English (AERO) glossary
academic register
Formal, precise language suited to serious study and discussion.
A context-dependent variety of language characterised by formal vocabulary, explicit reasoning and controlled grammatical structures.
Salim maintained an academic register by saying, “The evidence suggests,” rather than, “I just feel.”
Used in: Leading a Seminar Discussionacademic register
Formal, precise language suited to analytical writing.
A controlled variety of language characterised by precision, formality and discipline-specific vocabulary.
Using “the contrast suggests” instead of “I think” strengthens the academic register.
Used in: Writing a Literary Analysis Essayaccessibility
Designing information so that different readers can use and understand it.
The extent to which content and its presentation can be perceived, navigated and understood by users with varied needs.
Alternative text and clear headings improve the accessibility of a digital portfolio.
Used in: Building a Writing Portfolioaccount
A spoken or written description of an event.
A representation of an event shaped by a writer’s evidence, perspective and purpose.
The student report offered a detailed account of the outdoor reading morning.
Used in: Comparing Two Accounts of the Same Eventactive voice
A construction in which the subject performs the action.
Grammatical voice in which the subject is the semantic agent or performer of the verb's action.
The conservation team planted native shrubs beside the path.
Used in: Active and Passive Voiceadaptation
A version of a work reshaped for another form or audience.
The transformation of a source text into another medium through deliberate selection, omission and modification.
The film adaptation replaces Sami’s private thought with visual and sound clues.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Film Versionadaptation
A version changed to suit a different form.
A transformed presentation of a source text created for another medium, audience or purpose.
The audio adaptation replaces visual description with sound effects.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Audio or Film Versionadverbial
A word or phrase that adds information about time, place, manner or reason.
A sentence element that modifies a verb, clause or sentence by expressing circumstances such as time, location or manner.
Along the Doha Corniche, students recorded changes in the shoreline.
Used in: Parallelism and Sentence Varietyagent
The person, group or thing that performs an action.
The semantic participant that intentionally or causally initiates the action expressed by a verb.
In “The map was checked by Salim”, Salim is the agent.
Used in: Active and Passive Voiceallusion
An indirect reference to another text, story, person or event.
A deliberate textual reference that activates associations with an external source to create or complicate meaning.
The carved ant is an allusion to Aesop’s fable about preparation.
Used in: Competing Interpretations of a Textallusion
An indirect reference to another text, story, person, place or tradition.
An implicit or brief textual reference whose interpretation depends upon recognition of an external source.
The stones beside the basin create an allusion to Aesop's fable.
Used in: Allusion and Transformed Source Materialanaphora
The repetition of words at the beginning of nearby phrases or sentences.
A rhetorical device involving repeated initial words or structures across successive clauses to create emphasis and cohesion.
We can save water, we can protect habitats and we can improve our campus.
Used in: Delivering a Persuasive Speechaxis
A reference line that shows what chart values or categories mean.
A horizontal or vertical reference line on a graph along which variables, categories or measured values are displayed.
The horizontal axis lists Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Used in: Reading Charts, Maps and Mediabias
A preference or interest that may influence a source.
A systematic tendency in perspective, selection or presentation that can affect a source’s reliability.
The company’s commercial purpose may create bias in its description of visitor impact.
Used in: Writing an Explanatory Essaybias
Language that unfairly favours one interpretation or viewpoint.
A systematic preference in the selection or presentation of information that influences interpretation.
The report showed bias by blaming visitors without providing evidence.
Used in: Active and Passive Voicebuild on
To connect a new point to an idea already shared.
To extend a previous contribution by adding relevant explanation, evidence or implications.
Building on Mariam’s idea, Hamad suggested adding native plants.
Used in: Speaking in a Group Discussioncall to action
A clear request telling the audience what to do next.
A concluding persuasive appeal that identifies a specific, achievable response expected from the audience.
The call to action asked students to support a one-month trial this week.
Used in: Delivering a Persuasive Speechcaption
A brief explanation placed beside an image or diagram.
A concise text feature that identifies, contextualises or explains information presented in a visual.
The caption explains that mangrove roots create sheltered spaces.
Used in: Text Structure and Text Featurescentral idea
The main message developed across an informational text.
The principal claim or understanding that is developed and supported by details throughout an informational text.
The central idea connects the mangroves' benefits with the need to protect them.
Used in: Finding the Central Ideacentral idea
The main point developed across an informational text.
The primary concept or claim that is developed and supported throughout a text.
The central idea of Source B is that the trial needs practical improvements.
Used in: Comparing Two Accounts of the Same Eventcharacter change
A shift in a character’s attitude, understanding or behaviour.
A development in a character’s traits, beliefs or actions caused by narrative experiences.
Noor’s character change is shown when she begins to value cooperation.
Used in: Characters, Conflict and Changecircular wording
An unclear explanation that repeats the term instead of explaining it.
A defective definition that relies on the word or concept being defined to establish its meaning.
The sentence “A shelter is something that shelters” uses circular wording.
Used in: Explaining a Topic Clearlycitation
A reference showing where borrowed words, facts or ideas came from.
A formal acknowledgement that identifies the source of quoted, paraphrased or summarised information.
The citation after the sentence directs readers to the full reference.
Used in: Short Research Project and Citationcitation
Information showing where borrowed evidence or ideas came from.
A standardised acknowledgement that identifies the source of quoted, paraphrased or summarised material.
