NB G5 FI Reading key terms

The most important point a text makes about its topic. It is broader than a detail and is often stated near the beginning or end of a paragraph or passage.

What a text or paragraph is about, usually expressible in a short phrase rather than a full sentence. Identifying it helps a reader predict what information will follow.

A fact, example, reason, or description that explains or proves the main idea. Details answer questions such as who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Reading quickly with the eyes moving over the text to locate one specific item, such as a name, date, or number, without reading every word in order.

Reading rapidly to gain a general impression of a text, for example by looking at titles, first sentences, and headings, before deciding whether to read more closely.

The general sense or overall meaning of a text when a reader does not need every detail. Questions about gist ask what the passage is mostly about.

A word in a question or task that is important for finding the answer, often a name, number, or content word that can be matched in the text.

A short title above a section of text that signals its content. Headings help readers predict information and locate sections quickly.

A smaller title placed under a main heading to divide a section into parts. It shows how ideas within a longer section are organised.

Words printed beside or beneath a picture, diagram, or table that explain what it shows. Captions often add information not repeated in the main body text.

A word or short phrase attached to part of a diagram, chart, or picture to name that part. Labels help readers connect visual information with the written text.

A drawing or plan that shows how something is built or how parts relate to one another, often with labels and arrows rather than long sentences.

The way text, pictures, columns, and white space are arranged on a page. Layout guides the eye and shows which information is most important.

The style and size of printed letters, such as bold, italic, or large display type. Changes in font can signal titles, emphasis, or special terms.

A heavier, darker style of letters used to make words stand out. Writers use it for titles, key terms, or warnings that readers should notice.

A slanted style of letters used for titles of works, foreign words, or emphasis. It signals to the reader that the word is treated in a special way.

A group of sentences about one idea, separated from other groups by a space or indentation. Each paragraph usually develops a single point.

A sentence, often the first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point. The remaining sentences usually support or explain it.

Information in the words and sentences around an unknown word that helps a reader work out its meaning, such as a definition, example, or contrast.

A word that has a similar meaning to another word in the same language, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Recognising synonyms helps match questions to text.

A word that means the opposite of another word, such as 'hot' and 'cold'. Antonyms in a sentence can signal contrast and help clarify meaning.

A group of letters added to the front of a base word to change its meaning, as 'un-' does in 'unhappy'. Knowing common prefixes helps readers decode unfamiliar words.

A group of letters added to the end of a base word to change its meaning or word class, as '-less' does in 'careless'. Suffixes often show whether a word is a noun, verb, or adjective.

The basic part of a word that carries its main meaning and to which prefixes and suffixes can be added, such as 'help' in 'unhelpful'.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining clues in the text with background knowledge, even though the text does not state the conclusion directly.

Words, facts, or details in a text that support an answer, opinion, or conclusion. A good reader can point to the exact place in the text that justifies a response.

A guess about what will happen next or what a text will say, based on clues already read and on the reader's own experience. Predictions are checked and revised while reading.

A short statement of the most important points of a text, in the reader's own words and without unnecessary detail or personal opinion.

To restate the meaning of a sentence or passage using different words while keeping the same sense. Paraphrasing shows understanding and is not the same as copying.

The reason a writer produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct. Purpose shapes the choice of language, structure, and detail.

The group of people a text is written for, such as children, experts, or shoppers. Writers adjust vocabulary, tone, and layout to suit their audience.

The attitude a writer shows towards the subject or reader, for example humorous, serious, or urgent. Word choice and punctuation often reveal tone.

A statement that can be checked and shown to be true, such as a date or a measurement. Facts differ from opinions, which express personal views or feelings.

A statement of belief, feeling, or judgement that cannot be proved true or false in the same way as a fact. Words like 'best' or 'should' often signal opinions.

The order in which events or steps happen in a text. Words such as 'first', 'then', and 'finally' help readers follow the sequence.

A text that tells the reader how to do something, usually written as ordered steps with direct verbs. Instructions are often numbered and use short sentences.

The way a pronoun such as 'he', 'it', or 'they' points back to a noun mentioned earlier. Tracking the reference keeps the reader clear about who or what is meant.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'because', or 'in addition' that links ideas and shows how sentences and paragraphs relate to each other.