Bremen Abitur English flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Anforderungsbereich I

The reproduction level of tasks: recalling and summarizing information from the material without independent analysis. Operative verbs include nennen, beschreiben, zusammenfassen.

Anforderungsbereich II

The reorganization and transfer level: analysing, comparing, and explaining material using evidence. Operative verbs include analysieren, vergleichen, erläutern, erklären.

Anforderungsbereich III

The evaluation and creation level: forming reasoned judgments, discussing positions, and producing creative or evaluative texts. Operative verbs include bewerten, diskutieren, Stellung nehmen, gestalten.

Operative verb: analyse

A task instruction requiring a methodical, structured examination of a text or aspect, supported by specific evidence and quotations, and explaining how the feature creates meaning.

Operative verb: evaluate

A task instruction requiring a reasoned judgment on the basis of explicit criteria, weighing strengths and weaknesses and reaching a justified conclusion.

Sprachmittlung

Situational, addressee-oriented transfer of meaning between German and English. It is not literal translation; register, tone, and conventions must suit the target reader.

Narrative perspective

The viewpoint from which a story is told: first person (I), third person limited (one character's consciousness), or third person omniscient (narrator knows all characters' thoughts).

Direct characterisation

Revealing a character through explicit statements by the narrator or other characters about traits, appearance, or personality, rather than through action or dialogue.

Indirect characterisation

Revealing character through actions, speech, thoughts, appearance, and others' reactions, requiring the reader to infer traits rather than being told directly.

Simile

A comparison using like or as, e.g. 'her voice was like gravel'. It clarifies or intensifies an image and should be interpreted for its effect, not merely named.

Metaphor

A direct comparison in which one thing is described as another without like or as. It creates imagery and conveys associations that shape the reader's understanding.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things, such as objects, nature, or abstract ideas. It can create atmosphere, empathy, or a sense of agency.

Irony

A gap between what is said and what is meant, or between expectation and outcome. It invites the reader to infer the intended meaning and can convey criticism or humour.

Rhetorical question

A question posed for effect rather than to obtain an answer. It engages the reader, signals a shift in argument, or implies an obvious answer.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It creates rhythm, emphasis, and emotional force in speeches and persuasive texts.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words. It creates rhythm, memorability, and emphasis, and is common in headlines, slogans, and poetry.

Thesis statement

A single sentence stating the central claim of an essay or comment. It guides the structure and must be arguable and answered in the conclusion.

Topic sentence

The first sentence of a body paragraph, stating the paragraph's main point. It connects to the thesis and is followed by evidence and explanation.

Ethos, pathos, logos

The three classical rhetorical appeals: credibility of the speaker (ethos), emotional appeal to the audience (pathos), and logical argument and evidence (logos).

Summary writing rules

A summary presents the main ideas in the writer's own words, in the present tense, without personal opinion, quotations, or examples, and follows the original's structure.

Register

The level of formality in language, ranging from formal (academic, official) to informal (colloquial). Mediation and essays must match the register expected by the addressee.

Mediation conventions

When mediating, adopt the target text type's conventions: an email needs a salutation and sign-off, a letter a formal address, a report headings and a neutral tone.

Free verse

Poetry without a fixed metre or rhyme scheme. Analysis focuses on line breaks, rhythm, imagery, and sound patterns rather than on regular formal structure.

Dramatic monologue

A speech by a single character revealing thoughts and personality, often addressing an implied listener. It blends characterisation with dramatic tension.

Stage directions

Instructions in a play script describing setting, movement, and delivery. They shape interpretation of character and atmosphere and are evidence for analysis.

Dystopian fiction

A genre depicting an imagined oppressive society, often used to critique contemporary issues. Analysis examines control mechanisms, setting, and narrative voice.

Unreliable narrator

A narrator whose account is distorted by limited knowledge, bias, or deception. Readers must infer the gap between narration and implied truth.

Framing device

A narrative structure in which a story is told within another story. It shapes perspective, distance, and the reader's trust in the account.

Hörverstehen strategy

Before listening, read the tasks to predict content. During listening, note keywords and numbers; a second listening is used to confirm details and complete gaps.

Leseverstehen strategy

Skim for gist, then scan for specific information. Match each task item to a distinct passage section and eliminate options contradicted by the text.

Quoting and citing

Integrate quotations with a lead-in, cite line numbers, and explain relevance. Quotations should support an argument, not replace the candidate's own analysis.

Conclusion in a comment

The final paragraph restates the thesis in light of the argument, draws a clear position, and may point to wider implications without introducing new evidence.

False friends example

German-English traps such as 'aktuell' (current, not actual), 'eventuell' (possibly, not eventually), and 'bekommen' (to get, not to become). Accuracy affects the language mark.