Y05W08VC Theme Words — Food & culture

A tradition is a custom or practice that has been passed down through generations and continues to be followed.

Word Breakdown: -tion (suffix meaning ‘the act or result of something’)

Word family: traditional (adj.), traditionally (adv.)

Example: Making dumplings together is a beloved tradition in many Chinese-Australian families, especially at New Year.

Synonyms: custom, practice, heritage

Collocations: a long tradition, cultural tradition, pass on a tradition

Flavour is the distinctive taste of a food or drink as experienced by the tongue.

Word family: flavourful (adj.), flavouring (n.)

Example: The chef explained that slow cooking allowed the flavours of the spices to develop fully.

Synonyms: taste, aroma, quality

Collocations: strong flavour, full of flavour, a rich flavour

A ritual is a set series of actions performed in the same way each time, often for cultural or religious reasons.

Word family: ritualised (adj.)

Example: For many families, the Sunday morning ritual of cooking a big breakfast together is a cherished tradition.

Synonyms: ceremony, tradition, custom

Collocations: a daily ritual, a cultural ritual, part of a ritual

A character is a person, animal, or being in a story who takes part in the events.

Word family: characterise (v.), characteristic (adj./n.)

Example: The main character in the novel was a young girl who dreamed of becoming a chef.

Synonyms: person, figure, role

Collocations: the main character, a supporting character, a well-developed character

The setting is the time and place in which a story or event takes place.

Example: The setting of the story was a busy outdoor market in a coastal town in northern Australia.

Synonyms: location, backdrop, environment

Collocations: the setting of, in the setting of, establish the setting

The theme of a text is the central idea or message that runs through the whole piece.

Example: The theme of friendship and belonging runs through every chapter of the novel.

Synonyms: topic, message, idea

Collocations: the main theme, explore a theme, the theme of

An event is something that happens, especially something important or planned.

Example: The food festival was the most popular community event held in the town each year.

Synonyms: occasion, happening, incident

Collocations: a key event, sequence of events, a community event

The plot is the sequence of events that makes up the story and shows how the characters' problems develop and are resolved.

Example: The plot of the novel moved quickly once the two main characters discovered the secret ingredient.

Synonyms: storyline, narrative, sequence

Collocations: the plot of, develop the plot, the main plot

‘For instance’ is used to introduce a specific example that illustrates or supports a point.

Example: Many cultures use food to mark important occasions; for instance, Australians often serve a pavlova at Christmas.

Synonyms: for example, such as, to illustrate

Collocations: for instance, this shows; for instance, in many cultures