Lexis & Semantics
What is the term for a group of words linked by meaning or topic?
Semantic field
What type of sentence gives a command?
Imperative
What is meant by 'politeness strategies'?
Ways of speaking that maintain social harmony and avoid offence.
What is discourse structure?
The way a text is organised and sequenced.
What is meant by 'collocation'? Give an example.
Words that commonly occur together (e.g. 'fast food')
What is the term for omitting words that are understood from context?
Ellipsis
What is an implicature?
A meaning suggested but not explicitly stated.
Give 3 examples of discourse markers
Words or phrases used to guide the reader (e.g. 'however', 'firstly').
What’s the difference between denotation and connotation?
Denotation is the literal meaning; connotation is the associated or implied meaning.
What construction is "Language has been ruined by teenagers"? What is the effect of using it?
Passive structure - removes agency / places emphasis on action
What are the three main types of deixis?
Person, spatial (place), and temporal (time) deixis.
What is anaphoric reference?
When a word refers back to something mentioned earlier.
What is euphemism and dysphemism, and why might a writer use them?
Euphemism can soften or obscure harsh realities, often reflecting a supportive or protective stance toward the subject; dysphemism exaggerates negativity and may signal criticism or ideological opposition.
Name 4 types of adverbs and give an example of each.
Manner (quickly), time (yesterday), place (everywhere), frequency (often)
How does flouting a Gricean maxim affect meaning?
It creates implied meaning or irony, prompting readers to infer the writer’s real attitude or critique
What is the effect of using an adjacency pair?
They create a sense of of dialogue and interaction.
How can figurative language influence a reader’s perception in an article?
It frames issues symbolically, shaping interpretation by linking abstract ideas to familiar or emotionally charged concepts
What is epistemic modality and how does it affect the tone of an article?
The speaker’s degree of certainty or belief about a statement - it can make the writer seem more cautious, balanced, or speculative, avoiding strong commitment.
How can shared cultural references shape reader understanding and engagement?
They rely on assumed knowledge, creating inclusion for informed readers or exclusion for others, reinforcing in-group alignment.
How do opinion articles use hypophora and rhetorical questions to structure arguments and engage readers?
Hypophora (asking and answering questions) anticipates the reader's concerns, while rhetorical questions challenge or provoke thought, strengthening persuasion and reader engagement.