Karnataka II PUC Tamil (KSEAB) key terms

The prose section of the Karnataka II PUC Tamil course, containing essays and short prose pieces studied for theme, argument and style. Questions ask for summary, central idea and author's purpose.

The poetry section of the syllabus, covering classical and modern Tamil poems. Candidates explain lines, identify figures of speech, and discuss rhythm, mood and message.

The core meaning or gist of a prose passage or poem, stated briefly in the candidate's own words. Examiners reward a concise statement of the central idea over retelling.

The main idea or message a text conveys, such as patriotism, social reform or devotion. Naming the theme correctly is usually the first mark in an appreciation answer.

The reason an author writes a piece, for example to persuade, to satirise or to commemorate. Identifying purpose helps candidates answer higher-order comprehension questions accurately.

The attitude or emotional colour of a passage, such as irony, grief, reverence or indignation. Tone is inferred from word choice and is often asked alongside theme.

The feeling expressed or aroused by a literary passage, for example pity, wonder or patriotism. Candidates should name the emotion and quote the words that create it.

The enduring aesthetic flavour a work evokes in the reader, classified in Tamil poetics as love, heroism, pity, laughter, terror and so on. Useful for higher-mark appreciation answers.

A deliberate stylistic device such as simile, metaphor or personification that shapes meaning and effect. Candidates must name the figure and explain the comparison in context.

A comparison between two unlike things introduced by words meaning 'like' or 'as'. The point of resemblance must be stated, not merely the two objects compared.

An implied comparison in which one thing is described as another without a word of likeness. Explaining the implied resemblance earns the explanation mark.

A single independent stanza studied on its own, common in anthologies of Sangam and later poetry. It is analysed for situation, speaker and implied emotion.

The earliest body of Tamil poetry, divided into akam (love) and puram (public life) themes. Knowing this division helps candidates place classical poems in context.

The Sangam classification of poems about love and domestic life, where named landscapes stand for emotional states. Candidates should recognise landscape as mood rather than scenery.

The Sangam classification of poems on war, kingship, generosity and ethics. These verses are often set for questions on heroism and moral instruction.

The five conventional settings of Sangam poetry, each linked to a season, hour and emotion. Recognising the thinai reveals the implied feeling of a love poem.

A classical Tamil work of 1,330 couplets arranged in three sections on virtue, wealth and love. Kural couplets frequently appear for explanation and moral application questions.

A two-line verse form with four metrical feet, the unit of the Thirukkural. Candidates explain each line's meaning and then the combined moral teaching.

Moral duty and righteous conduct, the theme of the first book of the Kural. Answers often require applying aram to a modern situation.

Fairness in rulers and in ordinary dealings, a recurring theme in Tamil ethical literature. Candidates should distinguish it from mere punishment.

The supplementary reader studied in addition to prose and poetry, usually a short novel, biography or collection. Questions cover plot, character, incident and message.

The sequence of events in a narrative, including introduction, complication, climax and resolution. Summarising the plot concisely is a common short-answer task.

A description of a figure in a text supported by evidence of speech, action and others' opinions. Marks are lost when candidates give opinion without textual support.

The sound changes that occur when a suffix or another word is joined to a base, such as vowel lengthening or consonant doubling. Candidates apply sandhi rules to form correct written Tamil.

A grammatical ending attached to a noun to show its relation to the verb, such as accusative, dative or locative. Identifying the case explains the noun's role in the sentence.

The word class expressing action or state, carrying person, number, tense and agreement in Tamil. Agreement errors between subject and verb are a frequent exam deduction.

The grammatical marking of past, present and future in Tamil verbs, each with characteristic suffixes. Candidates must select the correct tense marker when filling blanks.

A single word formed by joining two or more words, with the relationship between parts either explicit or implied. Splitting a compound into its components is a standard grammar exercise.

A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be read off from its individual words, such as expressions for anger or haste. Idioms are tested in fill-in and matching items.

A traditional saying that conveys folk wisdom, often through a concrete image. Candidates explain the literal picture and then the general lesson it teaches.

The accepted written form of Tamil, distinct from dialect speech and from English-influenced phrasing. Using standard usage protects marks in grammar and composition.

The task of locating and rewriting incorrect words or constructions in a sentence. Candidates should name the error type, such as agreement or sandhi, before correcting.

A structured composition with introduction, developed body paragraphs and conclusion, written on a given topic. Relevance, organisation and correct Tamil are the main marking criteria.

Formal and informal letter formats with correct salutation, body, closing and address placement. Marks depend on format accuracy as much as on content.

A condensed restatement of a passage in the candidate's own words, keeping key points and discarding illustration. Exceeding the word limit or copying sentences loses marks.

Rendering a passage between Tamil and English while preserving meaning, register and natural word order. Literal word-for-word transfer is penalised.

The recognised formats of exam questions, such as direct recall, explanation, application and matching. Recognising the type tells candidates how much detail and structure to give.

The level of formality in language, ranging from literary and official to conversational. Choosing the right register for a letter or essay affects the impression on the examiner.