Maharashtra HSC English (MSBSHSE) flashcards

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

Topic sentence

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, usually placed first; comprehension questions about the main idea are answered from it.

Fact versus opinion

A fact can be verified against evidence; an opinion expresses a judgement, belief, or feeling. Test verifiability before labelling a statement.

Character sketch

An answer combining a named trait, a textual incident that proves it, and the trait's contribution to the work's theme.

Justify the title

An answer that links the title to a specific incident in the text and to the abstract idea the writer draws from that incident.

Synonym in context

A word replacement that matches the original's part of speech and fits the same sentence slot without changing the passage's meaning.

Precis summary rules

Retain main clauses only, remove examples and repetition, preserve the original order of ideas, and stay within the stated word limit.

Writer's purpose

The intended effect on the reader, usually to inform, persuade, entertain, or reflect; each claim needs an evidence phrase from the passage.

Inference from passage

A conclusion not stated directly but supported by clues in the text; the answer must quote the clue that justifies it.

Rhyme scheme

A pattern labelling line-end sounds with letters, such as abab or aabb; a change in pattern often signals a shift in mood.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as' between two unlike things, naming both elements explicitly, as in ' cheeks like roses'.

Metaphor

A direct identification of one thing with another without 'like' or 'as', asserting that A is B to carry meaning across.

Personification

Giving a human quality, action, or feeling to a non-human thing, such as a wind that whispers or a road that waits.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same initial consonant sound in nearby stressed words, used to reinforce rhythm or link images.

Petrarchan sonnet

A fourteen-line poem divided into an octave of eight lines and a sestet of six; the argument usually turns between them.

Shakespearean sonnet

A fourteen-line poem in three quatrains and a closing couplet with rhyme scheme abab cdcd efef gg; the turn often comes at line thirteen.

Central idea of poem

The theme stated in one sentence and supported by two quoted phrases showing where the poem expresses that theme.

Tone in poetry

The speaker's attitude, described with an adjective plus textual evidence such as repeated exclamations or harsh consonants.

Formal letter layout

Sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject line, salutation, two or three body paragraphs, complimentary close, and signature.

Report writing conventions

Headline and byline, past tense, third person, passive voice where the doer is unknown, and no first-person pronouns.

Notice format

A boxed announcement headed NOTICE with date, bold title, body under fifty words, and the issuer's name and designation.

Leaflet writing

A promotional or informational handbill with a catchy title, short imperative bullet points, and contact details; full sentences are optional.

Expansion of an idea

A composition that restates a given proverb or statement, explains it, illustrates it with one example, and concludes.

Speech opening

The first line naming the audience, such as 'Respected Principal, teachers and friends', followed by the topic statement and rhetorical questions.

View and counterview

A balanced composition presenting arguments for and against an issue, ending with the writer's own reasoned stand.

Email subject line

A mandatory short phrase summarising the message; the body stays brief, uses a salutation, and omits postal addresses.

Novel setting

The place and historical period in which the action occurs; setting questions require both dimensions, not just a location name.

Character arc

The trajectory of a character from initial state through a turning point to final change, supported by specific episodes.

Narrative point of view

The perspective telling the story: first person, third-person omniscient, or third-person limited; each must be illustrated from the text.

Plot causality

The linking of events by cause and effect using connectives such as because, consequently, and after, rather than a bare list.

Theme in the novel

An abstract concern such as class prejudice or ambition, named clearly and anchored in two specific episodes from the text.

Extensive reading answer

A response drawing on a text read beyond the syllabus, naming the book and author and citing one specific incident.

Handling quotations

Use short, accurately recalled quotations; when the exact wording is uncertain, paraphrase the idea and label it a paraphrase.