English Language key terms

Uncertainty that allows more than one plausible interpretation.

Examining particular choices in a text and explaining how they create meaning and effects.

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or phrases.

A short account of an experience used to illustrate or support a point.

A brief note added beside a text to record an observation, interpretation or useful piece of evidence.

The noun or noun phrase to which a pronoun refers.

Placing contrasting ideas together to emphasise their difference.

The reading assessment objective that includes identifying and interpreting explicit and implicit information and ideas.

The assessment objective concerned with explaining and analysing how language and structure create effects and influence readers, using relevant terminology.

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

The assessment objective rewarding effective, imaginative communication suited to the task, purpose and audience, together with coherent organisation.

The assessment objective rewarding accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar, alongside vocabulary and sentence structures used for clarity and effect.

A position supported by connected reasons and relevant evidence, intended to convince an audience.

A piece of writing intended for publication in a newspaper, magazine or website, addressing readers on a particular subject.

A statement presented without supporting reasons or evidence.

A skill assessed in an examination. AQA uses numbered assessment objectives, such as AO1 for understanding and interpreting texts.

The feeling created by a setting and its presentation, such as unease, excitement or calm.

The feeling or judgement expressed towards a subject, such as admiration, resentment or concern.

The people a text is intended for. Their interests, knowledge and relationship to the writer influence what the writer explains and how they address them.

Writing about the writer’s own life and experiences, usually using a first-person viewpoint.

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

A judgement of an answer's overall quality against the level that most closely describes it, followed by a mark within that level.

Selecting the marking level that most closely describes the overall quality of an answer, then choosing a mark within that level where a range is available.

A preference or prejudice that influences how information is selected or presented.

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.