Key terms & definitions

The use of scientific methods to examine evidence during a criminal investigation.

The use of scientific methods to examine evidence connected with a crime, such as fingerprints, blood or DNA.

Someone who comes before another person to prepare for their arrival. John the Baptist is presented as Jesus' forerunner.

An early detail that prepares readers for a later development. Napoleon’s secret education of the puppies anticipates his use of force.

An early detail that hints at a later event or development.

Hints or predictions that anticipate later events in a narrative.

An earlier detail or announcement that points forward to events later in a narrative.

An earlier detail that prepares the spectator for a later event.

A reduction in tree cover. It can indicate deforestation, but tree-cover loss alone does not necessarily establish permanent conversion to another land use.

Damage that reduces a forest’s quality and its ability to support wildlife and provide services, without necessarily removing all its trees.

The death of trees across an area of forest, which can leave degraded forest or more open vegetation.

Special royal laws protecting hunting animals and their habitat within designated areas, restricting how local people could use the land.

Special rules protecting royal hunting grounds and restricting activities such as hunting and cutting trees.

The planting, management and care of forests for purposes such as timber production, conservation and recreation.

A penalty incurred when someone fails to fulfil an agreement.

The loss of land or rights as a penalty, for example for disloyalty or failure to fulfil obligations.

The loss of property as a legal penalty. Magwitch’s conviction means that his wealth is forfeited to the Crown rather than inherited by Pip.

An imitation of someone else’s writing or document intended to deceive. Utterson suspects that Jekyll has produced a letter pretending to be from Hyde.

Shaping solid metal by compressive forces, such as hammering or pressing.

A willingness to release resentment towards someone who has caused harm, without necessarily denying the harm or removing its consequences.

Pardoning someone for wrongdoing, showing mercy and letting go of resentment towards them.

The overall type or shape of a text, such as a sonnet, including its organising conventions.

The type of text being written, such as an article, letter or speech, with its associated conventions.

The way a literary work is shaped and organised, including its verse structure, narrative arrangement and use of speeches.

The physical aspect of a person, including the body and its sense organs.

The three-dimensional shape of a product or component, including its proportions and contours.

The explicitly planned subjects and content that pupils are taught, such as English, mathematics and science.

Structured learning in an educational institution, usually organised and taught by trained teachers.

A written electronic message using respectful language and a clear structure for a professional or official audience.

Registered and regulated work in which earnings and business activity are subject to taxation.