Edexcel GCSE English Language 2.0 key terms

The noun or noun phrase to which a pronoun refers.

The deliberate contrast of opposing ideas, often expressed in a balanced sentence.

The assessment objective that rewards critical evaluation of texts supported by appropriate textual references.

A piece of non-fiction written for publication in a newspaper, magazine or website, addressing a particular subject for its readers.

The people a text is intended for, whose knowledge, needs and expectations influence the writing.

An account of a person’s life written by that person.

A marking approach that judges which level most closely describes an answer’s overall qualities, then selects a mark within that level.

A one-sided presentation influenced by a particular opinion or interest, which may involve selecting evidence or overlooking alternatives.

An account of a person’s life written by someone else.

An online non-fiction post that communicates information, opinions, experiences or advice to readers.

A final appeal that tells the audience what practical step to take.

The presentation of a character’s qualities through details such as actions, thoughts, appearance and speech.

A statement presented as true that needs to be considered alongside the evidence supporting it.

A group of words organised around a verb. A main clause can stand independently as a sentence; a subordinate clause depends on a main clause.

A moment of greatest intensity or a decisive turning point in a narrative.

The logical organisation of a text, so that its ideas make sense together and the reader can follow its overall direction.

The connections between parts of a text, created through features such as pronouns, repeated key words, related vocabulary and linking phrases.

An error in which two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone.

A meaningful similarity or difference between texts, supported by evidence from each.

A sentence containing a main clause and at least one subordinate clause.

A sentence containing two or more main clauses joined through coordination, for example with ‘and’ or ‘but’.

Acknowledging a reasonable opposing point before explaining why your own position remains convincing.

An association or suggestion carried by a word beyond its literal meaning.

The historical, social or personal circumstances in which a text was produced.

A shortened form in which an apostrophe marks omitted letters, such as ‘didn't’ for ‘did not’.

A difference between elements of a text that brings their qualities into sharper focus.

Joining clauses of equal grammatical status, often using ‘and’, ‘but’ or ‘or’.