The paraphrased idea ends with the citation (Hasan 18).
Used in: Researched Report with Citationsclaim
A clear statement that answers a question or presents your position.
An arguable proposition that a writer supports through reasons and evidence.
My claim is that communities should protect mangrove habitats.
Used in: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Paragraphsclaim
The main idea a writer wants you to accept.
An arguable statement or recommendation that an author supports through reasoning and evidence.
The student council's claim is that the school should test a shaded reading corner.
Used in: Tracing an Argumentclaim
The main point you want your audience to accept.
A focused, arguable statement supported through relevant evidence and logical reasoning.
My claim is that mangrove roots provide valuable shelter for young marine animals.
Used in: Presenting Findings with Evidenceclaim
The main point a speaker wants you to accept.
A contestable statement or conclusion presented as valid within an argument.
The speaker’s claim is that the Corniche needs more shaded refill points.
Used in: Evaluating a Speaker's Argumentclarifying question
A question that makes an idea clearer or more detailed.
An enquiry requesting explanation, definition or detail to improve shared understanding of a contribution.
Mariam asked a clarifying question about which plants would use the least water.
Used in: Speaking in a Group Discussionclause
A group of words containing a subject and a verb.
A grammatical unit containing a subject and predicate; it may be independent or dependent.
When the sun rose, the researchers began their survey.
Used in: Phrases, Clauses and Misplaced Modifiersclimax
The moment of greatest tension or most important action in a story.
The narrative turning point at which the central conflict reaches its highest intensity and begins to change.
The climax occurs when Mariam decides to answer the difficult question confidently.
Used in: Narrative Writing that Shows, Not Tellscommentary
Your explanation of how evidence supports an analytical claim.
Reasoned interpretation that establishes the relationship between selected textual evidence and an analytical argument.
Her commentary explains why crossing out the possessive phrase signals a shift in priorities.
Used in: Analysing Complex Charactersconcision
Expressing an idea clearly without unnecessary words or repetition.
The economical expression of complete meaning through the removal of redundant or non-functional language.
Changing “at this point in time” to “now” improves concision.
Used in: Register, Nuance and Precisionconflict
A struggle or problem that a character must face.
A narrative struggle between opposing forces that develops plot and reveals character.
Noor’s conflict becomes urgent when the wind carries away her sketch.
Used in: Characters, Conflict and Changeconnotation
An idea or feeling associated with a word.
The cultural, emotional or conceptual associations a word carries beyond its literal denotation.
The connotation of “restored” connects physical repair with renewed confidence.
Used in: Writing a Literary Analysis Essayconnotation
The feelings or associations suggested by a word beyond its direct meaning.
The cultural, emotional or evaluative associations attached to a lexical item in addition to its denotation.
The word “shared” has positive connotations of inclusion and cooperation.
Used in: Register, Nuance and Precisionconnotation
A feeling or idea associated with a word.
The emotional, cultural or conceptual associations suggested by a word beyond its literal meaning.
The word “cradled” has a connotation of safety and care.
Used in: Word Choice, Imagery and Moodcontext clue
Information near a word that helps you work out its meaning.
A textual signal that supports an inference about the meaning of an unfamiliar or multiple-meaning word.
The phrase “connected to the sea” is a context clue for “maritime”.
Used in: Context Clues and Word Partscorroborate
To confirm a claim using separate supporting evidence.
To strengthen or verify a proposition through agreement with evidence from an independent source.
The second report corroborates the claim that approximately 2,400 kilograms was collected.
Used in: Evaluating Digital and AI-Generated Sourcescounterargument
A viewpoint or claim that challenges the writer’s main argument.
An opposing position that a writer acknowledges and may answer through rebuttal, concession or qualification.
The speaker answers the counterargument that one school cannot influence a wider challenge.
Used in: Rhetorical Analysis: Ethos, Pathos, Logoscounterclaim
A reasonable position that challenges your main claim.
An alternative or opposing assertion that a speaker acknowledges and evaluates before offering a rebuttal.
The speaker answered the counterclaim that the proposed route would be too costly.
Used in: Delivering a Persuasive Speechcounterclaim
A position that challenges or differs from your claim.
An alternative or opposing claim acknowledged and addressed within an argument.
The writer answered the counterclaim that an outdoor space could become noisy.
Used in: Writing an Argument Essaycounterclaim
A reasonable position that challenges all or part of your claim.
An alternative argumentative proposition that contests the validity, scope or consequences of a primary claim.
The counterclaim suggested that outdoor investigation could reduce available lesson time.
Used in: Writing an Extended Argument Essaycounterreading
A different but evidence-based way of reading a text.
An alternative interpretation that challenges or qualifies another reading through a coherent analysis of textual evidence.
The counterreading argues that the chest represents responsible preservation rather than selfish hoarding.
Used in: Competing Interpretations of a Textcredibility
The degree to which a source is trustworthy and dependable.
The assessed reliability of a source based on its authority, accuracy, evidence, relevance, currency and purpose.
The named author and supporting references increased the article’s credibility.
Used in: Researched Report with Citationscredibility
The degree to which a source is trustworthy and well supported.
The assessed reliability of a source based on authority, evidence, currency, purpose and corroboration.
The transparent method and named researchers increased the report’s credibility.
Used in: Short Research Project and Citationcredibility
The degree to which a source deserves belief or trust.
The assessed reliability of a source based on its authorship, evidence, methods, currency, purpose and corroboration.
