BGCSE English Language key terms

A conclusion a reader draws by combining clues in a text with what they already know. The information is not stated directly, so the reader must reason from evidence such as word choice, detail and tone.

The central point a passage communicates about its subject, usually stated or suggested in a single sentence. Everything else in the text should support or explain it.

Details stated directly in a passage, leaving the reader no need to guess. Questions asking for explicit information can be answered by locating and quoting the exact words used.

The attitude a writer expresses towards the subject or reader, revealed through word choice, sentence length and punctuation. Tone may be ironic, sympathetic, angry, neutral or humorous, and it shapes how the message is received.

An unfair leaning towards one side of an issue, shown when a writer selects, omits or emphasises facts to favour a particular view. Bias can appear in word choice, in what is left out, and in whose opinions are quoted.

A fact is a statement that can be checked and proved true; an opinion is a personal belief, judgement or feeling that cannot be proved. Examiners often ask candidates to separate the two in a passage.

Language used for effect rather than literal meaning, such as simile, metaphor and personification. It helps a writer create pictures, convey emotion and make ideas memorable.

The way a writer organises information across a passage, for example problem and solution, cause and effect, or chronological order. Recognising structure helps a reader follow the argument and locate details quickly.

Reading quickly to gain a general impression of a text, noting headings, first sentences and layout rather than every word. It is used before close reading to decide what the text is about.

Moving the eyes quickly over a page to find one specific item, such as a date, name or figure, without reading everything. The reader knows what they are looking for before starting.

A single sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the main claim the writer will defend. It guides the structure of the piece and tells the reader what to expect.

The sentence that opens a paragraph and announces its main point. It links back to the essay's overall argument and is followed by evidence, explanation or example.

The opposing view to the writer's position, presented fairly and then answered. Including one shows balance and strengthens a persuasive essay by dealing with objections before the reader raises them.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer, since the answer is obvious or implied. It draws the reader in and can push them towards the writer's point of view.

The way sentences and paragraphs are tied together so a piece reads as one whole. Writers achieve it through linking words, repeated key terms, pronouns and a clear order of ideas.

A writer's understanding of who will read the text and what they need. It affects the level of formality, the amount of explanation given, the examples chosen and the tone adopted.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number: a singular subject takes a singular verb, a plural subject takes a plural verb. Errors often occur when words come between the two.

A sentence pattern in which the subject performs the action, as in 'The council approved the plan'. It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive, and suits lively narrative and persuasive writing.

A sentence pattern in which the subject receives the action, as in 'The plan was approved by the council'. It is useful when the doer is unknown or unimportant, but it can sound evasive or wordy.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb. A main clause can stand alone as a sentence; a subordinate clause cannot, and it usually adds information about time, reason, condition or contrast.

A sentence made of one main clause plus at least one subordinate clause, for example 'Although it rained, the match continued'. Varying main and subordinate clauses improves rhythm and shows relationships between ideas.

A punctuation mark (;) used between two independent clauses that are closely related, or between items in a list that already contain commas. It signals a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a full stop.

An error in which two complete sentences are joined with only a comma. It can be repaired by using a full stop, a semicolon, or a comma plus a conjunction such as 'and' or 'but'.

A mark (') used to show that letters have been left out of a contraction, or to show possession. Placement matters: 'the girl's book' is one girl, while 'the girls' books' is more than one.

The level of formality and the kind of language a writer chooses for a particular situation and reader, ranging from casual chat to formal report. Register must suit purpose, audience and medium.

A word that means nearly the same as another, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. True synonyms are rare, because words differ in formality, strength and the contexts in which they fit.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, such as 'generous' and 'mean'. Antonyms help writers create contrast and help readers work out meaning from context.

The feelings and associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. 'Childlike' and 'childish' describe similar behaviour but suggest very different attitudes, so word choice affects the reader's response.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without the emotions or associations it may suggest. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps a reader judge whether a writer is being neutral or loaded.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from the individual words, such as 'to break the ice'. Idioms make writing lively but are usually too informal for a formal essay.

A short account of the main points of a text, written in the reader's own words and stripped of examples, repetition and detail. It keeps the original order and emphasis without copying sentences.

A restatement of a short passage in different words while keeping the meaning and much of the detail. It is used to show understanding and to avoid copying a source word for word.

The title printed above a news story, often brief and attention-grabbing. It sums up the story's angle, may use puns or omitted words, and is written to persuade the reader to continue.

The group of readers a text is aimed at, defined by age, interest, knowledge or background. Identifying it helps explain the choice of vocabulary, tone, length and layout.

A short line of text placed under a photograph or diagram to explain what it shows and link it to the story. Captions are usually factual but can carry a slant.

The final check of a piece of writing for errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and consistency before it is handed in. It is done slowly, often line by line or from the end backwards.

One of two or more words that sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things, such as 'their', 'there' and 'they're'. They cause many spelling errors because spellcheckers miss them.

A shortened form made by joining two words and replacing missing letters with an apostrophe, as in 'don't' or 'it's'. Contractions suit informal writing but are usually avoided in formal essays and reports.