GCSE AQA English Language

What is 'inference' in reading?

Understanding something that is not explicitly stated in the text

What is 'explicit information'?

Information that is directly stated in the text.

What is 'diction'?

The writer's choice of words.

What is a 'simile'?

A comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g.

What is a 'metaphor'?

A direct comparison between two unlike things

What is 'personification'?

Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas (e.g.

What is 'alliteration'?

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in words close together (e.g.

What is 'sibilance'?

The repetition of 's' sounds

What is 'assonance'?

The repetition of vowel sounds within words close together (e.g.

What is 'oxymoron'?

Two contradictory terms used together (e.g.

What is 'juxtaposition'?

Placing two contrasting things side-by-side to highlight their differences.

What is 'foreshadowing'?

Hints or clues suggesting future events in a story.

What is 'symbolism'?

The use of objects

What is 'imagery'?

Language that appeals to the five senses

What are 'sensory details'?

Words and phrases that appeal to sight

What is 'mood' or 'atmosphere'?

The feeling or emotion evoked in the reader by a text.

What is 'tone'?

The writer's attitude towards their subject or audience.

What is 'rhetorical question'?

A question asked for effect

What is 'emotive language'?

Words or phrases designed to evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

What is 'hyperbole'?

Exaggeration for emphasis or effect (e.g.

What is 'understatement'?

The presentation of something as being smaller

What is 'anecdote'?

A short

What is 'tripling' or 'rule of three'?

Presenting information in groups of three for emphasis or memorability.

What is 'direct address'?

Using "you" to speak directly to the reader

What is 'statistics' or 'facts'?

Numerical data or verifiable truths used to support an argument.

What is 'expert opinion'?

Quoting or referencing specialists in a field to lend credibility to an argument.

What is 'repetition'?

Repeating a word or phrase for emphasis.

What is 'parallelism' or 'parallel structure'?

The use of similar grammatical structures to express related ideas.

What is 'contrast'?

Highlighting differences between two or more things.

What is 'figurative language'?

Language that uses figures of speech (like metaphors

What is 'connotation'?

The emotional associations or implied meanings of a word

What is 'denotation'?

The literal

When analysing language

what does 'zoom in' mean?

When analysing structure in Paper 1

how might a writer begin a story effectively?

What is a 'narrative hook'?

An opening that grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to continue reading.

How might a writer build tension or suspense in a narrative?

Short sentences

How might a writer use 'dialogue' effectively in a narrative?

To reveal character

What is 'climactic moment' in a story?

The point of highest tension or turning point in the narrative.

How might a writer resolve a narrative?

Providing a clear ending

What does 'shift in focus' mean in terms of structure?

The writer moving from one subject or idea to another within a text.

What is the purpose of paragraphing in writing?

To organise ideas

How can sentence length vary to create different effects in writing?

Short sentences for impact/tension

long sentences for detail/flow.

What is a 'complex sentence'?

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

What is a 'compound sentence'?

A sentence with two or more independent clauses

What is a 'simple sentence'?

A sentence consisting of a single independent clause.

What is a 'minor sentence'?

A sentence that does not contain a main verb

What is 'cohesion' in writing?

How well the parts of a text flow together and connect logically.

When writing a descriptive piece

what is the importance of 'show

How can you create a sense of 'atmosphere' in a descriptive piece?

By using sensory details

What is 'pathetic fallacy'?

When the weather or environment reflects the mood or emotions of characters or the narrative.

In descriptive writing

what is the effect of focusing on a 'narrow to wide' or 'wide to narrow' perspective?

Wide to narrow: start broadly then focus on a specific point.

What is the importance of a clear 'viewpoint' in a non-fiction piece?

To ensure the writer's stance on the issue is clear to the reader.

How can you ensure your arguments are well-supported in a non-fiction piece?

By using evidence

What is 'counter-argument'?

An argument made to rebut a previous argument

What is 'rhetoric'?

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing

What are the main features of persuasive writing?

Clear viewpoint

What is an 'introduction' in a non-fiction piece?

It sets the context

What is a 'conclusion' in a non-fiction piece?

It summarises the main points

What is the purpose of a 'topic sentence' in a paragraph?

To state the main idea of that paragraph.

What is 'discourse marker'?

Words or phrases that help to organise and structure a text (e.g.

What is 'register' in writing?

The level of formality in language

What is 'audience' in relation to writing?

The intended readers for whom the text is written.

What is 'purpose' in relation to writing?

The reason why the text is being written (e.g.

How can you adapt your writing style for different audiences and purposes?

By adjusting vocabulary

What is 'sarcasm'?

The use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

What is 'satire'?

The use of humour

What is 'bias'?

Prejudice in favour of or against one thing

How do you identify bias in a text?

Look for loaded language

What is 'rhetorical device'?

A technique used by a writer or speaker to evoke an emotional response in the audience or to persuade them.

What is 'modal verb'?

A type of auxiliary verb that expresses necessity

What is 'imperative verb'?

A verb that gives a command or instruction (e.g.

What is 'adjective'?

A word that describes a noun or pronoun.

What is 'adverb'?

A word that modifies a verb

What is 'noun'?

A word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people

What is 'verb'?

A word used to describe an action

What is 'pronoun'?

A word that can function as a noun phrase and refers to a noun that has already been mentioned or is clear from the context (e.g.

What is 'preposition'?

A word governing

What is 'conjunction'?

A word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause (e.g.

What is 'interjection'?

An abrupt remark

What is 'figurative meaning'?

The symbolic or non-literal meaning of a word or phrase.

What is 'literal meaning'?

The straightforward

What is the purpose of paragraphs in descriptive writing?

To break up the text

What is the impact of a cyclical structure in a narrative?

It brings the reader back to where they started

How can a writer use 'dialogue tags' effectively?

To indicate who is speaking

What is the importance of a clear thesis statement in an argumentative essay?

It outlines the main argument and provides direction for the essay.

What is a 'hook' in an introduction?

An engaging opening that grabs the reader's attention.

What is the purpose of 'topic sentences' in each body paragraph of an essay?

To clearly state the main point of that paragraph and link it to the overall argument.

How can you maintain a consistent tone in your writing?

By carefully choosing vocabulary

What is the significance of the phrase "language features" in exam questions?

It requires you to identify and analyse specific linguistic techniques used by the writer.

What is the significance of the phrase "structural features" in exam questions?

It requires you to identify and analyse how the writer has organised and shaped the text.

What is the 'writer's intention'?

The message or effect the writer aims to achieve through their writing.

How can you effectively analyse the effects of language choices on the reader?

By identifying the language feature

How can you effectively analyse the effects of structural choices on the reader?

By identifying the structural feature

What is the importance of considering the context of a text in Paper 2?

Understanding the historical

What are the key elements to consider when comparing two non-fiction texts?

Viewpoints

When comparing texts

what does "synthesise" mean?

What is a 'succinct' answer in the exam?

A concise and to-the-point answer

Why is it important to use subject-specific terminology in your analysis?

It demonstrates a strong understanding of literary and linguistic concepts.