English Language key terms

A group of words containing a verb; a main clause can stand as a complete sentence.

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

The clear, logical connection of a text’s ideas, so that the reader can follow how its parts belong together.

A consistent position developed through an answer, with each point contributing to the overall judgement.

The links between sentences and paragraphs, created through vocabulary, references and connecting expressions.

A punctuation mark that introduces an explanation, expansion, list or quotation.

An error in which two main 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 together.

Acknowledging that an opposing argument has some merit without necessarily accepting its conclusion.

A word that connects words, phrases or clauses, such as ‘and’, ‘but’ or ‘because’.

A word or phrase that shows how ideas relate, for example through contrast, cause, addition or sequence.

An association or suggested meaning of a word, understood in its context.

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

A shortened word or combination of words in which an apostrophe marks omitted letters, such as ‘didn’t’ for ‘did not’.

A contrast between words, details or sections of a text that helps emphasise their differences.

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

A reason someone might give for opposing the writer’s position.

An opposing argument that a writer considers and responds to while developing their own position.

A reasoned judgement about a text, its ideas or its impact, supported by relevant evidence rather than an unsupported opinion.

A conclusion about a text reached by examining and weighing its details, rather than simply stating a personal preference.

A judgement that considers how parts of an extract work together, rather than treating each detail separately.

Reading thoughtfully, weighing evidence and interpretations rather than accepting a claim without questioning it. Being critical does not necessarily mean being negative.

An arrangement in which the ending returns to an element introduced at the beginning.

A sentence that makes a statement.

Language whose meaning depends on the situation, such as 'here', 'today' and 'this hall'. In a speech, it helps establish where and when the speaker is addressing listeners.