OCR · GCSE · J351
English Language — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
OCR GCSE (9–1) English Language (J351) — Communicating Information & Ideas
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 GCSE English Language (J351)
OCR GCSE English Language (J351)
OCR GCSE (9–1) English Language (J351) — Communicating Information & Ideas
Aligned to OCR J351: Component 01 (Communicating information and ideas — non-fiction reading and writing) and Component 02 (Exploring effects and impact — fiction/literary non-fiction reading and creative writing). Spoken Language is assessed separately as an endorsement.
Mark schemes: OCR rewards precise short quotations and analysis of writer's craft (specific technique → effect on reader). Writing tasks: match register and form to the specified audience and purpose. Examiner reports flag feature-spotting without analysis and ignoring the bullet-point requirements.
Active recall: 0 / 26 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading skills | Essential | Skimming | Reading quickly to gain a general overview. | |
| Reading skills | Essential | Scanning | Searching a text for specific information or keywords. | |
| Reading skills | Core | Inference | Drawing a supported conclusion from textual clues. | |
| Reading skills | Core | Comparison | Identifying similarities and differences between texts or writers' viewpoints. | |
| Reading skills | Advanced | Synthesis | Combining ideas from multiple sources into a unified response. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Core | Register | Level of formality matched to audience and purpose. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Core | Tone | Writer's attitude conveyed through word choice. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Core | Letter (formal/informal) | Structured correspondence with appropriate salutation and sign-off. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Core | Article | Headline, subheading, structured paragraphs aimed at a publication's readers. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Core | Speech | Direct address using rhetoric — pronouns, rhetorical questions, repetition. | |
| Writing — non-fiction | Advanced | Report | Objective, structured account with sub-headings for a defined readership. | |
| Writing — fiction | Core | Narrative arc | Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. | |
| Writing — fiction | Core | Characterisation | Methods used to build character — speech, action, description, others' reactions. | |
| Writing — fiction | Core | Sensory imagery | Description appealing to sight, sound, smell, taste, touch. | |
| Writing — fiction | Advanced | Sentence variety | Mix simple, compound and complex sentences for pace and emphasis. | |
| Language analysis | Core | Metaphor | Direct comparison stating one thing is another. | |
| Language analysis | Core | Simile | Comparison using 'like' or 'as'. | |
| Language analysis | Core | Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things. | |
| Language analysis | Core | Alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant sounds across nearby words. | |
| Language analysis | Core | Sibilance | Repetition of soft 's' sounds — often unsettling or soothing in effect. | |
| Language analysis | Advanced | Semantic field | Group of words linked by shared subject area or theme. | |
| Language analysis | Advanced | Syntactical features | Sentence-level choices — order, length, fragmentation — and their effects. | |
| Spoken language | Core | Dialect | Regional vocabulary and grammar. | |
| Spoken language | Core | Accent | Regional pronunciation — distinct from dialect. | |
| Spoken language | Core | Formal vs informal speech | Standard English in professional contexts vs colloquial speech among peers. | |
| Spoken language | Advanced | Idiolect | Distinctive language use of an individual speaker. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
English Language (J351) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this OCR 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 OCR GCSE (9–1) English Language (J351) — Communicating Information & Ideas (J351). 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 (J351) 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 J351 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow OCR GCSE (9–1) English Language (J351) — Communicating Information & Ideas for OCR 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.