CSEC English A key terms

The viewpoint from which a story is told, such as first person, third person limited, or omniscient. It controls what information the reader receives and how they judge characters.

The voice or persona that tells a story. A narrator is not the same as the author and may be reliable, unreliable, involved in events, or standing outside them.

A storyteller whose account the reader has reason to doubt because of bias, limited knowledge, self-interest, or confusion. Spotting one requires comparing claims with evidence in the text.

The position, attitude, or angle a writer or speaker takes toward a subject, as well as the storytelling viewpoint. In argument, it means the stance being defended.

A central idea about life or human experience that a text explores, such as loyalty, ambition, or justice. Themes are implied through events and language rather than simply stated.

A recurring image, phrase, object, or idea that appears throughout a text and builds meaning by repetition. A motif often supports a larger theme.

An object, person, or event that stands for something beyond its literal meaning, such as a rose suggesting love. Symbols gain meaning from how the text uses them.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures. Imagery often carries emotional tone and can reinforce theme or mood.

Language used in a non-literal way to create effect, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole. It invites readers to see connections rather than literal facts.

A direct comparison that describes one thing as another without using like or as, such as calling time a thief. Metaphors shape how readers perceive the subject.

A comparison using like or as, such as brave as a lion. A simile highlights a shared quality between two otherwise different things.

Giving human qualities to non-human things, such as a wind that whispers or a sun that smiles. It can create atmosphere and make abstract ideas concrete.

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect, such as saying you have told someone a million times. Hyperbole is not meant to be taken literally.

A gap between what is said or expected and what is actually true. Verbal irony says the opposite of what is meant; situational irony twists expectations.

Writing that uses humour, irony, or exaggeration to expose and criticise human faults, institutions, or behaviour. Its purpose is usually reform rather than mere mockery.

The attitude a writer or speaker expresses toward the subject or audience, such as sarcastic, solemn, or playful. Tone is conveyed through word choice and sentence structure.

The feeling or atmosphere a text creates in the reader, such as tension, calm, or dread. Mood is produced by setting, imagery, and language choices.

A writer's choice of words, including whether language is formal, informal, technical, or colloquial. Diction strongly affects tone and clarity.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. For example, cheap and affordable share meaning but differ in connotation.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from its emotional associations. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps in analysing word choice.

A single sentence that states the main argument or claim of an essay. It should be specific, debatable, and guide the structure of the whole piece.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main idea. It links back to the thesis and signals what the paragraph will prove.

The quality that makes a piece of writing flow logically, with ideas connected in a clear order. Coherence depends on structure, transitions, and consistent focus.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked together through devices such as pronouns, repetition, and transition words. Cohesion holds a text together at the sentence level.

A word or phrase, such as however, therefore, or in addition, that shows the relationship between ideas. Transitions guide readers through shifts in argument or time.

A reasoned case in which a claim is supported by evidence and explanation. A strong argument anticipates counterarguments and addresses them fairly.

An opposing view raised and answered within an argument. Including one shows the writer has considered other positions and strengthens credibility.

The part of an argument that responds to and refutes a counterargument. A rebuttal explains why the opposing view is weak or limited.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer. It is used to emphasise a point, provoke thought, or draw the audience into agreement.

A method used to influence an audience, such as appeals to emotion, logic, or authority, repetition, or inclusive language. Techniques should be identified and evaluated, not just named.

A leaning toward or against something that distorts fair judgement. In a text, bias may appear through selective facts, loaded language, or omitted viewpoints.

A statement that can be verified as true or false through evidence. Facts differ from opinions, which express beliefs, feelings, or judgements.

A statement expressing a belief, judgement, or feeling rather than a verifiable fact. Opinions may be supported by reasons but cannot be proven true.

Information used to support a claim, such as examples, statistics, quotations, or expert testimony. Evidence must be relevant and explained, not merely listed.

A brief account of a text's main ideas in the reader's own words. A good summary omits minor details and keeps the original meaning without adding opinion.

Restating someone's idea in your own words while keeping the original meaning. Paraphrasing still requires acknowledgement of the source.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as your own without proper acknowledgement. It includes copying, uncredited paraphrasing, and failing to cite sources.

A reference that identifies the source of information used in a piece of writing. Citations allow readers to check sources and give credit to original authors.

The most important point a paragraph or passage conveys about its topic. Identifying the main idea is the foundation of accurate comprehension.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus the reader's reasoning, rather than stated directly. Inferences must be supported by clues in the passage.