Showing 50 of 50 words. The full list is free on this page. Optional download below is email-gated for convenience only.
WordMeaningExampleAudio
evaluateL2To judge the quality, value or effectiveness of something using evidenceEvaluate how the writer builds tension in the opening paragraph.
implyL2To suggest a meaning without stating it directlyThe short sentences imply that the narrator is anxious.
inferL2To work out a meaning from clues rather than from an explicit statementFrom the muddy boots we can infer that he walked across the fields.
juxtaposeL4To place two things side by side so differences or similarities stand outThe writer juxtaposes the noisy market with the quiet church.
contrastL2To show clear differences between two ideas, images or charactersContrast the narrator’s hope at the start with her despair at the end.
emphasiseL2To give special importance to a word, idea or detailThe repeated questions emphasise the speaker’s frustration.
coherentL3Logical, clear and consistent from start to finishHer essay was coherent because each paragraph linked to the next.
analyseL2To examine something carefully by breaking it into partsAnalyse the effect of the metaphor in the second stanza.
depictL2To portray or represent a person, place or idea in words or imagesThe article depicts the town as friendly but isolated.
conveyL2To communicate a feeling, idea or attitude to the readerThe imagery conveys a sense of loss.
evokeL3To bring a feeling, memory or image into the reader’s mindThe opening description evokes a cold winter morning.
toneL2The writer’s attitude towards the subject, shown through word choiceThe tone shifts from playful to bitter in the final paragraph.
perspectiveL2A particular way of viewing events, characters or ideasThe story is told from the child’s perspective.
structureL2The way a text is organised and orderedThe circular structure returns us to the first scene.
narrativeL2A spoken or written account of connected events; a storyThe narrative moves between past and present.
imageryL2Descriptive language that creates pictures in the mindVivid imagery of the storm helps the reader feel the danger.
metaphorL2A comparison that says one thing is another to create meaningCalling time a thief is a metaphor for how years steal chances.
simileL1A comparison using like or asThe simile ‘as quiet as snow’ softens the scene.
alliterationL2Repetition of the same starting sound in nearby wordsThe alliteration in ‘cold, cruel cliffs’ hardens the mood.
personificationL2Giving human qualities to non-human thingsPersonification makes the wind ‘whisper’ secrets.
ironyL3A contrast between what is said or expected and what is trueIt is irony that the safety officer causes the accident.
satireL4Writing that criticises people or ideas through humour or exaggerationThe satire mocks politicians who promise everything.
rhetoricL4Persuasive language techniques used to influence an audienceThe speech uses rhetoric to rally support for the campaign.
credibleL3Believable and convincingGive credible reasons why your solution would work.
conciseL3Clear and brief, without unnecessary wordsKeep your summary concise — one paragraph is enough.
articulateL3Able to express ideas clearly and effectivelyShe articulated her argument with calm precision.
justifyL2To give reasons that support a decision or point of viewJustify your choice of quotation with a clear explanation.
refuteL4To prove a claim is wrong or weak using evidenceUse the statistics to refute the writer’s main claim.
ambiguousL3Open to more than one interpretation; unclearThe ending is deliberately ambiguous.
explicitL2Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for doubtThe writer is explicit about the dangers of social media.
implicitL3Suggested rather than stated directlyThere is an implicit criticism of the school rules.
pragmaticL4Practical and focused on what works in real situationsA pragmatic plan is better than an ideal that cannot happen.
resilientL3Able to recover quickly from difficultyThe character remains resilient after every setback.
salientL4Most noticeable or importantSelect the salient points from the article.
superficialL3Shallow; concerned only with the surface, not deeper meaningAvoid a superficial summary that ignores the writer’s methods.
synthesiseL4To combine ideas from different sources into a new wholeSynthesise evidence from both texts in your comparison.
tentativeL4Not certain or fixed; careful and provisionalOffer a tentative interpretation if the poem is open-ended.
plausibleL3Seeming reasonable or likely to be trueIs the narrator’s excuse plausible, or does the text undermine it?
inevitableL3Certain to happen; unavoidableThe conflict feels inevitable from the first argument.
impartialL3Fair and not taking sidesAn impartial review weighs both advantages and drawbacks.
formidableL4Inspiring respect or fear through strength or difficultyShe faces a formidable opponent in the final debate.
diligentL3Careful and hard-workingDiligent revision of key quotations pays off in the exam.
meticulousL4Extremely careful about small detailsA meticulous close reading notices every shift in pronoun.
redundantL3Unnecessary because something else already covers itCut redundant phrases that repeat the same idea.
catalystL4Something that causes or speeds up a change or eventThe letter is the catalyst for the family’s argument.
precedentL4An earlier example that can be used as a guide laterThere is little precedent for this kind of ending in the novel.
feasibleL3Possible and practical to doIs the writer’s solution feasible for ordinary families?
vindicateL4To clear someone of blame or prove a claim was rightLater events vindicate the teacher’s early warning.
pervasiveL4Spreading widely through something; present everywhereA pervasive sense of dread runs through the chapter.
connotationL3The ideas or feelings a word suggests beyond its basic meaning‘Home’ has warmer connotations than ‘house’.