WACE English key terms

The process of constructing meaning from a text by linking its explicit statements with your own knowledge and the purpose for reading it.

The information a text states directly, without requiring the reader to supply unstated connections or interpret figurative language.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text combined with background knowledge, rather than from an explicit statement.

The central point a passage develops and sustains, distinct from the supporting details that illustrate or prove it.

A sentence, usually opening a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea and signals how it relates to the wider argument.

A single sentence in an essay that states the central claim and forecasts the line of reasoning the writer will develop.

The attitude a writer conveys towards the subject or audience, created through word choice, sentence structure and level of formality.

The emotional atmosphere a text creates for the reader, often produced by setting, imagery and rhythm rather than by direct statement.

The level of formality in language chosen to suit a particular audience, purpose and situation, ranging from casual to highly formal.

The intended readers of a text, whose assumed knowledge, values and expectations shape the writer's choices of content and style.

The outcome a writer wants a text to achieve, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, explain or reflect.

The associations and emotional overtones a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning, which influence how a reader responds.

The direct, dictionary-level meaning of a word, considered apart from any emotional associations it may carry.

Language that departs from literal usage to create comparison or effect, including metaphor, simile, personification and hyperbole.

Descriptive language appealing to the senses that builds vivid mental pictures and often carries emotional or thematic weight.

The use of a concrete object, place or action to stand for an abstract idea, gaining meaning from its repetition and context.

An underlying idea about life or human experience that a text explores and develops, as distinct from its subject matter.

A reasoned line of reasoning in which a central claim is supported by evidence and explanation and defended against objections.

Facts, examples, statistics or quotations used to support a claim and make it credible to a reader.

An opposing view that a writer acknowledges and answers in order to strengthen the credibility of their own position.

The section of an argument that directly answers a counterargument, showing why the objection does not overturn the main claim.

A deliberate device used to influence a reader's attitude, such as appeals to emotion, authority, statistics or inclusive language.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer, used to engage readers or steer them towards an assumed response.

The technique of embedding a short quoted phrase within your own sentence so that it reads grammatically and supports your point.

A brief in-text acknowledgement identifying the source of a quotation or idea, enabling the reader to locate the original.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as your own, whether by copying, paraphrasing without acknowledgement or failing to cite.

A restatement of a source's idea in your own words and sentence structure, preserving the meaning while changing the expression.

A condensed account of a text's key points, written in your own words and stripped of minor detail and illustration.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked through connectives, pronoun reference and repetition so a text reads as a connected whole.

The overall logical organisation of a text, so that ideas follow a clear order and each part contributes to the whole.

The arrangement of a text's parts, including its opening, development, turning points and conclusion, and how these shape meaning.

The shape of a story's progression, typically moving through orientation, rising complication, climax and resolution.

The methods a writer uses to build characters, whether through direct description or through speech, action and others' reactions.

The perspective from which a text is told, such as first person, third-person limited or omniscient, affecting what the reader can know.

The ability to interpret meaning in images and page design, including layout, colour, framing and the relationship between words and pictures.

A text that combines two or more modes, such as written language, image, sound or layout, to create meaning.

The stage of reviewing a draft for accuracy, clarity, grammar, punctuation and consistency before the work is submitted.

A final careful check of a text for surface errors in spelling, punctuation and typing rather than for larger structural issues.

The recursive process of composing and revising a text in stages, moving from planning through successive versions towards a final piece.