SPM Bahasa Punjabi 9378 key terms

A structured continuous essay on a given topic, usually with an introduction, several developed body paragraphs and a conclusion. In this paper it is the main extended-writing task and is marked for content, organisation, language accuracy and range.

The overall plan or organisation of a piece of writing: how the introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion are ordered and linked. Examiners reward clear structure because it shows the writer controls the argument and the reader can follow it easily.

A group of sentences developing one main idea, normally opened by a topic sentence and supported by explanation, examples or evidence. Well-built paragraphs are the basic unit of essay structure and help the examiner see where one point ends and the next begins.

The sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that states the paragraph's central point. Everything else in the paragraph should support it. A clear topic sentence signals relevance to the essay question and helps the writer avoid drifting off-topic.

Words and phrases such as 'ਇਸ ਲਈ', 'ਪਰ', 'ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ' that connect sentences and paragraphs and show relationships like cause, contrast or addition. Using them correctly raises the coherence mark in essays and directed writing.

A brief plan of points jotted before writing, listing the main ideas in order with supporting details. A short outline saves time in the exam because it prevents repetition, missed points and mid-essay changes of direction.

Reading a comprehension passage quickly once to grasp the general meaning and topic before looking at the questions. This first pass helps the candidate locate information later and avoids answering from assumption rather than from the text.

The central point a passage or paragraph communicates, as distinct from the supporting details around it. Questions often ask for it directly, so the candidate must distinguish the writer's overall message from individual facts or examples.

The inference or final judgement a reader draws from the passage as a whole. Inference questions ask what the writer implies rather than states, so the answer must be supported by evidence in the text, not by personal opinion.

The surrounding words and situation that determine the meaning of a word or phrase. Comprehension questions on vocabulary require choosing the sense that fits the passage, since a Punjabi word may carry several different meanings.

A prose text based on fact, such as a report, article, notice, advertisement, speech transcript or informative extract. Non-prose items may include tables, charts or lists, and candidates must read them for data as well as for language.

A summary: a shortened restatement of a text's main points in the candidate's own words, keeping the original meaning and omitting examples, repetition and minor detail. It is marked for content accuracy and for compression within a word limit.

The maximum or stated number of words allowed for a summary or directed-writing task. Exceeding it usually loses marks, so candidates should count or estimate carefully and cut redundant wording rather than delete essential points.

Expressing a point in as few words as possible without losing meaning, by removing repetition, filler and unnecessary examples. It is the core skill of summary writing and is also rewarded in directed writing such as reports and notices.

Rewriting source material using different vocabulary and sentence structure rather than copying phrases from the passage. Summaries that lift long strings of original wording are penalised, so paraphrase while preserving the original meaning exactly.

A word class naming a person, place, thing or abstract idea, such as 'ਅਧਿਆਪਕ', 'ਸਕੂਲ' or 'ਸੱਚ'. Punjabi nouns carry gender and number, and correct agreement with verbs and adjectives depends on identifying them accurately.

A word class expressing an action or state, such as 'ਪੜ੍ਹਨਾ' or 'ਹੋਣਾ'. Punjabi verbs change for tense, person, number and gender, and they must agree with the subject, so verb forms are a frequent focus of grammar items.

The grammatical marking of time in a verb: past, present or future, with further distinctions such as continuous and perfective aspect. Choosing the correct tense form is essential for accurate narration in essays and for grammar questions.

The grammatical category of masculine or feminine that Punjabi nouns and adjectives carry, affecting the form of agreeing words. Errors in gender agreement are common in writing, so candidates should learn the gender of new nouns as they meet them.

The grammatical distinction between singular and plural, shown in Punjabi by noun endings and by matching verb and adjective forms. Correct plural marking and agreement are checked in grammar exercises and affect accuracy in free writing.

The grammatical relationship of a noun to other words in the sentence, marked in Punjabi by postpositions such as 'ਨੇ', 'ਨੂੰ', 'ਦਾ' and 'ਵਿੱਚ'. Choosing the right case marker is a regular grammar test point and a common source of error.

A complete unit of meaning containing a subject and a predicate, ending in a full stop, question mark or exclamation mark. Sentence-combining, correction and transformation questions test whether the candidate can build grammatical Punjabi sentences.

A short traditional saying expressing a widely accepted truth or piece of folk wisdom, often metaphorical and fixed in form. Items test recognition of meaning and appropriate use, so candidates should know both the sense and the situation each proverb suits.

A fixed multi-word expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as an idiom meaning to be very happy. Idiom questions ask for the correct meaning or for the idiom that fits a given sentence.

A traditional puzzle or word game, often in verse, whose clues point to a familiar object or idea. It belongs to Punjabi oral folk culture and may appear in culture or literature items as an example of shared village entertainment.

A word with a meaning close to another word, such as two Punjabi words both meaning 'brave'. Synonym items test vocabulary breadth, and awareness of near-synonyms also helps candidates paraphrase in summary writing without changing meaning.

A word with the opposite meaning to another, such as 'ਉੱਚਾ' and 'ਨੀਵਾਂ'. Antonym questions check precise vocabulary knowledge, and the pairing is often tested inside a sentence where only one option makes logical sense.

A figurative comparison that states one thing is another without using words like 'like' or 'as', for example calling a person a lion. Recognising metaphor is needed for poetry and prose interpretation and for explaining figurative language items.

A figurative comparison using an explicit word of likeness to show that one thing resembles another. Identifying simile and explaining its effect are standard literature tasks, since imagery carries much of a poem's meaning and mood.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates pictures in the reader's mind. In literature answers, candidates should quote an image and explain what feeling or idea it conveys, not merely label it.

A literary work in verse, shaped by line, stanza, rhythm and often rhyme, and typically compressing meaning through imagery. Literature questions may ask about theme, tone, the poet's message or the effect of particular devices.

A brief narrative work of fiction with a plot, characters, setting and usually a turning point or climax. Questions commonly test understanding of character motive, conflict, theme and the significance of the ending.

A person or figure in a story or play, whose words, actions and development the reader interprets. Character questions require evidence from the text, so answers should refer to specific incidents rather than offer general impressions.

The central idea or message a literary work explores, such as sacrifice, justice, migration or love of the land. Theme questions ask the candidate to state the idea and support it with evidence from the text.

A literary work written to be performed, built from dialogue, stage directions and scenes rather than narration. Drama questions may test understanding of conflict, character relationships or how dialogue reveals personality and advances the plot.

A traditional story passed down orally within a community, often carrying moral teaching and reflecting regional values. Knowledge of Punjabi folk tales supports culture items and helps candidates explain references in literature and proverbs.

The shared customs, festivals, food, dress, music, dance and family traditions of Punjabi communities across the region and the diaspora. Culture items test knowledge of these practices and of how they have changed over time.

The inherited cultural legacy of a community, including language, literature, music, crafts, monuments and oral traditions. Questions on heritage ask candidates to explain its value and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

A letter written to an official, institution or business, using a formal register, a clear statement of purpose, and conventional openings and closings. Directed-writing items require the correct format alongside relevant, well-organised content.

A personal letter to a friend or relative, written in a relaxed but still correct style, often describing news, giving advice or sharing opinions. Marks depend on tone suited to the reader, clear paragraphing and accurate language.

A factual account of an event, incident or situation, organised with a heading, an opening statement, ordered details and a closing comment. Reports should be objective and precise, avoiding personal emotion and unnecessary description.

A spoken address written for delivery to an audience, opening with an appropriate greeting, developing points clearly and closing with thanks or a call to action. Directed-writing marks reward audience awareness, structure and persuasive language.