Words and Phrases

1. Understanding Words and Phrases: In English language, words and phrases are the building blocks of sentences. They carry the fundamental meaning that constructs the complex ideas presented in the text.

2. Importance in Reading Comprehension: A critical comprehension of words and phrases can help readers unpack the layers of meaning in a text. They can discover the intentions and motivations of writers or uncover subtle themes or messages.

3. Types of Words and Phrases: There are several types to consider including: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and idiomatic expressions or phrases. Each category fulfils a specific purpose in the text and influences the overall tone and meaning.

4. Connotations: Words and phrases often come with associated implications or ideas, beyond their literal meanings. They can express emotional tones, judgments, or allusions that add depth and complexity to the writing.

5. Role in Narrative Structure: Words and phrases, particularly verbs and adjectives, play a central role in setting, description, characterisation and action in a narrative.

6. Figurative Language: Metaphorical and idiomatic phrases can help exemplify abstract ideas or emotions, provide vivid imagery, or give unique insights.

7. Register and Diction: Different words and phrases can be utilised by authors to establish a certain register, whether formal or informal, or to suit a specific audience or purpose.

8. Contextual Clues: Understanding unfamiliar words or phrases may require using the surrounding text for clarification. This is an important skill to practise when aiming for a deeper understanding of the text as a whole.

9. Analysing Impact: Part of the task is to explore how the author’s choice of specific words and phrases shape your understanding or response towards the text.

10. Revision Tip: Regularly practise identifying and analysing the use and impact of words and phrases in different text types such as novels, plays, poems, and non-fiction texts.