The named research team and explained method increase the report’s credibility.
Used in: Evaluating Digital and AI-Generated Sourcescurate
To select and arrange material for a clear purpose.
To evaluate, select, contextualise and organise artefacts according to defined communicative or assessment aims.
I will curate three drafts that show how my reasoning became more nuanced.
Used in: Building a Writing Portfoliodangling modifier
A description with no logical word to modify in the sentence.
An introductory modifying construction whose implied subject differs from or is absent from the main clause.
Dangling: Crossing the courtyard, the library doors came into view.
Used in: Phrases, Clauses and Misplaced Modifiersdefinition
A clear statement explaining the meaning of a term.
A statement that identifies a concept’s category and distinguishes it through its essential characteristics.
Her definition explains that a dhow is a traditional sailing vessel.
Used in: Explaining a Topic Clearlydenotation
The direct dictionary meaning of a word.
The explicit, literal meaning that a linguistic community conventionally assigns to a word.
The denotation of “whisper” is to speak very softly.
Used in: Word Choice, Imagery and Mooddeparture
A purposeful change from the original text.
An adaptive choice that alters, omits or adds source material, producing a different effect or interpretation.
The shared ending is a departure that strengthens the theme of cooperation.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Film Versiondevelopment
The way a character changes or is revealed across a text.
The progression of a character's traits, motivations, understanding or behaviour through interactions and conflicts.
Mariam's development is shown through the contrast between reaching for the compass and following the recording process.
Used in: Analysing Complex Charactersdialogue
The spoken words exchanged by characters in a text.
Represented speech used within a narrative to develop character, relationships, conflict or plot.
“Start with what you noticed,” Noura said.
Used in: Narrative Writing that Shows, Not Tellsdialogue
Words spoken between characters in a story or drama.
Represented speech through which characters communicate, reveal perspectives and influence narrative action.
Mr Salim’s dialogue makes Mariam question the convenient label.
Used in: How Dialogue Drives Actiondramatic irony
When the audience knows something that a character does not.
A structural technique in which an audience’s superior knowledge creates tension between a character’s understanding and unfolding events.
The trembling sand creates dramatic irony because viewers recognise the danger before Sami does.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Film Versiondramatic irony
A situation in which the reader knows more than a character.
A narrative condition in which the audience possesses significant information unavailable to one or more characters.
You know the event has moved to Hall B while Tariq waits in Hall A.
Used in: Irony, Understatement and Humourembedded quotation
Quoted evidence fitted grammatically into your own sentence.
A textual quotation syntactically integrated within a writer’s analytical statement.
The embedded quotation allows the phrase “tired wing” to support the claim smoothly.
Used in: Writing a Literary Analysis Essayemphasis
Extra importance given to a particular detail or idea.
The prominence created by selecting, repeating, positioning or describing information in a particular way.
The report places emphasis on the queue by giving its exact length in minutes.
Used in: Comparing Two Accounts of the Same Eventemphasis
Special importance given to an idea.
Prominence assigned to a linguistic element through structural position, repetition, contrast, stress or other stylistic choices.
A short final sentence gave emphasis to the speaker’s conclusion.
Used in: Parallelism and Sentence Varietyethos
An appeal based on the speaker’s credibility, knowledge or character.
A rhetorical appeal that persuades by establishing the communicator’s authority, reliability, expertise or ethical character.
The speaker builds ethos by describing six weeks of direct involvement in the water survey.
Used in: Rhetorical Analysis: Ethos, Pathos, Logosevaluative commentary
A reflection that uses evidence to judge the effectiveness of your choices.
An analytical text that interprets evidence and makes reasoned judgements about the quality, effect or development of written work.
Her evaluative commentary explains why the revised counterclaim is more convincing.
Used in: Building a Writing Portfolioevidence
Relevant facts, examples or details that support a claim.
Verifiable information selected from credible sources to substantiate a claim or reason.
The temperature measurement provides evidence that shade improves comfort.
Used in: Writing an Argument Essayevidence
Information used to support or challenge a claim.
Verifiable data, observations, examples or testimony used to justify a conclusion.
The survey result is evidence about students’ preferences.
Used in: Evaluating a Speaker's Argumentevidence
Information from a source that supports your claim.
Relevant textual information used to justify an interpretation, conclusion or argument.
The description of animals among the roots provides evidence for the claim.
Used in: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Paragraphsevidence
Information that supports a claim or conclusion.
Relevant textual, observational or numerical information used to justify reasoning or evaluate a claim.
Noor used the survey result as evidence for repairing the seats.
Used in: Speaking in a Group Discussionevidence
Information that supports a claim.
Relevant facts, observations, data or textual details used to substantiate an interpretation or conclusion.
The fish counts provide evidence that more young fish were observed near shaded roots.
Used in: Presenting Findings with Evidenceevidence
Information used to support a reason or claim.
Verifiable data, facts, observations or examples presented to justify an argumentative conclusion.
The survey results provide evidence of student interest.
Used in: Tracing an Argumentfalse cause
Assuming one event caused another without enough proof.
A reasoning error that infers a causal relationship from sequence, association or limited evidence without establishing causation.
Claiming that heat caused the fault simply because it occurred first is a false cause.
Used in: Evaluating Evidence and Faulty Reasoningfirst-person narrator
A narrator who tells their own experience using “I” or “we”.
A narrator who participates in the story and presents events through personal perceptions, knowledge and language.
