Year 7 vocabulary glossary

skim

To read a text quickly to get a general sense of what it's about, without reading every word.

scan

To search a text quickly for a specific piece of information, such as a name or date.

explicit

Information that is stated directly and clearly in a text, rather than only suggested.

implicit

Information that is suggested or hinted at in a text, rather than stated directly — the reader has to work it out.

connotation

The feelings or ideas a word suggests beyond its literal, dictionary meaning, such as how 'childish' feels more negative than 'youthful'.

denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word, without any of the feelings or associations it might carry.

tone

The writer's attitude towards their subject, shown through their choice of words.

mood

The atmosphere or feeling created for the reader by a piece of writing.

perspective

The particular position from which a text is told or written, which shapes what is included and how.

narrative voice

The 'voice' telling a story, which could be a character within it (first person) or an outside narrator (third person).

point of view

The position from which events in a story are experienced and told, such as first person or third person.

simile

A comparison between two things using 'like' or 'as', such as 'as brave as a lion'.

metaphor

A comparison that states one thing IS another, without using 'like' or 'as', such as 'time is a thief'.

personification

Giving human qualities or actions to something that is not human, such as 'the wind whispered'.

alliteration

The repetition of the same consonant sound at the start of nearby words, such as 'slow, silent, sinking snow'.

imagery

Descriptive language that creates a vivid picture or sensory experience for the reader.

symbolism

The use of an object, person or colour to represent a deeper idea or meaning beyond its literal sense.

dramatic irony

When the audience knows something important that a character in the story does not.

syntax

The order in which words are arranged in a sentence, and how this affects meaning and effect.

diction

A writer's choice of words, especially considering their precision, formality and connotation.

cohesion

The way ideas are linked clearly together within and between sentences and paragraphs.

simple sentence

A sentence made of just one main clause, containing a single complete idea.

compound sentence

A sentence made of two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as 'and', 'but' or 'or'.

complex sentence

A sentence made of a main clause and at least one subordinate clause.

rhetorical question

A question asked for effect or to make a point, not to receive a genuine answer.

rule of three

A technique using three linked words or phrases together for emphasis and rhythm, such as 'blood, sweat and tears'.

direct address

Speaking or writing directly to the reader or audience, often using 'you', to create a personal connection.

counter-argument

A point made against the main argument, often included and then challenged to strengthen the overall case.

prefix

A group of letters added to the start of a word that changes its meaning, such as 'inter-' meaning 'between'.

suffix

A group of letters added to the end of a word that can change its meaning or word class, such as '-tion' turning a verb into a noun.

etymology

The origin and historical development of a word's form and meaning.