Key terms & definitions

The surface character of a material: how it appears and how it feels when touched.

A surface with a pattern or unevenness, such as a pebbled or wood-grain effect, chosen for its appearance or practical benefits.

A yarn modified to introduce features such as crimps, coils or loops, changing its bulk, handle and performance.

A brain structure that acts as a relay station, passing sensory information to the cerebral cortex for interpretation.

A Scottish nobleman who holds a title and lands under the king.

Prayer that expresses gratitude to God.

The policies and beliefs associated with Margaret Thatcher, emphasising private enterprise, individual responsibility, reduced state ownership and limits on trade-union power.

A toy consisting of a disc with a different picture on each side; spinning it makes the two pictures appear combined.

A period of easing hostility between the USA and USSR, during which improved relations and negotiations seemed possible.

The sustained German bombing campaign against British towns and cities that began in September 1940.

The monarchy as an institution, including its powers, rights, lands and revenues, rather than simply the individual king.

A wetland region in eastern England which, in the eleventh century, contained marshes, waterways and islands of higher ground.

Taking another person’s property without permission.

Dishonestly taking someone else’s property without their consent, intending to keep it permanently.

A landowning member of the Anglo-Saxon nobility, below an earl in rank.

Anglo-Saxon landholding nobles below earls in rank; they exercised local influence and provided military service.

Belief in the existence of God or gods.

A person who believes that God or gods exist.

The belief that God creates life through the process of evolution.

Political groups supporting greater social and economic equality, including social democrats and communists in Germany.

A map showing the geographical distribution of a particular subject, such as population density or rainfall.

A central idea explored by a text, such as love, memory or loss.

A central idea explored in a text, such as the hardship of work or the relationship between people and their surroundings.

A recurring idea explored through a text’s events, characters, language and contrasts.

A recurring idea or issue identified in qualitative data.

A central idea explored by a film, such as belonging, freedom or self-respect.

An explanation intended to show how a good, powerful God can allow evil and suffering.

The study of God, religious beliefs and religious teachings.

Beliefs or ideas about God and religion. Dolly’s theology centres on divine goodness, human responsibility and trust.

John Paul II’s teachings on how the human body expresses God’s purposes for love, sexuality and relationships.