The first-person narrator admits, “I did not notice the rope.”
Used in: Point of View and the Narrator's Anglefragment
An incomplete group of words punctuated as a sentence.
A dependent or structurally incomplete word group incorrectly presented as an independent sentence.
The editor repaired the fragment by adding a subject and verb.
Used in: Sentences, Fragments and Run-onsframe
The angle created by selecting and emphasising certain details.
A presentational structure that shapes interpretation through selection, emphasis, wording, context and omission.
The word “surges” frames a 5% increase as dramatic.
Used in: Reading Media and Data Claimsframing
Presenting information through a chosen angle that influences interpretation.
The selection, emphasis and organisation of information to promote a particular interpretation of an issue.
The report’s framing made the temporary trial appear like a permanent transformation.
Used in: Bias, Framing and Omissionframing
The choices that shape how an audience understands information.
The selective presentation, emphasis and organisation of information to encourage a particular interpretation.
The rising arrow frames the clean-up total as proof of straightforward improvement.
Used in: Evaluating Digital and AI-Generated Sourceshallucination
Plausible but false information produced by a generative tool.
Generated output that presents fabricated, unsupported or inaccurate information as though it were factual.
An invented research citation in generated text is a hallucination.
Used in: Evaluating Digital and AI-Generated Sourceshasty generalisation
A broad conclusion based on too few or unrepresentative examples.
A reasoning error in which evidence from an inadequate sample is extended to a larger population or situation.
Calling all stations crowded after visiting one is a hasty generalisation.
Used in: Evaluating Evidence and Faulty Reasoningheading
A short title that identifies the topic of a section.
A typographical text feature that labels a section and signals the focus or hierarchy of its content.
The heading helps you predict that the section will discuss wildlife.
Used in: Text Structure and Text Featureshook
An opening designed to capture attention and introduce the speech's purpose.
A deliberate introductory technique that creates audience interest and frames the central subject or claim.
Her hook invited listeners to imagine a cooler, more welcoming school courtyard.
Used in: Delivering a Persuasive Speechimagery
Language that helps you imagine sights, sounds or other sensations.
Descriptive or figurative language that evokes sensory experience in a reader.
The imagery of “silver ribbons” helps you picture light moving across the water.
Used in: Word Choice, Imagery and Moodinference
A reasonable conclusion formed from clues and prior knowledge.
A logical interpretation derived from textual evidence rather than directly stated information.
You can make the inference that Yusuf respects Mariam’s initiative.
Used in: Finding the Theme of a Storyinference
A conclusion reached by combining evidence with reasoning.
A logical deduction about implicit meaning derived from textual evidence and relevant contextual knowledge.
Mariam’s movement towards the circle supports the inference that stories should be shared.
Used in: Competing Interpretations of a Textinference
A conclusion formed by combining textual clues with careful reasoning.
An interpretation logically derived from textual evidence rather than directly stated information.
You can infer from the corrected log that Mariam is choosing collective responsibility.
Used in: Analysing Complex Charactersinfographic
A visual display that communicates information using words, images or symbols.
A multimodal representation that integrates concise language and visual elements to organise and communicate information.
The infographic shows where different animals gather around a mangrove.
Used in: Text Structure and Text Featuresinterpretation
A supported explanation of what a text means.
An analytical claim about a text’s meaning, constructed through evidence, reasoning and attention to literary choices.
Her interpretation connected the empty chest with the theme of shared knowledge.
Used in: Competing Interpretations of a Textintertextuality
The way texts gain meaning through connections with other texts.
The network of relationships through which a text echoes, revises or responds to other texts and cultural forms.
The intertextuality rewards readers who recognise the ancient fable.
Used in: Allusion and Transformed Source Materialirony
A meaningful contrast between what is expected or claimed and what occurs.
A literary technique creating significance through a discrepancy between appearance, expectation, statement and reality.
It is ironic that the clear-story board stands beside an object with an uncertain history.
Used in: How Dialogue Drives Actionline
One row of words in a poem.
A structural unit of poetry arranged as a distinct horizontal sequence of words.
The line “Then footsteps tap along the path” introduces movement.
Used in: How a Poem Is Builtloaded language
Words carrying strong approval or disapproval beyond their basic meaning.
Lexical choices with evaluative connotations intended to shape an audience’s emotional or ethical response.
Calling the trial a “transformation” uses loaded language to encourage approval.
Used in: Bias, Framing and Omissionlogical chunk
A group of related ideas that serves one clear purpose.
A deliberately organised unit of information in which all details develop the same subtopic or function.
The writer used one logical chunk to explain how mangrove roots protect wildlife.
Used in: Explaining a Topic Clearlylogos
An appeal based on evidence, facts and logical reasoning.
A rhetorical appeal that supports a claim through relevant evidence, valid inference and coherent relationships between ideas.
The measured estimate of 240 litres supports the proposal through logos.
Used in: Rhetorical Analysis: Ethos, Pathos, Logosmedium
The form used to communicate a story or idea.
A mode of communication whose distinct conventions and technical resources shape how meaning is produced.
Film uses sound and camera movement, while prose can reveal a character’s thoughts.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Film Versionmedium
The form used to communicate a story or idea.
A mode or channel of communication, such as print, audio, film, performance or illustration.
Audio is an effective medium for presenting the sounds of the mangroves.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Audio or Film Versionmetaphor
A direct comparison saying one thing is another.
