OCR · A Level · H470
English Language — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR A Level English Language (H470)
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.
OCR A Level English Language (H470)
OCR A Level English Language (H470)
OCR A Level English Language (H470)
OCR H470 (2026) covers exploring language, dimensions of linguistic variation, child language acquisition, language change, and original writing — analysed through linguistic frameworks and named theorists.
Mark schemes: OCR rewards accurate metalanguage (clause, modality, deixis, sibilance) and explicit linking of features to meaning or social effect. Top bands require named theorists with critical evaluation, not just attribution. Writing tasks must match genre conventions. Examiner reports flag vague 'creates effect' claims unsupported by linguistic evidence.
Active recall: 0 / 22 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methods of language analysis | Core | Lexis and semantics | Word choice including semantic field, register, and degree of formality. | |
| Methods of language analysis | Core | Grammar and syntax | Sentence types (simple, compound, complex) and modal verbs signalling stance. | |
| Methods of language analysis | Core | Phonology | Sound patterning: alliteration, sibilance, and prosody including stress and intonation. | |
| Methods of language analysis | Core | Pragmatics | Implied meaning via Grice's maxims, Brown and Levinson's politeness, and deixis. | |
| Methods of language analysis | Core | Discourse and graphology | Cohesion, coherence, and visual layout features shaping reader experience. | |
| Child language acquisition | Core | Skinner — behaviourism | Children learn language through imitation, reinforcement, and operant conditioning. | |
| Child language acquisition | Core | Chomsky — LAD nativism | Innate Language Acquisition Device equips children with universal grammar. | |
| Child language acquisition | Core | Bruner — LASS | Language Acquisition Support System: caregivers scaffold language through interaction. | |
| Child language acquisition | Advanced | Vygotsky — ZPD | Zone of proximal development is the gap between independent and assisted competence. | |
| Child language acquisition | Core | Halliday's seven functions | Instrumental, regulatory, interactional, personal, heuristic, imaginative, representational uses. | |
| Child language acquisition | Advanced | Berko's 'wug' test | Demonstrates children apply morphological rules productively to novel words. | |
| Language change | Core | Diachronic vs synchronic | Diachronic studies change over time, synchronic studies a language at one moment. | |
| Language change | Core | Descriptivism vs prescriptivism | Describing how language is used versus prescribing how it should be used. | |
| Language change | Advanced | Aitchison's metaphors | Damp spoon, crumbling castle, infectious disease views critiqued as misguided. | |
| Language change | Advanced | Crystal vs Truss | Crystal celebrates change as natural, Truss laments perceived decline in standards. | |
| Language change | Core | Semantic shift | Words change meaning via narrowing, broadening, amelioration, or pejoration over time. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Advanced | Labov — NYC department stores | Pronunciation of postvocalic /r/ varies systematically with social class and store prestige. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Advanced | Trudgill — covert prestige | Non-standard forms carry hidden status signalling group solidarity. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Core | Lakoff — deficit model | Claimed women's language features (hedges, tag questions) signalled powerlessness. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Core | Tannen — difference model | Men and women use language for different social goals: report vs rapport. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Advanced | Cameron's critique | Challenges gender-difference research as oversimplifying and reinforcing stereotypes. | |
| Sociolinguistics | Advanced | Kachru's three circles | World Englishes modelled as inner, outer, and expanding circles by usage type. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
English Language (H470) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR A Level 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 OCR A Level English Language (H470) (H470). 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 A Level English Language (H470) 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 H470 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR A Level English Language (H470) for OCR A Level. 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 A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.