Edexcel GCSE English Language key terms

A comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’ to connect one thing with another.

A sentence containing one main clause and no subordinate clause. It need not be short.

A variety of English using widely accepted grammatical forms and vocabulary. It can be formal or informal and can be spoken in different accents.

A generalised assumption that members of a group share particular characteristics or behave in the same way.

A short line beneath a headline that adds information or summarises the article’s angle.

The organisation and development of a text, including the order of events, changes of focus and the ending.

The way a writer expresses ideas through choices such as vocabulary, sentence patterns, imagery and direct address.

A heading within a text that introduces a section and helps readers follow its organisation.

The grammatical matching of a verb to its subject in person and number: ‘she walks’, but ‘they walk’.

A clause that depends on a main clause to complete its meaning, such as ‘although the door was locked’.

The grammatical relationship in which one clause depends on another, often signalled by words such as ‘although’, ‘because’ or ‘when’.

A group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function, such as ‘-ness’ in ‘kindness’.

A brief account of the main ideas or information, leaving out less important details.

Using an object, action or image to suggest an idea beyond its literal meaning.

The arrangement of words and phrases within a sentence.

Bringing evidence from different texts together to establish a shared point.

A verb form that helps establish when an action or state occurs.

A quotation or precise reference to a text that supports a point.

A quotation or precise reference to a detail in a text used to support an interpretation or judgement.

A subject or concern explored in a text, such as poverty, freedom or institutional treatment.

The attitude conveyed by a writer’s language, such as reassuring, serious or enthusiastic.

A sentence that establishes a paragraph’s main focus, often near its beginning.

Writing intended to communicate with a particular audience for a practical purpose, such as informing, advising or persuading.

An overall judgement about the quality or value of what is being reviewed.

A writer’s attitude towards, or way of seeing, a subject.

The distinctive personality conveyed by a narrator’s or character’s language, attitudes and manner of expression.