NSSCO English First Language 6095 key terms

Information stated directly in a text, so a reader can point to the exact words that carry the idea without needing to infer anything.

Ideas a text suggests without stating them plainly; the reader must combine clues, word choice and context to work out what is really meant.

A conclusion drawn by reasoning from evidence in the text rather than from a direct statement, for example working out a character's mood from their actions.

The process of reaching a conclusion by applying logical reasoning to the facts given, often used when answering questions about cause, motive or outcome.

Words, phrases or details quoted or closely paraphrased from the text that support an answer, interpretation or opinion.

Restating a passage in your own words while keeping the original meaning, usually to show understanding or to shorten material.

A shortened version of a text containing only its main points, written in your own words and without examples, repetition or personal opinion.

The central point a paragraph or whole text is making, which the supporting details explain, illustrate or prove.

A sentence, usually first in a paragraph, that announces the paragraph's controlling idea and links it to the wider argument.

A detail that directly answers the set question or task; irrelevant material must be left out even if it is interesting or true.

The skill of choosing which details from a text to keep for a summary or answer, discarding repetition, illustration and background.

The associations or feelings a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as the warmth of 'home' compared with the neutrality of 'house'.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional or cultural associations it may suggest.

The writer's selection of particular words and phrases, often called diction, which shapes tone, precision and the reader's response.

The attitude a writer or speaker conveys towards the subject and audience, for example ironic, urgent, nostalgic or disapproving, shown through language and structure.

The atmosphere or feeling a text creates in the reader, such as tension, calm or unease, produced by setting, imagery and pace.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses so the reader can picture, hear or feel a scene vividly.

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as', for example 'her voice was as dry as a husk'.

A comparison that states one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as', transferring qualities to create a striking image.

Giving human qualities to an object, animal or abstract idea, as in 'the wind nagged at the shutters'.

A question asked for effect rather than to obtain an answer, often used to engage readers or push them towards agreement.

A deliberate device used to influence an audience, such as emotive language, repetition, statistics, anecdote or appeal to authority.

Words chosen to stir strong feelings such as pity, anger or fear, often used in argument and advertising to sway the reader.

The level of formality in language, adjusted for audience and situation, ranging from casual speech to formal written English.

The intended readers or listeners of a piece, whose age, knowledge and expectations determine vocabulary, tone and level of detail.

The reason a text is written, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, advise or review, which governs its structure and language.

The recognised type or shape of a piece of writing, for example a letter, article, speech, report or review, each with its own conventions.

An accepted feature of a particular text type, such as a salutation in a letter or a headline in an article, which readers expect to find.

The visual arrangement of a text, including headings, paragraphs, bullet points and spacing, used to guide the reader and signal structure.

Writing that tells a story, organised around characters, setting, conflict and a sequence of events leading to a resolution.

The arranged sequence of events in a story, shaped to build tension and interest rather than simply following chronological order.

The point of greatest tension or turning point in a narrative, after which the action moves towards resolution.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as a connected whole, achieved through connectives, pronouns and repeated ideas.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'therefore' or 'in addition' that signals the relationship between ideas and guides the reader through an argument.

Dividing writing into units, each developing one idea, to make structure visible and help the reader follow the argument or story.

Deliberately mixing sentence lengths and types, from short statements to complex sentences, to control pace and keep writing interesting.

Using marks such as dashes, semicolons or ellipses deliberately to control rhythm, emphasis or suspense rather than only to follow rules.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as 'to bite the bullet'.

The techniques used when speaking to an audience, including clear structure, eye contact, pacing, signposting and appropriate volume.