Edexcel GCSE English Language key terms

A judgement supported by reasons and specific evidence, rather than a description of what happened.

Material used to support a claim, such as a relevant fact, observation, example or accurately attributed quotation.

Information stated directly in a text, rather than left for the reader to work out.

A narrative perspective in which a narrator uses ‘I’ or ‘we’ to describe events they experience or observe.

A storyteller who describes events using ‘I’ or ‘we’, presenting them through their own perspective.

A shift from the narrative’s current moment to an earlier event, usually to reveal relevant background.

A hint that prepares the reader for something that may happen later.

The type of text being written, such as an article, letter, review or speech.

The perspective from which someone writes: first person (‘I’, ‘we’), second person (‘you’) or third person (‘he’, ‘she’, ‘they’).

The title of an article, designed to attract attention and indicate its subject or angle.

A word pronounced the same as another word but with a different meaning, and often a different spelling, such as ‘there’ and ‘their’.

A thought or message communicated by a text, such as the idea that providing shelter does not necessarily mean treating people humanely.

Language that creates a vivid impression in the reader’s mind, including sensory description and comparisons such as similes and metaphors.

Writing that uses invented or real experiences creatively to engage a reader, through narrative, description or a sustained character voice.

A verb form used to give an instruction or direction, as in ‘Check the opening times.’

Information suggested by a text without being stated directly.

A word such as ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’ that brings the speaker and audience together as a group.

A conclusion about something not stated directly, supported by details in a text.

An explanation that connects two texts throughout a discussion, bringing together their ideas, evidence and methods rather than examining each text separately.

The placement of contrasting elements close together so that their differences become significant.

The writer’s choices of words, phrases and grammatical patterns to create meaning and effects.

A connected sequence of reasons supporting a position, with each stage helping the audience understand or accept the conclusion.

Writing about real people, events or experiences which uses literary methods, such as vivid description and narrative, to shape the reader’s response.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

A comparison that describes something as something else, rather than using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

A sentence fragment presented as a sentence, without a complete main clause.

A memory aid used to recall information, such as a phrase that reminds you of a difficult spelling.