Do You Need Subject Terminology for a Grade 9?

Today we are tackling an important question: Do you actually need subject terminology to hit the top grades?

The short answer is yes, but not on its own. Let me explain.

Why Subject Terminology Matters at the Top End

Examiners want to see that you can:

Select the right evidence (well-chosen quotes)

Provide insightful analysis (what, how, why)

Use accurate terminology to show you understand how the writer is creating meaning

At Grade 9, it is about showing a range. That means not just repeating “simile” and “metaphor” but confidently using a range of language, structure, and form terms when they are relevant.

In other words: you do not need to cram terminology into every sentence, but you do need to use it accurately and naturally as part of your analysis.

Why Analysis Still Comes First

Here is the examiners’ golden rule:

• If you can analyse but forget the label - you can still get high marks.
• If you can label but cannot analyse - you will not get high marks