Edutest key terms

A word that carries the same or a very close meaning as another word, so swapping one for the other leaves the sentence's sense largely unchanged.

A word whose meaning stands in direct opposition to another word, such as hot and cold, allowing contrast to be tested in a sentence.

A comparison stating that two pairs of words share the same relationship, so the link in one pair must be identified and matched in the other.

A set of words or numbers in which all but one share a common feature; the task is to name the item that does not fit.

Sorting items into groups according to a shared property, then identifying which group a new item belongs to or which group breaks the rule.

Information in the surrounding sentence or paragraph that hints at an unfamiliar word's meaning, such as a restatement, example, or cause-and-effect link.

A signal in the text, often a word like but, although, or unlike, showing that the meaning of one part opposes another and so narrowing an unknown word's sense.

A meaningful unit attached to the front of a root word that alters its meaning, as un- turns kind into unkind or re- signals doing again.

A meaningful unit added to the end of a word that changes its meaning or grammatical role, such as -less, -ness, or -able.

The base form of a word that carries its core meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes may be attached to build related words.

The straightforward, dictionary sense of a word or phrase, taken exactly as written rather than as a figure of speech.

Wording that departs from literal sense to create effect, including metaphor, simile, and personification, so meaning must be inferred rather than read directly.

A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, without using like or as, to highlight a shared quality.

A comparison between two unlike things introduced by like or as, used to sharpen a description through a striking resemblance.

The emotional or cultural shade a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning, so thin may suggest elegance in one context and weakness in another.

The plain, objective dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any feelings or associations it may trigger for a reader.

The central point a passage communicates about its topic, usually stated or implied in a single sentence that the supporting details explain.

A fact, example, or reason in a passage that explains, proves, or develops the main idea and gives it substance.

A sentence, often first in a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea and signals what the following sentences will develop.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus reasonable background knowledge, even though the text does not state it outright.

Specific wording, facts, or examples in a passage that support a claim, answer, or interpretation and can be pointed to directly.

The writer's attitude toward the subject, conveyed through word choice and detail, which may be humorous, critical, admiring, or neutral.

The reason a writer produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct, which shapes how the content is organised.

The intended readers of a text, whose age, knowledge, and expectations influence the writer's vocabulary, tone, and level of explanation.

The order in which events, steps, or ideas are arranged in a text, often signalled by words like first, then, and finally.

A text structure that links why something happened to what resulted, often marked by words such as because, therefore, and as a result.

A text structure that examines similarities and differences between two or more subjects to clarify each one's distinctive features.

A brief restatement of a passage's key points in the reader's own words, omitting minor detail while preserving the overall meaning.

Rewording a passage's content accurately in different language, keeping the original meaning while changing the phrasing and sentence structure.

A comparison of two quantities by division, showing how many times one value contains another, often written as a to b or a:b.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, allowing an unknown quantity to be found when the other three values are known.

A ratio that compares quantities measured in different units, such as kilometres per hour or cost per item.

A number expressed as a fraction of one hundred, so 25% means 25 parts out of every 100 and equals the decimal 0.25.

A number written as one integer divided by another, representing part of a whole, such as three-quarters or seven-tenths.

A number written using place value to the right of a decimal point, where each position represents a power of ten smaller than the last.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are, also called the mean, used to describe a typical value.

The middle value of a data set arranged in order; with an even count, it is the average of the two central values.

The difference between the largest and smallest values in a data set, giving a simple measure of how spread out the data are.

The total distance around the outside of a two-dimensional shape, found by adding the lengths of all its sides.

The amount of flat surface enclosed by a two-dimensional shape, measured in square units such as square centimetres.

The amount of three-dimensional space a solid occupies, measured in cubic units and found using appropriate formulas for each shape.

A combination of numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign, such as three x plus five, which can be simplified or evaluated.

A mathematical statement asserting that two expressions are equal, which can be solved to find the value of an unknown.

A letter or symbol standing in for an unknown or changing number within an expression, equation, or formula.

A regular arrangement of numbers, shapes, or letters that follows a rule, allowing later terms to be predicted from earlier ones.

An ordered list of numbers generated by a rule, such as adding a fixed amount each time, where the next term must be deduced.

Finding an approximate answer by rounding values to convenient numbers, useful for checking whether a precise calculation is reasonable.

Replacing a number with a nearby value of simpler form, such as to the nearest ten or whole number, according to stated rules.

Carrying out calculations in the head without written working or a calculator, relying on number facts and flexible strategies.

A group of related sentences developing one idea, usually beginning on a new line and contributing a single step to the whole text.

The planned arrangement of a piece of writing into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, each serving a clear function.

A single sentence near the start of a piece that states the central argument or position the rest of the writing will support.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a piece reads as a connected whole, achieved through pronouns, repeated key words, and linking phrases.

A linking word or phrase such as however, therefore, or in addition that signals the relationship between one idea and the next.

Deliberately adjusting vocabulary, tone, and detail to suit the readers a piece is written for, whether peers, teachers, or the general public.

Reviewing a draft to correct errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and to tighten wording so the meaning is clear.

A final careful read of a piece to catch small slips in spelling, punctuation, and word order before the work is submitted.