Tamil Nadu SSLC Tamil key terms

Written prose that communicates ideas in full sentences and paragraphs, as opposed to verse. In the SSLC textbook it covers essays, short stories, biographies and speeches prescribed for detailed study.

Composed verse, especially the classical and devotional poems in the prescribed poetry section. Reading it requires attention to metre, rhythm and poetic imagery rather than plain sentence meaning.

The supplementary reader prescribed alongside the main textbook. Questions on it usually test plot, character and theme rather than line-by-line recall, so a full reading of each lesson is essential.

Grammar: the rules governing sound, word formation and sentence structure in Tamil. Exam questions cover letters, words, and the classification of nouns, verbs and cases.

An essay written on a given topic in the composition paper. It needs a title, an introduction, several developed paragraphs with examples, and a conclusion, all in formal written Tamil.

A letter, either personal or formal. Personal letters use an informal tone to relatives or friends; formal letters to officials follow fixed conventions of address, subject and closing.

A formal application letter, typically addressed to a headmaster or official, requesting leave, a certificate or permission. It must state the reason clearly and end with a polite request and signature.

The opening paragraph of an essay or longer piece. It introduces the topic, defines its scope and prepares the reader for the discussion that follows.

The concluding paragraph of an essay. It summarises the main points, offers a final judgement or appeal, and closes the piece without introducing new material.

A short functional writing task explaining the meaning, use or significance of a given idea, proverb or term, usually in a few connected sentences.

Reading an unseen passage and answering questions on its content, inference and vocabulary. Answers should be drawn from the passage and expressed in the candidate's own words.

The central point a passage or poem conveys, as distinct from supporting details. Identifying it is the first step in answering summary and theme questions.

A classical Tamil work of 1,330 couplets attributed to Thiruvalluvar, arranged in three sections on virtue, wealth and love. It is the most frequently quoted text in Tamil examinations and cultural writing.

The traditional author of the Thirukkural, revered as a moral teacher. Questions about him usually concern the structure of the Kural and the values it teaches rather than biographical facts.

The earliest body of Tamil poetry, comprising anthologies such as Purananuru and Kuruntokai, divided into akam (love) and puram (public life) themes. It is the foundation of Tamil literary heritage.

The inner or domestic theme in classical Tamil poetry, dealing with love, separation and family life. Akam poems avoid naming persons directly and use symbolic landscapes.

The outer or public theme in classical Tamil poetry, covering war, kingship, generosity and ethics. Puram poems praise heroes and criticise conduct in public life.

A couplet form of exactly seven words in two lines, used throughout the Thirukkural. Its extreme brevity makes each couplet dense with meaning and easy to memorise.

A Tamil metre of four lines, the last line shorter than the others, widely used for proverbs and didactic verse. Its rhythm is simpler than that of classical akaval metre.

The branch of grammar governing metre and rhythm in verse, including syllables, feet and line patterns. Exam questions may ask candidates to identify the metre of a given poem.

A figure of speech comparing two things explicitly, usually with a word meaning 'like' or 'as'. Recognising similes is a common poetry question.

A figure of speech that identifies one thing with another without using a word of comparison. The image is stated as if literally true, which distinguishes it from a simile.

A rhetorical ornament or device used to heighten poetic effect, such as simile, metaphor or alliteration. Questions often ask candidates to name the device and explain its effect.

The way an author creates and develops characters through action, speech and description. In the supplementary reader, questions often ask candidates to assess a character's qualities with evidence.

The underlying message or idea a literary work conveys, such as courage, honesty or social reform. Theme questions ask candidates to state the idea and support it with incidents from the text.

The grammatical relationship between a noun and the rest of the sentence, expressed in Tamil by case suffixes. Tamil recognises eight cases, from nominative to vocative.

The word class expressing action or state, carrying tense and person agreement in Tamil. Verbs fall into finite and non-finite forms, and questions may test either.

A word naming a person, place, thing or abstract idea. Tamil nouns are classified as rational or non-rational, which affects the forms of agreement they take.

A short traditional saying that conveys practical wisdom, often used in essays and comprehension passages. Candidates should know the meaning and an appropriate context for common proverbs.

A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words. Idiom questions ask candidates to supply or explain the phrase in a sentence.

The meaning of an individual word as used in context. Vocabulary questions in the paper ask candidates to give synonyms, antonyms or contextual meanings of words from the texts.

A word opposite in meaning to another, such as 'high' and 'low'. Antonym questions appear in the vocabulary section and require exact opposites, not merely different words.

A word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another. Candidates should choose a synonym that fits the grammatical context of the given word.

The sender's and recipient's details written at fixed positions on a letter. In formal letters the recipient's address and designation must be complete and correctly placed.

The official collection of lessons set for study in a given year. Answers must be drawn from these prescribed texts rather than from outside sources.

A set of short narrative works in the supplementary reader. Questions typically test understanding of plot sequence, conflict and resolution.