A figure of speech that transfers qualities from one thing to another through an implied or direct comparison.
The faded map was a patient teacher.
Used in: Figurative Language and Tonemisplaced modifier
A description positioned too far from the word it should modify.
A modifying element whose syntactic position creates ambiguity or an unintended relationship.
Unclear: We saw a falcon from the bus with powerful wings.
Used in: Phrases, Clauses and Misplaced Modifiersmood
The feeling or atmosphere a text creates for the reader.
The emotional atmosphere produced through a text's language, setting, imagery and other literary choices.
The quiet sounds and gentle movements create a peaceful mood.
Used in: Word Choice, Imagery and Moodmotivation
A reason, need or desire that drives a character's actions.
An internal or external force that influences a literary character's decisions, behaviour and response to conflict.
Mariam's desire for recognition is one motivation behind her hesitation.
Used in: Analysing Complex Charactersmultimedia
Visual, audio or digital elements used to communicate information.
The purposeful integration of multiple communication modes to clarify, strengthen or extend ideas.
The speaker used a labelled diagram as multimedia to clarify the structure of mangrove roots.
Used in: Presenting Findings with Evidencenon-linear narrative
A narrative that presents events outside chronological order.
A narrative structure in which the discourse order of events differs from their chronological story order.
The non-linear narrative begins with Mariam’s questioning before returning to the storm.
Used in: Structure, Order and Suspensenuance
A small but meaningful difference in meaning, feeling or strength.
A subtle semantic or pragmatic distinction between expressions that have broadly related meanings.
The verb “urge” carries a stronger nuance of importance than “suggest”.
Used in: Register, Nuance and Precisionnuanced thesis
A main claim that includes a clear judgement together with meaningful limits or conditions.
A defensible controlling claim that expresses an evaluative position while accounting for relevant complexity, qualification or limitation.
Her nuanced thesis supported outdoor observation while limiting it to suitable conditions and relevant units.
Used in: Writing an Extended Argument Essayobjective summary
A brief account of key ideas without personal opinions.
A concise, neutral restatement of a text's central idea and essential supporting details.
Her objective summary included facts about wildlife, erosion and conservation.
Used in: Finding the Central Ideaobjective summary
A brief account of key events without personal opinions.
A concise, neutral restatement of a text’s central events and ideas in logical order.
Her objective summary explains the problem, response and outcome without judging the characters.
Used in: Finding the Theme of a Storyomission
Leaving out information that may affect a reader’s judgement.
The exclusion of relevant evidence, context or viewpoints from a representation or argument.
The omission of the survey method makes the percentage harder to evaluate.
Used in: Bias, Framing and Omissionpacing
The speed at which a narrative presents events.
The manipulation of narrative time through expansion, compression, pause, summary or omission.
The clicking clock slows the pacing during Mariam’s final decision.
Used in: Structure, Order and Suspenseparallelism
The use of matching grammatical patterns for ideas of equal importance.
A syntactic structure in which coordinated words, phrases or clauses use equivalent grammatical forms.
The volunteers mapped the shore, collected the litter and recorded the results.
Used in: Parallelism and Sentence Varietyparaphrase
A source idea expressed accurately in your own words.
A faithful reformulation of source material using substantially different wording and syntax while retaining the original meaning.
Yusuf’s broken tool gains moral importance when he connects it with memory, responsibility and courage.
Used in: Researched Report with Citationsparaphrase
A source idea expressed accurately in your own words and structure.
A faithful restatement of source material using substantially original wording and syntax without changing its meaning.
Salma wrote a paraphrase of the survey result and cited the report.
Used in: Short Research Project and Citationpassive voice
A construction in which the subject receives the action.
Grammatical voice formed with an auxiliary verb and past participle, making the action's receiver the subject.
Native shrubs were planted beside the path.
Used in: Active and Passive Voicepathos
An appeal to the audience’s emotions, values or imagination.
A rhetorical appeal that seeks persuasion by stimulating an audience’s emotions, sympathies, values or sense of identity.
The image of the desert after rain uses pathos to emphasise the value of water.
Used in: Rhetorical Analysis: Ethos, Pathos, Logospercentage change
The amount of change compared with the original value.
The difference between a new and original value divided by the original value and multiplied by 100.
The percentage change from 500 to 525 entries was 5%.
Used in: Reading Media and Data Claimspersonification
Giving human actions or qualities to something non-human.
A figure of speech that attributes human characteristics, intentions or behaviours to non-human entities or abstract ideas.
The shelves guarded their boxes in silence.
Used in: Figurative Language and Tonephrase
A group of related words that does not contain a complete subject-verb unit.
A syntactic unit that functions within a clause but does not express a complete predication.
The class observed desert plants near Education City.
Used in: Phrases, Clauses and Misplaced Modifierspoint of view
The position from which a story is told.
The narrative perspective that determines who tells a story and what information is available to the reader.
The first-person point of view limits us to Mariam's knowledge.
Used in: Point of View and the Narrator's Angleportfolio
A purposeful collection of work showing your achievement and development.
A curated body of texts and process evidence assembled to demonstrate performance, reflection and development over time.
My portfolio places an early claim beside its revised version.
Used in: Building a Writing Portfolioprefix
A meaningful word part added to the beginning of a root.
A bound morpheme attached before a base or root to modify its meaning.
The prefix re- gives “reusable” the idea of doing something again.
