Kerala SSLC English key terms

A comparison between two unlike things that uses 'like' or 'as', such as 'her voice was like a bell'. It helps readers picture an idea vividly.

A direct comparison that states one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as', such as 'the classroom was a zoo'. It transfers qualities from one object to another.

Giving human qualities to non-human things, as in 'the wind whispered through the trees'. Writers use it to make descriptions lively and emotionally suggestive.

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby words, as in 'silly snakes slithered slowly'. It creates rhythm and draws attention to a phrase.

Language that appeals to the senses, helping readers see, hear, smell, taste or touch what is described. It builds atmosphere and makes scenes memorable.

The attitude a writer or speaker conveys towards the subject, such as serious, ironic, tender or bitter. Tone is revealed through word choice and detail.

The feeling a text creates in the reader, for example suspense, sadness or cheerfulness. Mood is produced by setting, imagery and events rather than by the author's attitude alone.

The central idea or insight a text explores, such as friendship, loss or the value of education. It is stated as a general observation, not as a summary of events.

The arranged sequence of events in a story, usually moving through exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. It shows how conflict develops and is settled.

The methods a writer uses to reveal a character's personality, through description, speech, actions and reactions of others. It may be direct or shown indirectly.

The pattern of end rhymes in a poem, usually labelled with letters such as ABAB or AABB. Identifying it helps candidates describe structure and sound effects.

A group of lines forming one unit of a poem, separated from other groups by spacing. Stanzas work like paragraphs and often shape the poem's rhythm.

A gap between what is said or expected and what is actually true, as when a fire station burns down. Writers use it to criticise, amuse or add depth.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the text plus general knowledge, rather than from a stated fact. Readers infer feelings, motives and unstated causes.

The most important point a paragraph or passage makes about its topic. It is often stated in a topic sentence but may need to be inferred from supporting details.

A fact, example or reason that explains or proves the main idea. Good readers check that each detail actually relates to the point being made.

Information in surrounding words or sentences that helps a reader work out the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts and cause-effect links.

Reading quickly to locate specific information such as a name, date or number, without reading every word. It is useful for answering detail questions under time pressure.

Reading quickly for the general sense of a passage, often by looking at headings, first sentences and key words. It helps before answering questions in detail.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as 'begin' and 'start'. Recognising synonyms helps with vocabulary questions and with paraphrasing in summaries.

A word with an opposite meaning to another, such as 'generous' and 'stingy'. Antonyms are often tested through contrast clues in a sentence.

A letter group added to the front of a word to change its meaning, as 'un-' in 'unfair' or 're-' in 'rewrite'. Knowing common prefixes helps decode unfamiliar words.

A letter group added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical class, as '-less' in 'hopeless' or '-ness' in 'kindness'. It often signals whether a word is a noun or adjective.

A sentence pattern in which the subject performs the action, as in 'The students wrote the report'. It is usually clearer and more direct than the passive.

A sentence pattern in which the subject receives the action, formed with a form of 'be' plus past participle, as in 'The report was written by the students'. Used when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

Quoting a speaker's exact words inside quotation marks, as in 'She said, "I am tired."' It preserves the original wording and is common in narrative writing.

Restating what someone said without quoting exactly, as in 'She said that she was tired'. Tenses and pronouns usually shift back one step from the original.

A group of words containing its own subject and verb, such as 'when the bell rang'. A main clause can stand alone; a subordinate clause cannot.

A group of words that works as a single unit but lacks a subject-verb pair, such as 'in the morning' or 'very quickly'. Phrases function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs.

The natural pairing of words that native speakers commonly use together, such as 'make a decision' rather than 'do a decision'. Learning collocations makes writing sound idiomatic.

A letter written to an official, editor or institution, using a polite, impersonal register, standard salutation and a clear statement of purpose. It usually closes with 'Yours faithfully' or 'Yours sincerely'.

A group of sentences developing one idea, usually beginning with a topic sentence and ending with a linking or concluding sentence. Clear paragraphing is a basic requirement of exam writing.

The sentence that states the main point of a paragraph, often placed first. It guides both the writer and the reader through the argument.

The quality of a piece of writing in which ideas are logically ordered and connected, so the reader can follow the argument easily. It depends on structure as well as linking words.

The linking of sentences through connectors, pronouns and repeated key words so that a text holds together. It works at the sentence level, while coherence concerns overall logic.

A shortened version of a text that keeps its main points and removes examples and repetition. It should be in the writer's own words and much shorter than the original.

A short public communication giving information or instructions to a group, such as a meeting announcement or lost-item notice. It uses a heading, brief body and date or signature.

A short personal story told to illustrate a point or entertain listeners. In speeches and essays it makes abstract ideas concrete and holds attention.