Reading comprehension

Read accurately and fluently; retrieve explicit information; infer implied meanings; track what is happening; understand vocabulary in context.

Evidence selection

Locate relevant details and quotations; distinguish strong evidence from general reference; select concise evidence that directly supports an idea.

Inference and interpretation

Move from “what the text says” to “what it suggests”; explain reasonable interpretations and support them from the text.

Analysis of writers’ methods

Explain how language, structure and form shape meaning, effects, impressions, viewpoints and reader response; use subject terminology where it genuinely improves precision.

Critical evaluation

Make a judgement about a text or statement, develop a viewpoint, weigh evidence and justify the judgement with well-chosen textual references.

Comparison and synthesis

Draw information together across texts; identify similarities/differences; compare writers’ ideas, perspectives and methods.

Analytical writing

Construct a clear line of argument; develop paragraphs; integrate evidence; explain ideas rather than simply feature-spot; write in an appropriate academic register.

Creative writing

Generate and shape ideas from images, scenarios and written prompts; create description/narrative; control viewpoint, detail, structure, tone and reader engagement.

Non-fiction writing

Write for a specified audience, purpose and form; express a clear viewpoint; organise an argument; use rhetorical choices, examples and tone deliberately.

Technical accuracy

Control sentences, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation; proofread and edit for clarity and effect.

Vocabulary and oracy for thinking

Develop precise academic and evaluative vocabulary; rehearse ideas verbally; explain, justify and refine interpretations before writing.

Independence and exam literacy

Decode command words, identify the focus/lines/source required, plan efficiently, sustain attention, manage time and check work.