Used in: Context Clues and Word Partsprimary source
The original evidence from which later claims are made.
A first-hand document, dataset, recording or account that provides direct evidence about the subject being studied.
The event organiser’s gate-count table was the primary source for both reports.
Used in: Reading Media and Data Claimsprobe
A follow-up question that explores an idea more deeply.
A targeted questioning move used to elicit clarification, evidence, reasoning or further analysis from a speaker.
Aisha used a probe: “Which detail from Source B supports that interpretation?”
Used in: Leading a Seminar Discussionprobing question
A focused question that tests reasoning or requests missing information.
A follow-up enquiry designed to examine assumptions, evidence, implications or logical connections.
Her probing question asked whether the survey represented all Corniche visitors.
Used in: Evaluating a Speaker's Argumentpurpose
What the author wants the text to achieve.
The intended effect or communicative goal that shapes an author's selection and presentation of ideas.
The facilities manager's purpose is to encourage further investigation before a decision.
Used in: Tracing an Argumentqualify
To limit or refine a claim by adding conditions.
To modify an assertion by specifying its scope, conditions, limitations or degree of certainty.
The observed counts qualify the claim that all outdoor routes are equally busy.
Used in: Synthesising Multiple Sourcesqualify
To limit or refine a claim so that it becomes more accurate.
To modify a proposition by stating its conditions, limitations, scope or degree of certainty.
Hamad qualified the claim by explaining that access was beneficial only when group sizes were controlled.
Used in: Leading a Seminar Discussionquotation
The exact words copied from a source and placed in quotation marks.
A verbatim reproduction of source language, conventionally identified through quotation marks or block formatting.
He uses the quotation ‘food and shelter for many living things’ as evidence.
Used in: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Paragraphsquotation
The exact words taken from a source.
A verbatim reproduction of source language, marked and attributed within another text.
The guide states that the roots create “sheltered water where young fish can feed”.
Used in: Writing an Explanatory Essayreason
An explanation of why a claim should be accepted.
A logical proposition connecting a claim to the evidence offered in its support.
One reason for the corner is that students need a calm place to read.
Used in: Tracing an Argumentreason
An explanation showing why a claim should be accepted.
A proposition that connects supporting information to an argument’s central claim.
Convenient access to water is one reason for installing shaded points.
Used in: Evaluating a Speaker's Argumentreasoning
An explanation of how evidence supports your claim.
The logical connection that demonstrates why selected evidence justifies a stated claim.
Her reasoning explained why the difference between the two fish counts was meaningful.
Used in: Presenting Findings with Evidencereasoning
Your explanation of how the evidence proves the claim.
The logical connection that demonstrates why selected evidence supports a stated claim.
Her reasoning explains why damage to the roots could affect wildlife.
Used in: Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Paragraphsreasoning
Your explanation of how evidence supports your claim.
The logical connection that demonstrates why particular evidence validates a reason or claim.
Her reasoning connected the cooler temperature to students’ ability to concentrate.
Used in: Writing an Argument Essayrefutation
A reasoned response showing why a counterclaim does not overturn your judgement.
The systematic rebuttal of an alternative claim through evidence, logical analysis, qualification or exposure of limitations.
Her refutation showed that careful scheduling answered the concern about lost lesson time.
Used in: Writing an Extended Argument Essayregister
The level and style of language chosen for a particular audience and situation.
A variety of language characterised by lexical, grammatical and tonal choices associated with a communicative context.
The speaker adopts a formal register when addressing the school leadership.
Used in: Register, Nuance and Precisionrelevance
How directly evidence connects to the claim being examined.
The degree to which information logically bears upon the truth or acceptability of a specific claim.
Queue measurements have relevance because the claim concerns overcrowding.
Used in: Evaluating Evidence and Faulty Reasoningreliability
The degree to which a source can be trusted for a purpose.
The extent to which a source provides accurate, relevant, transparent and consistently supported information for a specified use.
The report’s reliability is limited because it does not explain how participants were selected.
Used in: Bias, Framing and Omissionresearch question
A focused question that guides what you investigate and write.
An open analytical question that defines the scope, concepts and purpose of a systematic inquiry.
My research question examines how the broken compass symbolises responsibility.
Used in: Researched Report with Citationsresearchable question
A focused question that can be answered with available evidence.
An open, specific inquiry that defines a manageable scope and permits an evidence-based response.
Our researchable question examines whether labelled bins reduce paper waste in one school corridor.
Used in: Short Research Project and Citationrespectful disagreement
A polite challenge to an idea, supported by a reason.
A reasoned response that challenges a claim while maintaining appropriate language, tone and regard for participants.
Noor expressed respectful disagreement before presenting evidence about the damaged seats.
Used in: Speaking in a Group Discussionrhetorical shaping
How presentation choices influence an audience's understanding.
The strategic selection, organisation and framing of information according to purpose, audience, medium and desired effect.
Source A's use of a large percentage is a form of rhetorical shaping.
Used in: Synthesising Multiple Sourcesroot
The main word part that carries the central meaning.
The core morpheme that provides a word with its principal lexical meaning.
Use is the root in the word “reusable”.
Used in: Context Clues and Word Partsrun-on
Two complete thoughts joined without correct punctuation.
Two or more independent clauses incorrectly joined without suitable punctuation or a coordinating conjunction.
We corrected the run-on with a full stop.
