english IGCSE SCHOOL

Skim

To read a text quickly to get a general overview of the topic and context

Gist

the general or overall meaning of a text

Scan

to read a text quickly to locate specific information in it

Context

the situation within which something exists or happens

Overview

a brief explanation or summary of the topic or content of a text

Imply

to suggest something in an indirect way, without stating it explicitly

Infer

to work out a meaning by applying evidence and reasoning

Bemoan

to complain or express sadness about something

Nirvana

a state of complete freedom or being absolutely perfect

Yurt

a type of round tent with a wooden frame

Cast-iron

describing something that is very strong and that can be trusted completely

Fiction

stories about imaginary characters and events

Non-fiction

writing that is about real events and facts

Genre

a type or category of story, such as comedy, tragedy or mystery

Expicit meaning

ideas and details a writer states directly 

Implicit meaning

ideas and details that readers have to work out for themselves

Literal

describing something in a straightforward way, using the original, direct meaning of words

Synonym

a word or phrase with the same or similar meaning with another word or phrase

Nuances

subtle differences in meaning, sometimes referred to as shades of meaning for example the difference between a stubborn child and a determined child

Command words

a word, usually at the beginning of a sentence, that helps you understand how to answer the question (e.g. give, describe, explain, identify)

Narrative non-fiction

a type of non-fiction text that is written in the style of a fiction story

Paraphrase

to express the meaning of a text using different words

Give

produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory 

Explain

set out purposes or reasons/make the relationships between things clear/say why and/or how, and support with relevant evidence.

Describe

state the points of a topic/give characteristics and main features.

Identify

name, select, or recognise.