Key terms & definitions

Selecting an appropriate response using incoming information and information held in memory.

The selection of an action by testing input information or stored data against a programmed condition.

An open frame placed on top of a papermaking mould to define the sheet’s edges.

A statement that introduces a named variable or constant; some languages also require its data type to be stated.

A formal statement of principles or standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Charles II’s statement of 1660 offering reconciliation, including a pardon with exceptions, consideration of disputed property and toleration for moderate non-Anglican Protestants.

Charles II’s declaration of March 1672 suspending religious penal laws and allowing licensed Protestant Nonconformist worship. It also extended toleration to Catholics and was withdrawn in 1673 following parliamentary opposition.

A statement that presents something as a fact, even when the audience has reasons to doubt it.

Memory for facts and events that can be consciously recalled, including knowledge and personal experiences.

A sentence that makes a statement.

The stage when a product's sales fall over time.

The process by which an audience interprets the meanings communicated by a media product.

The process through which territories under colonial rule become independent.

To remove the colour from a substance during a chemical change.

Safely closing and dismantling a facility, such as a nuclear power station, after it stops operating.

The controlled closure and dismantling of a power station at the end of its working life.

The process of safely taking a power station out of service, including dismantling equipment and managing hazardous materials.

An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organic material and releases nutrients.

An organism that breaks down dead plant and animal matter by secreting enzymes into its surroundings.

An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organisms and waste materials.

Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organisms and waste material.

The breakdown of dead organic material by organisms such as bacteria and fungi, releasing nutrients.

The breakdown of dead organisms and waste biological material by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

The chemical splitting of a compound into simpler substances.

The breakdown of dead organisms and waste materials, returning their materials to the environment.

Breaking a problem into smaller sub-problems that can be solved separately.

The process of decoding compressed data into a form that can be used. With lossless compression, this restores the original data exactly.

To break a source into its parts, such as its labels, features, wording and composition, to examine how it communicates information.

Breaking a source into its main elements, such as features, labels, symbols, claims and evidence, to understand how it communicates its message.

An addition to sweet food that improves its appearance and/or taste, such as grated chocolate or piped cream.