Used in: Sentences, Fragments and Run-onsscale
The numbered intervals used to represent values on a chart.
The system of ordered values and intervals used to represent quantities along an axis or within a visual.
A scale beginning at 140 made the increase appear unusually large.
Used in: Reading Charts, Maps and Mediasemicolon
A punctuation mark that can connect closely related complete thoughts.
A punctuation mark used to link closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
The site was quiet; everyone listened carefully.
Used in: Sentences, Fragments and Run-onssensory detail
A detail connected to sight, sound, smell, taste, touch or movement.
Descriptive language that represents sensory perception to create imagery, mood or a vivid experience.
Cool air brushed Mariam's dusty trainers as the doors opened.
Used in: Narrative Writing that Shows, Not Tellssentence
A group of words that expresses a complete thought.
An independent grammatical unit containing a subject and predicate and marked by final punctuation.
The class examined the old walls.
Used in: Sentences, Fragments and Run-onssetting
The place, time and conditions in which a story happens.
The temporal, geographical, social and environmental context in which narrative events occur.
The exposed setting allows the shamal wind to disturb Noor’s work.
Used in: Characters, Conflict and Changesimile
A comparison using “like” or “as”.
A figurative comparison between unlike things that explicitly uses a comparative word such as “like” or “as”.
Dust floated like tiny lanterns in the evening light.
Used in: Figurative Language and Tonesituational irony
An outcome that meaningfully contrasts with what the situation leads you to expect.
A narrative technique in which an actual outcome sharply and meaningfully reverses an established reasonable expectation.
The lost navigation robot unexpectedly guided the team towards a better presentation.
Used in: Irony, Understatement and Humoursource
The person, group or record from which information comes.
The stated origin of information or data, used to assess its context, authority and reliability.
The source note says that the figures came from the learning hub entry counter.
Used in: Reading Charts, Maps and Mediasource material
An earlier text or tradition used to shape a new work.
A pre-existing text, narrative pattern or cultural tradition adapted, quoted or invoked within another work.
The writer uses The Crow and the Pitcher as source material.
Used in: Allusion and Transformed Source Materialstanza
A group of poetic lines separated from other groups.
A grouped sequence of lines forming a structural division within a poem.
The third stanza describes the Corniche becoming active.
Used in: How a Poem Is Builtstanza break
A space marking a pause or change between stanzas.
A visual and structural division that separates stanzas and may signal a shift in meaning, tone or time.
The stanza break separates the resting dhow from the sounds of morning activity.
Used in: How a Poem Is Builtstory arc
The organised path of a story from its opening to its resolution.
The structural progression of narrative events through exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
The story arc reaches its climax when Mariam answers the judge's question without using her card.
Used in: Narrative Writing that Shows, Not Tellsstructure
The way the parts of a text are arranged.
The deliberate organisation and relationship of a text’s formal parts, including lines, stanzas and sequence.
The poem’s structure follows Doha Bay from dawn towards noon.
Used in: How a Poem Is Builtstructure
The way a text’s parts are selected and arranged.
The deliberate organisation and sequencing of textual elements to create meaning and effect.
The structure delays the final lesson until Mariam has removed the plastic bag.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Audio or Film Versionsufficiency
Whether there is enough evidence to justify a conclusion.
The extent to which the quantity, range and quality of evidence adequately support the scope of a claim.
One short survey lacks sufficiency for a claim about every location.
Used in: Evaluating Evidence and Faulty Reasoningsuffix
A meaningful word part added to the end of a root.
A bound morpheme attached after a base or root to alter meaning or grammatical function.
The suffix -able means “capable of” in “reusable”.
Used in: Context Clues and Word Partssupporting detail
A fact or example that develops the central idea.
Relevant textual information that explains, demonstrates or provides evidence for a central idea.
The shelter provided to young fish is a supporting detail.
Used in: Finding the Central Ideasuspense
Tension caused by uncertainty about an important outcome.
A narrative effect produced by delaying significant information or the resolution of conflict.
The closed survey log creates suspense because its contents remain unknown.
Used in: Structure, Order and Suspensesyntax
The way words and clauses are arranged in a sentence.
The system governing the structural arrangement and relationships of words, phrases and clauses in sentences.
The speaker adjusted her syntax to place the main conclusion last.
Used in: Parallelism and Sentence Varietysynthesis
A new understanding formed by connecting several ideas or sources.
The integration of evidence and interpretations from multiple contributions or texts into a coherent conclusion.
Her synthesis connected the boardwalk proposal with the survey’s concern about inclusive access.
Used in: Leading a Seminar Discussionsynthesis
A balanced combination of ideas from different sources.
The integration of relevant information from multiple sources into a coherent new understanding.
Her synthesis included both the event’s strengths and its practical difficulties.
Used in: Comparing Two Accounts of the Same Eventsynthesis
Combining sources to develop a new, supported understanding.
The analytical integration of evidence and ideas from multiple sources to establish a coherent interpretation or claim.
Her synthesis connected the survey, briefing and route counts to justify a limited pilot.
Used in: Synthesising Multiple Sourcestension
A meaningful difference between sources' evidence, emphasis or conclusions.
A divergence between sources arising from contrasting evidence, assumptions, purposes, methods or interpretations.
A tension emerges because Source A urges action while Source B requests further testing.
Used in: Synthesising Multiple Sourcestext structure
The pattern an author uses to arrange and connect ideas.
