NB Grade 10 PIF Reading key terms

Information stated directly in the text, with no need for guessing or interpretation. A reader can point to the exact sentence that gives the answer.

Meaning that is suggested rather than stated outright. The reader must combine clues in the text with general knowledge to reach it.

A reasonable conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus background knowledge. It is not a random guess because the text must support it.

A small detail in the text, such as a word, image, or punctuation mark, that helps the reader understand something not directly stated.

An idea the author hints at without writing it, often to be tactful or to make the reader think. It depends on context to be understood.

A step-by-step reasoning process in which the reader moves from clues in the text to a logical conclusion.

The central message the author wants the reader to take away from a whole text or paragraph. Everything else usually supports it.

A supporting point that explains, illustrates, or develops the main idea. It is important but not the central message.

The broad subject or topic a text deals with, such as friendship, exile, or growing up. It is wider than the main idea.

The goal the author has in writing, for example to inform, persuade, amuse, or warn. It shapes how the text is built.

The specific purpose a passage or sentence serves, such as giving an example, contrasting two views, or introducing a character.

The attitude the author expresses through word choice and style, for example ironic, warm, bitter, or neutral. It is felt rather than stated.

The level of language used in a text, ranging from formal and literary to familiar or slang. It signals the relationship between writer and reader.

The degree of formality of vocabulary and grammar, usually classed as soutenu, courant, or familier. It affects how a character or narrator sounds.

The position or perspective from which a text is told or judged, including the narrator's opinions and the angle chosen by the author.

The voice that tells a story. This voice is not automatically the author and may be limited, unreliable, or a character in the tale.

A way of saying the opposite of what is meant, or of showing a gap between words and reality, so the reader senses mockery or criticism.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning, such as the warmth of 'foyer' versus the neutrality of 'maison'.

The basic, literal dictionary meaning of a word, without the feelings or associations it may also suggest.

A small difference in meaning or tone between words or statements, which can change how a sentence is understood.

A word with a meaning close to another word. True synonyms are rare, so context decides which one fits.

A word whose meaning is the opposite of another, such as 'généreux' and 'avare'. It helps clarify meaning by contrast.

A group of words linked by a shared topic, for example 'voile, port, marée, capitaine' for the sea. It reveals the text's dominant concerns.

The literal, everyday meaning of a word, as opposed to a figurative use. 'Une table' means furniture, not a chart, in its proper sense.

A non-literal use of a word, often through metaphor, to create an image or express an idea indirectly.

A comparison made without a linking word, saying one thing is another, such as 'cet homme est un roc'. It shapes how the reader pictures the subject.

A figure of speech that links two things with a word such as 'comme', 'tel', or 'pareil à'. It highlights a resemblance without merging the two.

A word or phrase such as 'donc', 'pourtant', or 'en effet' that shows how ideas relate: cause, contrast, consequence, or addition.

The way parts of a text are joined together so the argument or narrative moves smoothly from one point to the next.

The overall unity of a text, where all parts support one another and the reader can follow a single clear line of thought.

The network of links, such as pronouns, repeated words, and connectors, that holds sentences together and avoids confusion.

Referring back to something already mentioned, using a pronoun, a synonym, or a short phrase, so the text does not repeat itself clumsily.

The person, thing, or idea that a word or pronoun in the text actually points to. Identifying it correctly is essential for comprehension.

A block of sentences grouped around one idea, usually marked by an indent or a line break. Its first sentence often announces the topic.

The way a text is organised, for example introduction, development, and conclusion, or a chronological order, or a comparison of two sides.

The act of producing a statement, including who speaks, to whom, and in what situation. It explains shifts in person and tense.

The presence of personal opinion, feeling, or judgement in a text, often shown by evaluative adjectives and modal words.

The quality of presenting facts without personal bias or emotional colouring, typical of news reports and informative texts.

A short, surprising ending that reverses or sharpens the reader's understanding of what came before, common in short stories and fables.