WACE Hindi Background Language ATAR key terms

A written or spoken passage that a candidate reads or listens to and then answers questions about. In this exam it may be a story, article, notice, dialogue or poem, and understanding its main idea and purpose is the starting point for any response.

The central idea or overall message that a text conveys, as distinct from its minor details. Identifying it helps a candidate summarise accurately and decide which supporting points are worth mentioning in an answer.

The reason a writer or speaker produced a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, warn or request. Recognising purpose guides interpretation of tone and helps a candidate judge whether language is factual, emotional or ironic.

The attitude or feeling conveyed through word choice and sentence style, for example humorous, serious, sarcastic or sympathetic. Candidates must name the tone and justify it with evidence from the text rather than guessing.

The situation, audience and setting in which a text is produced, which shapes how it should be understood. A phrase that is polite between friends may be rude in a formal letter, so context determines meaning.

A short account of a text's key points written in the candidate's own words. A good summary keeps the main argument, drops minor examples, stays within the word limit and does not add personal opinion unless asked.

A judgement drawn from evidence in a text rather than stated directly. Candidates reach conclusions by connecting clues, such as a character's hesitation implying doubt, and should support the conclusion with textual reference.

An educated guess about meaning that goes beyond what is literally written, based on clues in the text. It is a common exam skill when a question asks what a speaker probably felt or intended.

The specific words, phrases or details in a text that support an answer or interpretation. Marks are often awarded for quoting or closely paraphrasing evidence, so candidates should practise locating short, precise supporting lines.

A direct quotation taken from a text to support a point. In Hindi it is usually placed within inverted commas and kept brief, with the candidate explaining why the quoted words prove the claim being made.

Rewriting information from a text in different words while keeping the meaning unchanged. It demonstrates comprehension and is essential in summaries, since copying long stretches of the original rarely earns full credit.

A subtle clue in a text, such as a repeated image, a change of tense or a character's silence, that hints at meaning without stating it openly. Reading for such hints supports inference-based questions.

A structured piece of writing that develops a topic through an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. In this exam it may be descriptive, argumentative or reflective, and clear paragraphing with linking words is expected.

A paragraph that groups sentences around one controlling idea. Effective paragraphs open with a topic sentence, develop it with explanation or example, and close with a link to the next point.

A brief plan listing the main points and their order before writing begins. Making an outline saves time in timed writing, prevents repetition and helps ensure the response answers the actual question.

A word or phrase that links ideas and sentences, such as इसलिए, फिर भी, दूसरी ओर or निष्कर्षतः. Appropriate connectors make writing flow logically and signal contrast, cause, addition or conclusion to the reader.

A polite, impersonal register used for official letters, applications, reports and notices. It avoids slang and contractions, uses respectful address such as आदरणीय महोदय, and follows set conventions of layout.

A relaxed, personal register used with friends, family and familiar readers. It allows slang, short forms, emotional expressions and direct address, and is typical of personal letters, messages and diary entries.

A written communication addressed to a person or organisation. Exam tasks often require a formal letter of complaint or application, or an informal letter to a relative, each with its own salutation, body and closing formula.

A short persuasive text promoting a product, service or event. It relies on catchy slogans, emotive adjectives, direct address and sometimes wordplay, and candidates may be asked to write or analyse one.

Reasoning offered to support a viewpoint, usually structured as claim, evidence and explanation. In argumentative writing each point should be developed and defended, and counter-arguments should be acknowledged and answered.

A statement that challenges or opposes an idea, often introduced with phrases like इसके विपरीत or आलोचक कहते हैं. Presenting and then refuting opposing views strengthens argumentative writing.

The position a writer takes on an issue, or one side of a debate. Clear identification of one's stance at the start helps a reader follow the argument and is expected in persuasive tasks.

The choice of particular words to create a precise effect, such as using मुस्कुराहट rather than हँसी to suggest gentle warmth. Deliberate word choice improves accuracy and tone in a candidate's own writing.

An idiomatic expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as आँखों में धूल झोंकना meaning to deceive. Using idioms appropriately shows advanced command of Hindi.

A traditional proverb expressing popular wisdom, such as अंधों में काना राजा. Proverbs add colour and cultural depth to speech and writing, but must be used where the meaning genuinely fits.

A spoken exchange between two or more people, marked in writing by turn-taking and natural spoken features. In interaction tasks candidates must respond relevantly, ask follow-up questions and keep the exchange going.

Informal conversation in which participants take turns, react to each other and negotiate meaning. Fluency in conversation involves listening for the gist, using fillers naturally and repairing misunderstandings politely.

The conventions of politeness in Hindi interaction, including respectful pronouns such as आप, appropriate greetings and softened requests. Choosing the right level of politeness according to the listener is a key interaction skill.

The respectful second-person pronoun used for elders, strangers and superiors, contrasted with तुम and तू. Verb forms must agree with the chosen pronoun, and errors here can sound unintentionally rude.

The way a speaker addresses someone, using a name, title or kinship term such as अंकल, मैडम or भैया. Hindi address terms encode relative age, intimacy and respect, so choosing correctly matters socially.

The act of initiating an exchange by asking a question, making an offer or introducing a topic. Candidates who take initiative rather than giving one-word answers demonstrate stronger interactive competence.

An explanation given to clarify a point the listener has not understood. In interaction it may involve rephrasing, giving an example or asking क्या आप समझ गए, and it keeps communication working.

The shared values, customs, festivals, foodways and arts of a community, which shape how language is used. Hindi texts frequently reflect family roles, festivals and regional traditions, so cultural knowledge aids comprehension.

A custom or practice passed down through generations, such as particular wedding rituals or seasonal observances. Texts often discuss tensions between tradition and modernity, and candidates should discuss both without caricature.

A festival celebrated by a community, such as दीवाली, होली or ईद, each with its own customs, foods and greetings. Familiarity with festivals helps candidates interpret references and write culturally appropriate texts.

A regional or social variety of a language, such as भोजपुरी or हरियाणवी, differing from standard Hindi in pronunciation and vocabulary. Literature and film dialogue often use dialects to signal place and character.

The standardised, formal variety of Hindi taught in schools and used in official writing and news media. It is the expected register for formal exam tasks, though candidates should still recognise dialect and colloquial forms in texts.

The ability to use two languages in daily life, common among Hindi speakers who also use English, Marathi or another language. It explains frequent code-switching in modern Hindi media and conversation.

A mixed style blending Hindi grammar with English words, widely heard in urban speech, advertising and film. Its presence in texts often signals modernity, youth culture or humour and can be analysed as a register choice.

The way languages, customs and social roles shift over time, for example the growing use of English loanwords or changing expectations about gender roles. Reflective tasks often ask candidates to comment on such change.