The organisational pattern used to develop relationships among ideas, events or information in a text.
The author uses a cause-and-effect text structure to explain how roots reduce erosion.
Used in: Text Structure and Text Featurestextual evidence
Exact words or specific details used to support an idea.
Quoted or paraphrased information from a text used to justify an interpretation or analysis.
Yusuf’s final words provide textual evidence that Mariam influenced the group.
Used in: Finding the Theme of a Storytextual evidence
Words from a text that support an idea about it.
Quoted or accurately paraphrased textual details used to justify an interpretation or inference.
The phrase “called to the teacher” is textual evidence of Noor’s responsible choice.
Used in: Characters, Conflict and Changetheme
A developed idea about life or human experience.
A central conceptual statement developed through a text’s characters, conflicts, events and structural patterns.
The theme suggests that good intentions do not remove the need for honesty.
Used in: Structure, Order and Suspensetheme
A message about life or human behaviour developed across a text.
An interpretive statement about human experience developed through plot, character, setting and literary techniques.
The theme shows that responsible investigation requires patience and openness.
Used in: How Dialogue Drives Actiontheme
A meaningful idea explored throughout a text.
An underlying idea about life, society or human experience developed through a text’s details and patterns.
Both versions develop the theme that small responsible actions can protect nature.
Used in: Comparing a Text and Its Audio or Film Versiontheme
A message a story communicates about life or human behaviour.
An inferred central message developed through a literary text’s characters, conflicts, events and outcomes.
The theme shows that responsible action can inspire a community.
Used in: Finding the Theme of a Storythesis
Your central, arguable interpretation of a text.
A controlling claim that establishes an essay’s interpretation and directs its supporting analysis.
My thesis links the changing sound imagery to Noura’s developing patience.
Used in: Writing a Literary Analysis Essaythesis
The sentence that states your main claim and supporting reasons.
A focused statement that establishes an argument’s central claim and previews its principal lines of reasoning.
My thesis argues for a shaded reading area and gives two reasons.
Used in: Writing an Argument Essaythesis
A sentence stating the main explanation or controlling idea.
The central claim that controls the selection and organisation of ideas in an academic text.
Her thesis explains that protected routes reduce damage while allowing responsible visits.
Used in: Writing an Explanatory Essaythird person limited
Narration that follows the thoughts of one character using third-person pronouns.
A narrative perspective using third-person reference while restricting internal access primarily to one focal character.
In third person limited, the reader knows Hamad's worry but not the guide's plan.
Used in: Point of View and the Narrator's Anglethird person omniscient
Narration that can reveal several characters' thoughts and wider information.
An all-knowing third-person perspective able to access multiple minds, locations or facts beyond any single character's knowledge.
The omniscient narrator reveals what Mariam, Hamad and the guide each know.
Used in: Point of View and the Narrator's Angletone
The narrator’s or writer’s attitude towards a subject.
The attitude or stance conveyed by a writer or narrator through diction, imagery, syntax and other stylistic choices.
The gentle imagery creates a reflective and respectful tone.
Used in: Figurative Language and Tonetopic
The broad subject that a text is about.
The general subject or field of information addressed by a text.
The topic of the extract is Qatar's coastal mangroves.
Used in: Finding the Central Ideatransformation
A purposeful change made to borrowed material.
The alteration of source elements such as genre, context, perspective, structure or theme to produce new meaning.
The transformation shifts the conflict from personal survival to shared environmental responsibility.
Used in: Allusion and Transformed Source Materialtransition
A word or phrase showing how ideas connect.
A linguistic device that signals a logical relationship between clauses, sentences or sections.
However, the student survey presents evidence that challenges the leaflet’s claim.
Used in: Writing an Explanatory Essaytransition
A word or phrase that shows how ideas are connected.
A cohesive device that signals a semantic relationship, such as sequence, addition, contrast or causation.
The transition “as a result” connects a cause to its effect.
Used in: Explaining a Topic Clearlytruncated axis
A graph axis that begins or ends before the full expected range.
A visual scale that omits part of the numerical range, potentially magnifying or minimising apparent differences.
The truncated axis made the small difference between the bars look much larger.
Used in: Reading Media and Data Claimsturning point
The moment when the conflict or direction of a text changes.
A pivotal narrative event that significantly redirects the plot, character decisions or development of conflict.
Mr Salim’s challenging question is the turning point of the extract.
Used in: How Dialogue Drives Actionunderstatement
Language that deliberately makes something seem less important or serious.
A rhetorical device that represents the scale, intensity or significance of something as smaller than it actually is.
Mariam described the robot's complete failure as “a slight disagreement with directions”.
Used in: Irony, Understatement and Humourunit
The standard quantity used to report a measurement.
A defined quantity used as a standard for expressing and comparing measurements or counts.
The chart's unit is individual visits, not percentages.
Used in: Reading Charts, Maps and Mediaverbal irony
Words that deliberately communicate a meaning different from their literal meaning.
A rhetorical technique in which a speaker's intended meaning contrasts with the literal meaning of the utterance.
Seeing the empty hall, Tariq said, “An excellent audience has arrived.”
Used in: Irony, Understatement and Humourwarrant
Reasoning that explains why a piece of evidence supports a claim.
The explicit or implicit logical principle connecting supporting evidence to the conclusion drawn from it.
The writer added a warrant explaining how direct observation could strengthen students’ understanding.
Used in: Writing an Extended Argument Essay