AQA · GCSE · 8700
English Language — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE English Language (8700) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE English Language (8700)
AQA GCSE English Language (8700)
AQA GCSE English Language (8700) — Specification (2026)
Keywords cover AQA GCSE English Language reading and writing assessment objectives (AO1–AO6), with terminology for language analysis and writer’s methods.
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes reward accurate terminology plus explanation of effect. Use method + evidence + effect (and link to the question). Keep analysis rooted in the text with precise quotations.
Active recall: 0 / 30 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Language & structure methods | Essential | Inference | A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning, rather than stated explicitly. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Connotation | The implied meanings or associations of a word beyond its literal definition. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Metaphor | A comparison by stating one thing is another to suggest shared qualities. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Simile | A comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’. | |
| Language & structure methods | Advanced | Narrative viewpoint | The perspective a story is told from (e.g., first person, third person limited/omniscient). | |
| Language & structure methods | Advanced | Structural shift | A change in focus, time, place, pace, or perspective that shapes meaning. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Imagery | Descriptive language that creates sensory pictures in the reader’s mind. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things to create effect. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Alliteration | Repetition of the same starting sound in nearby words. | |
| Language & structure methods | Core | Semantic field | A group of words linked by a common theme, shaping meaning. | |
| Language & structure methods | Advanced | Juxtaposition | Placing contrasting ideas/images close together for effect. | |
| Language & structure methods | Advanced | Foreshadowing | Hints early on of events that will happen later in the text. | |
| Writing craft | Core | Tone | The writer’s attitude conveyed through language choices. | |
| Writing craft | Core | Register | Level of formality in language choices appropriate to audience and purpose. | |
| Writing craft | Advanced | Cohesion | How writing links ideas across sentences/paragraphs using connectives and referencing. | |
| Writing craft | Core | Purpose | The writer’s reason for writing (to persuade, inform, describe, entertain). | |
| Writing craft | Core | Audience | The intended readers/listeners a text is written for. | |
| Writing craft | Core | Rhetorical question | A question asked for effect rather than an answer. | |
| Writing craft | Core | Emotive language | Words chosen to provoke feelings in the reader. | |
| Writing craft | Advanced | Anecdote | A short personal story used to illustrate a point. | |
| Writing craft | Advanced | Paragraphing | Structuring writing into paragraphs to control pace, emphasis, and clarity. | |
| Writing craft | Advanced | Sentence variety | Using different sentence lengths/types to create impact and control rhythm. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Essential | Noun | A word naming a person, place, thing or idea. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Essential | Verb | A word describing an action or state. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Core | Adjective | A word that describes a noun. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Core | Adverb | A word that modifies a verb/adjective/adverb, often showing how/when/where. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Core | Comma | Punctuation used to separate items in a list or clauses, improving clarity. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Advanced | Colon | Introduces an explanation, list, or example. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Advanced | Semi-colon | Links closely related sentences or separates complex list items. | |
| Grammar & punctuation | Advanced | Dash | Creates a pause or adds extra information for emphasis. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
English Language (8700) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE English Language keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important english language terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE English Language (8700) — Specification (2026) (8700). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this English Language glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE English Language (8700) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for English Language.
- Can I download this English Language keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this English Language list aligned to the 8700 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE English Language (8700) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for English Language at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.