PSEB Matric Punjabi key terms

The ordered set of letters used to write Punjabi in the Gurmukhi script, traditionally taught in rows from ੳ to ਙ. Candidates must be able to name, classify and write these letters correctly.

The script in which Punjabi is written and taught in Punjab school syllabi. Its letters are written left to right, with a headline (ਸਿਰਲੇਖ) drawn across the top of most characters.

A speech sound produced without blocking the airflow, and the letters that represent such sounds. In Gurmukhi the independent vowel letters are ੳ, ਅ, ੲ, ਸ, ਹ, ਕ, ਖ, ਗ, ਘ, ਙ.

A speech sound made by partly or fully stopping the airflow, and the letter representing it. Gurmukhi consonants are arranged in rows by place of articulation, from ਕ to ੜ.

A vowel sign attached to a consonant letter to show which vowel follows it, such as the stroke above for ਿ or the sign after for ਾ. Writing words without correct matras changes their meaning.

The small diacritic marks placed above, below, before or after a Gurmukhi letter, including matras and signs like ਂ, ੰ and ੱ. Correct use of lagan is a common mark-scoring point in writing answers.

The small sign ੱ written above a consonant to double it, as in ਪੱਕਾ. It shows that the consonant is pronounced twice, once closing the previous syllable and once opening the next.

The dot ਂ placed above a letter to mark nasalisation, as in ਹੰਸ or ਮੈਂ. It is distinct from the tippi sign ੰ and from the addak, and mixing them up is a common spelling error.

The nasal sign ੰ written above a letter, used mainly with short vowels, as in ਪੰਜ or ਸੰਗ. Candidates must know when tippi rather than bindi is written in a given word.

Two or more consonant letters joined in writing, usually with a subscript form under the first letter, as in ਸ੍ਤ or ਪ੍ਰ. Recognising and reading conjuncts is needed for accurate comprehension passages.

The sign ੍ placed below a consonant to show that it carries no vowel sound of its own, allowing it to join the next consonant. It is the written marker of many conjunct forms.

The correct joining and spelling of words, including matras, addak, tippi and bindi. A dedicated spelling section commonly appears in the paper, so candidates should practise correcting misspelt words.

A group of words that makes complete sense on its own and ends with a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark. Sentence-level grammar questions ask candidates to identify types and correct errors.

A group of words that works as a unit inside a sentence but does not by itself express a complete thought, such as a noun phrase or verb phrase. Used in grammar and idiom questions.

A word that names a person, place, thing, quality or idea, such as ਕਿਤਾਬ, ਲਾਹੌਰ or ਖੁਸ਼ੀ. Grammar questions ask candidates to pick out nouns and to state their type and gender.

A word used in place of a noun to avoid repetition, such as ਮੈਂ, ਤੂੰ, ਉਹ or ਆਪਣਾ. Candidates must match pronouns to the noun they stand for in a sentence.

A word that tells what someone or something does, or what state it is in, such as ਪੜ੍ਹਦਾ, ਗਿਆ or ਹੈ. Verb forms must agree with the subject in person, number and gender.

The grammatical marking of time in a verb: past, present or future. Punjabi school grammar usually divides tense further into simple, continuous, perfect and habitual forms.

The tense used for actions happening now or generally, such as ਉਹ ਪੜ੍ਹਦਾ ਹੈ. Candidates should be able to convert sentences between this and other tenses on demand.

The tense used for actions already completed, such as ਉਸ ਨੇ ਖਾਧਾ or ਉਹ ਆਇਆ ਸੀ. Tense-conversion exercises often require rewriting present-tense sentences in this form.

The tense used for actions that have not yet happened, formed in Punjabi with endings such as -ਗਾ, -ਗੀ, -ਗੇ, as in ਮੈਂ ਜਾਵਾਂਗਾ. Part of standard tense-conversion drills.

The grammatical class of a noun as masculine or feminine, which affects the form of verbs and adjectives agreeing with it. Punjabi has two genders, and gender errors are frequently tested.

Whether a word is singular (ਇੱਕ ਵਚਨ) or plural (ਬਹੁ ਵਚਨ), as in ਕਿਤਾਬ versus ਕਿਤਾਬਾਂ. Verb and adjective endings must agree with the number of the noun.

A word that describes or qualifies a noun, such as ਚੰਗਾ, ਲਾਲ or ਤੇਜ਼. Candidates are asked to identify adjectives and to choose the correct agreeing form in a sentence.

A word that modifies a verb, adjective or another adverb, telling how, when or where, such as ਹੌਲੀ, ਕੱਲ੍ਹ or ਇੱਥੇ. Identifying adverbs is a standard grammar exercise.

A word placed after a noun or pronoun to show its relation to another word, such as ਨੇ, ਨੂੰ, ਦਾ, ਵਿੱਚ or ਤੋਂ. Punjabi uses postpositions where English uses prepositions.

The grammatical role a noun or pronoun plays in a sentence, such as doer, object, instrument or possessor. Punjabi marks case largely through postpositions, and case questions appear in grammar sections.

A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as ਅੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਤਾਰਾ. Candidates must use idioms in sentences and explain their meanings.

A short traditional saying that expresses common wisdom or observation, such as a line about hard work or thrift. Proverb-completion and proverb-explanation items are common in the paper.

A word that carries the same or a very similar meaning as another word, such as ਘਰ and ਨਿਵਾਸ. Synonym matching is a recurring vocabulary item in the question paper.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word, such as ਉੱਚਾ and ਨੀਵਾਂ. Antonym questions test both vocabulary range and accuracy of the written form.

A single Punjabi word that replaces a longer descriptive phrase, for example one word for a person who writes books. Candidates supply the correct single word for a given phrase.

A connected group of sentences on one topic, usually written with an opening, supporting details and a closing line. Comprehension and composition questions both work at paragraph level.

The composition task of writing a short, well-organised paragraph on a given topic, with a clear main idea, relevant detail and correct spelling and grammar. Marks reward structure and accuracy.

A longer piece of writing on a set topic, organised into introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. Candidates are expected to plan before writing and to keep to the word limit given.

A written message addressed to a person, in either informal (personal) or formal (official) style. Format, salutation, body and closing are all marked, so layout must be learnt.

A shortened version of a passage that keeps its main ideas and drops unnecessary detail. Summary items test reading comprehension and the ability to write concisely in one's own words.

The reading section in which candidates study a given prose passage and answer questions on its content, meaning and vocabulary. Answers should be written in full sentences, not single words.

A literary text written in verse, with lines, stanzas and often rhyme or rhythm. Poetry questions ask for central idea, poet's message and explanation of given lines.