ASSEB HSLC First Language Hmar key terms

The prose section of the Hmar literature syllabus, covering narrative, descriptive and reflective pieces in prose. Questions test theme, character and the author's purpose rather than verse form.

A story or narrative prose piece, whether folk tale or modern short story. Candidates are usually asked about plot sequence, characters, setting and the moral or message conveyed.

An essay or discursive prose piece that explains, argues or reflects on a topic. Identifying the writer's main point and supporting reasons is the common examination task.

The characters in a story or play, considered by role such as main and minor. Questions ask candidates to describe a character's traits and support them with events from the text.

The theme or central subject of a prose piece or poem, distinct from its plot. Candidates should state it in one clear sentence and then justify it with evidence from the text.

A summary or précis of a passage, giving only the main points in the candidate's own words. Marks are given for brevity and accuracy, not for copying sentences from the original.

The poetry section of the syllabus, containing poems studied for meaning, imagery and form. Candidates must be able to explain a stanza and identify the poet's attitude or tone.

A poem or song text studied in the poetry section. Examination questions may ask for the central idea, the mood, and the effect of repetition or refrain in the piece.

The emotional feeling or mood conveyed by a poem, such as joy, grief or longing. Candidates should name the mood and point to the words or images that create it.

A comparison used in poetry, including simile and metaphor, where one thing is described through another. Identifying the two things compared and the quality shared earns the marks.

A figure of speech in which a statement is deliberately exaggerated for effect, common in Hmar song and verse. Candidates should explain the intended emphasis rather than treat it literally.

The patterned beat or stress arrangement of a poem or song line. Questions may ask how rhythm and repeated sounds add to the effect of a recited piece.

Sound effect in verse, including rhyme and alliteration, where similar sounds recur for musicality. Candidates link sound patterns to the mood or emphasis of the poem.

The supplementary reading component of the syllabus, usually a longer prose text or collection read quickly for general understanding. Questions test overall grasp of plot, characters and message.

A brief account of a book or passage covering its main events and purpose, often required for the supplementary reader. It should be in the candidate's own words and in logical order.

New information or an unfamiliar idea met in a reading passage. In supplementary reading questions, candidates identify what they learned and how it relates to the passage's main point.

A word as a grammatical unit, classified in Hmar grammar by type such as noun, verb or modifier. Recognising word class is basic to answering grammar and usage questions correctly.

Sentence structure and the arrangement of words into a meaningful statement. Grammar questions test whether a candidate can identify the subject, predicate and correct word order.

Language as a system of communication, including its sounds, words and rules. Usage questions test whether a candidate can choose the form appropriate to the context and register.

A noun or name word, including proper names and common nouns in Hmar grammar. Identifying nouns correctly is needed for parsing sentences and for correcting agreement errors.

A verb or action word, expressing what someone or something does or is. Grammar items test tense and agreement between the verb and its subject in a sentence.

A qualifier or modifier word that describes or limits another word, such as an adjective or adverb. Candidates identify what a modifier refers to and place it correctly in a sentence.

A change in word form, such as plural marking or tense change, used to show grammatical meaning. Usage questions ask candidates to choose the correct changed form in context.

Agreement or correspondence between parts of a sentence, especially subject and verb. Errors of agreement are common in correction items, so candidates must check both sides of the sentence.

A letter, whether personal or formal, written in the composition section. Marks depend on correct format, salutation and closing, clear purpose, and appropriate tone for the reader.

A piece of written composition, such as a story, description or argument, produced under examination conditions. Structure, paragraphing, relevance and language accuracy carry the marks.

A topic sentence or short statement of the main idea of a paragraph. Placing it early helps the examiner follow the argument and keeps the composition focused on the set topic.

The body or main part of a composition or letter, developed between the opening and the conclusion. Each paragraph should carry one clear point that supports the overall purpose.

The concluding part of a composition or letter, which rounds off the argument or restates the request. A firm, brief ending leaves a clear impression on the examiner.

To read a passage carefully and grasp its meaning before answering questions. Candidates should read twice, note the main idea, then locate the exact lines that support each answer.

The meaning or sense conveyed by a word or sentence in context. Vocabulary questions ask candidates to explain a word as it is used in the passage, not in isolation.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, tested in vocabulary items. Candidates should check the context, since a word may have more than one opposite depending on use.

A word with a similar meaning to another, used in vocabulary and comprehension questions. The best answer fits the sentence's tone and grammar, not merely the general sense.

A question in a comprehension exercise, which may ask for fact, inference or the writer's attitude. Answers should be short, direct and drawn from the passage, with a reason where asked.

The explanation or glossing of a word's meaning, often required in vocabulary tasks. A good answer gives the sense in simple Hmar and, where useful, a synonym or example sentence.

The opening or introduction of a composition, letter or answer, which states the subject and sets the tone. A short, purposeful opening is preferred to a long, vague one.

Coherence and logical linking between sentences and paragraphs in writing. Examiners reward clear connectives and consistent focus, and penalise sudden jumps between unrelated ideas.