnel data, and internal documents shared in confidence.

The standards of honest and responsible conduct expected in a workplace, including fairness, accountability, and respect for colleagues, clients, and the public.

A situation in which a personal interest could improperly influence a work decision. It should be disclosed so that others can manage or remove the influence.

The formal line of authority showing who reports to whom within an organisation. Following it ensures decisions and concerns reach the right person in order.

Cooperating with others toward a shared goal by sharing information, dividing tasks, and supporting colleagues. Effective teamwork depends on clear roles and respectful communication.

Paying full attention to a speaker, then confirming understanding by summarising or asking clarifying questions. It reduces misunderstandings and builds trust in workplace conversations.