ICAS English key terms

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a particular context, such as "happy" and "glad". Choosing between synonyms lets a writer vary tone and precision.

A word that means the opposite of another word, such as "hot" and "cold". Writers use antonyms to create contrast or balance in a sentence.

The feelings or ideas a word suggests beyond its plain dictionary meaning, such as the warmth suggested by "home". These associations can be positive, negative or neutral.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any feelings or associations it may carry. For example, "snake" denotes a reptile, whatever a reader may feel about snakes.

A word that sounds the same as another word but has a different spelling and meaning, such as "their" and "there". Correct spelling depends on the word's role in the sentence.

A letter group added to the start of a base word to change its meaning, as "un-" does in "unhappy". Knowing common prefixes helps a reader guess unfamiliar words.

A letter group added to the end of a base word to change its meaning or word class, as "-less" in "hopeless" or "-ly" in "quickly".

The simplest form of a word to which prefixes and suffixes can be added, such as "help" in "helpful" and "unhelpful". Recognising it helps readers decode longer words.

Information in the surrounding words or sentences that helps a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues may be definitions, examples, contrasts or the general sense of the passage.

Language used in a non-literal way to create vivid effects or make comparisons, including metaphor, simile and personification. It goes beyond everyday literal meaning.

A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, without using "like" or "as", for example "the classroom was a zoo".

A figure of speech that compares two things using "like" or "as", for example "as brave as a lion". The comparison highlights a shared quality.

The most important point a text or section is making about its topic, usually stated or implied in a topic sentence. Supporting details explain or prove it.

A conclusion a reader reaches by combining information in the text with their own knowledge, rather than reading it stated directly. Good inferences are supported by evidence in the passage.

A short account of the main points of a text, written in your own words and without unnecessary detail. It keeps the writer's overall meaning but cuts examples and repetition.

The underlying message or big idea about life that a text explores, such as loyalty or growing up. A theme is usually implied rather than stated outright.

The attitude a writer expresses towards the subject or reader, which may be serious, humorous, critical or friendly. Tone is revealed through word choice and sentence style.

The overall feeling or atmosphere a text creates for the reader, such as suspense, sadness or calm. It is built through word choice, imagery and pace.

The reason a writer produces a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain or instruct an audience. Readers identify it from the content, structure and language choices.

The particular group of readers a text is written for, whose needs and knowledge shape the writer's language, content and level of detail.

A statement that can be proved true or false with evidence, such as a date or a measured quantity. Facts do not change simply because a reader disagrees with them.

A statement that expresses someone's belief, judgement or feeling and cannot be proved simply by evidence. Words such as "best" or "should" often signal an opinion.

A group of sentences about one main point, usually beginning with a topic sentence and held together by linking words. A new paragraph signals a shift in focus.

The sentence, often first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's main point and signals what follows. It helps the reader predict the paragraph's focus.

A word or phrase such as "however" or "therefore" that connects ideas and shows how sentences and paragraphs relate. Linking words make a text easier to follow.

The opening section of a text, which sets up the topic, engages the reader and often states the writer's position. It prepares the reader for the details that follow.

The closing section of a text, which restates the main point, draws ideas together and may offer a final comment. It should not introduce a completely new topic.

The part of a sentence that names who or what performs the action or is described, usually a noun or pronoun. Identifying it helps check that the sentence is complete.

The part of a sentence that says something about the subject, containing the verb and any objects or complements. Every complete sentence needs one.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb, which may form a whole sentence or part of one. A clause that can stand alone is called independent.

A group of words that works as a unit but lacks a subject and verb pair, such as "in the morning". A phrase adds detail but cannot make a sentence by itself.

An incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, a verb or a complete thought, such as "Running down the street." It needs to be joined to or expanded into a full sentence.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction, making the sentence hard to follow. It can be fixed with a full stop, a semicolon or a joining word.

A word such as "and", "but" or "because" that joins words, phrases or clauses and shows their relationship. It can turn a run-on into a correct sentence.

A sentence construction in which the subject performs the action, as in "The dog chased the ball". It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive voice.

A sentence construction in which the subject receives the action, often formed with "be" plus a past participle, as in "The ball was chased". It can hide who did the action.

A narrative viewpoint using "I" or "we", in which the narrator takes part in the events being described. It gives a personal, limited view of the story.

A narrative viewpoint using "he", "she", "it" or "they", in which the narrator stands outside the events. It may be limited to one character or all-knowing.

The exact words a speaker says, placed inside quotation marks and often introduced by a reporting verb, as in "She said, 'I am ready.'"

A way of telling what someone said without quoting their exact words, with tenses and pronouns often changing, as in "She said she was ready."