WACE French Background Language ATAR key terms

The main claim or position that a text or argument sets out to defend. Identifying it helps a reader decide whether the supporting evidence actually holds together.

A reason offered to support a point of view, usually made up of a claim plus evidence. In written analysis you judge whether each reason is relevant, sufficient and logically linked.

Concrete support such as a statistic, example, quotation or expert opinion used to back a claim. Strong proofs are specific, checkable and clearly connected to the point they defend.

A particular case used to illustrate or test a general statement. Examples make abstract claims concrete, but one example alone rarely proves a general rule.

A detail, anecdote or image that clarifies an idea rather than proving it. Distinguishing illustration from proof prevents you from overstating what a text has demonstrated.

The body of a piece of writing in which ideas are explained, ordered and supported. A clear development moves step by step and links each part to the overall thesis.

The organised structure of a written response, showing the order of parts and the links between them. A visible plan keeps an argument coherent and prevents repetition.

A word, phrase or sentence that connects one idea or paragraph to the next. Good transitions show the logical relationship, such as cause, contrast, addition or consequence.

A linking word such as 'cependant', 'par conséquent' or 'en revanche' that signals how two statements relate. Choosing the right connector sharpens logic and readability.

Acknowledging an opposing point before answering it, often introduced by 'certes', 'bien que' or 'il est vrai que'. Conceding fairly makes your own position appear more balanced and credible.

The part of an argument that shows why a contrary view is weak or limited. Effective refutation names the opposing claim precisely, then offers evidence or reasoning against it.

A subtle difference in meaning, tone or degree that changes how a statement should be understood. Recognising nuance stops you from treating a qualified claim as absolute.

The use of words such as 'peut-être', 'sans doute', 'il semble que' or the conditional to show how certain or committed a speaker is. It reveals the writer's stance towards the facts.

The presence of personal judgement, emotion or bias in a text. Spotting subjective language helps you separate factual reporting from opinion and evaluate reliability.

The quality of presenting information in a neutral, verifiable way, without personal bias. Claims of objectivity can be tested by checking sources, tone and the balance of viewpoints.

The origin of information, such as a study, official body, witness or publication. Evaluating a source means asking who produced it, when, for what purpose and with what expertise.

The extent to which information can be trusted as accurate and current. Reliability depends on the authority of the source, the method used and whether other sources agree.

Meaning that is suggested rather than directly stated, often through word choice or tone. Reading implicit content is essential when a text criticises something without saying so openly.

Meaning that is stated directly and unambiguously in the text. Distinguishing explicit statements from inferences keeps your analysis grounded in evidence.

An unspoken message the reader is expected to infer, sometimes carrying irony or criticism. Understatements and hints often reveal the writer's real attitude more than direct statements do.

A conclusion drawn from clues in a text rather than from an explicit statement. Sound inferences stay close to the evidence and can be justified by quoting the relevant details.

Saying one thing while meaning the opposite, often to criticise or amuse. Irony is signalled by exaggeration, contradiction or tone, and misreading it can reverse a text's meaning.

The attitude conveyed by a piece of writing, such as ironic, indignant, nostalgic or persuasive. Identifying tone requires attention to vocabulary, punctuation and sentence rhythm.

The level of language suited to a situation, ranging from formal to familiar. Choosing the right register matters in letters, articles and speeches, where the audience shapes expectations.

Language appropriate to official, academic or professional contexts, using full sentences and polite conventions. Formal writing avoids slang and contractions and often uses the 'vous' form.

An email, typically written with a subject line, greeting, body and sign-off. In exam tasks, a formal email must state its purpose early and close with an appropriate formula.

A conventional closing phrase in a letter or email, matched to the relationship and register. Choosing an appropriate formula shows awareness of French epistolary conventions.

A written report summarising an event, text or activity in an organised, factual way. It usually states what happened, key details and a brief evaluation, without lengthy personal commentary.

A shortened version of a text that keeps its main ideas and removes detail. A good summary preserves the original's emphasis and does not add the writer's own opinion.

A combined account that draws together information from several documents into one coherent overview. It groups related points by theme rather than summarising each document in turn.

Expressing an idea in different words while keeping the meaning. It is a key skill for summarising and for showing comprehension without copying the original wording.

A restatement of a passage in your own words, usually to clarify or integrate it into your writing. Unlike a summary, it may follow the original closely in length and detail.

A short passage quoted directly from a text, marked with quotation marks and attributed. Accurate citation strengthens analysis by anchoring claims in the author's exact words.

A person's position or perspective on an issue, shaped by values and experience. Expressing one's point of view requires stating it clearly and supporting it with reasons.

A personal judgement or belief rather than a verified fact. In written French, opinions should be signalled as such and justified with evidence or reasoning.

The reasoning and evidence offered to show why a view is reasonable. A justification answers the question 'why do you think that?' with more than a restatement of the opinion.

What is at stake in a debate or situation, or the issue a text is really about. Identifying the enjeu keeps analysis focused on significance rather than surface detail.

The central question a piece of writing or argument addresses. A clear problématique guides the structure and prevents a response from becoming a loose list of ideas.

A clearly stated stance adopted by a speaker or writer on a contested issue. It is usually announced early and then defended through argument and example.