Key terminology for English and Literature tasks

Understanding key terminology relevant to English and Literature tasks

By Angelina Browning

Key terminology related to English and Literature tasks

As you work your way through this lesson, consider both the task that you are currently working on as well as tasks that you are aware you'll complete at a later date.

Learning the key terminology for various tasks will help you to understand what is being asked of you and will support you in making strategic choices when preparing a response.

When you analyse a text, you break the text into smaller parts. You carefully examine the details of these smaller parts so that, once you collate your ideas, you can articulate the way that these details all work together to communicate meaning.

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Analyse

When you compare you focus on at least two texts. You draw upon your knowledge of the details of the texts to list their similarities and differences, and consider which of these similarities and differences are more important than others. The words 'compare' and 'contrast' often appear together in essay questions or tasks.

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Compare

Contrast is similar to compare; however, when you contrast texts you focus more exclusively on the significant differences that greatly impact the meaning of the texts.

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Contrast

When you evaluate a text you consider how effective it is. This effectiveness must be considered with regards to something specific. For example, a student may be asked to consider if a text is effective in accurately representing a specific people group (such as young first generation Asian-Australians) or if a text is effective in exploring a particular issue (such as climate change). A student may also be asked to evaluate which of two texts is most effective.

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Evaluate