IB English Language & Literature - Paper 1 Vocabulary

Flashcards for key vocabulary terms in IB English Language & Literature Paper 1.

Irony

A contrast between expectations and reality, often for humorous or critical effect.

Satire / Satirical

Use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or expose flaws in society, politics, or individuals.

Tone

The writer's attitude toward the subject, shown through language and style.

Symbolism

Using objects, colors, or images to represent deeper meanings or concepts.

Bias

A one-sided or prejudiced perspective.

Provoking

Content designed to stir emotion or thought in the audience.

Objectivity

Presenting facts without personal feelings or opinions.

Subjectivity

Including personal feelings, opinions, or interpretations.

Anecdote

A short, personal story used to illustrate a point.

Pathos

Appealing to emotion.

Ethos

Appealing to credibility or character.

Logos

Appealing to logic and reason.

Credibility

The trustworthiness or authority of a source or writer.

Structure

The way a text is organized (e.g., paragraphs, headings, introductions).

Repetition

Repeating words or ideas for emphasis or effect.

Rhetorical questions

Questions asked to make a point, not to elicit an answer.

Declarative sentences

Statements that declare facts or opinions.

Elliptical sentences

Sentences where part is left out but still understood.

Parallelisms

Balanced sentence structures for emphasis or rhythm.

Juxtaposition

Placing two contrasting ideas side by side.

Contrast

Emphasizing differences between ideas or elements.

Connectives

Words that link ideas together (e.g., however, therefore).

Circular argument

Restating the conclusion as part of the reasoning.

Topic sentences

The main idea of a paragraph, usually at the beginning.

Evidence

Facts, quotes, or data used to support claims.

Clauses

Groups of words with a subject and verb (main, dependent/subordinate).

Openers

Words/phrases that begin a sentence to set tone or direction.

Syntax

Sentence structure and word order.

Parenthesis

Extra information inserted into a sentence.

Adjectives

Words that describe nouns.

Verbs

Action or state-of-being words.

Modal verbs

Express likelihood, ability, permission, or obligation.

Ambiguity

When a word or phrase has more than one meaning.

Puns

Play on words for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Pronouns

Words that replace nouns - often used to create inclusion or distance.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for effect.

Allusion

A reference to another text, event, or figure.

Cliché

An overused phrase or idea.

Euphemism

A milder way of saying something unpleasant.

Emotive words

Words that trigger an emotional response.

Superlatives

Words expressing the highest degree.

Adverbial

A word or phrase functioning like an adverb.

Plosive

Harsh consonant sounds - used for emphasis or aggression.

Figurative language

Language not meant literally; includes metaphors, similes, etc.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A direct comparison where something is something else.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds.

Presentation

How the text appears visually.

Layout

The arrangement of text and images on a page.

Foregrounding

Highlighting key elements visually or textually.

Color

Used to create mood, draw attention, or symbolize ideas.

Puffs

Promotional phrases in magazines ('FREE GIFT!').

Contrasts (Visual)

Use of light/dark, size, or color to emphasize difference.

Font

Typeface used - can suggest tone or audience.

Images

Photographs or illustrations used to add meaning or appeal.

Captions

Text accompanying an image.

Heading

Title of a section or article.

Subheadings

Smaller titles breaking up text.

Logos (brand)

Symbol of a company - used for recognition.

Panels

Boxes or frames used in comics to structure scenes.

Gutter

The space between panels in a comic strip.

Negative space

Empty areas in a composition - used for contrast or focus.

Punchline

The final line of a comic strip or joke - delivers the impact.

Graphic weight

The visual influence an image or element has on a page.

Saturation

The intensity of color - affects tone and emotion.