STOP! S = simple or complex T = type of sentence O = order of words P = punctuation, patterns, parenthesis
Length of sentences short sentences – stronger impact / faster pace / dramatic! long sentences – list of activities, descriptive detail / slower pace increasing length of sentences - building to a climax Parallel structure Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Lists
introduced by colons (:) separated by semicolons (;) or commas (,) if the list features repetition of ‘and’, this adds to the sense of build up, an accumulation of descriptive detail …
Punctuation features exclamation marks – greater impact to word / expression / phrase / makes it stronger / more emphatic question marks – involves the reader / grabs reader’s attention. Be alert: it may be a rhetorical question which might suggest the writer’s own attitude to the subject … ellipsis – a stop in mid-sentence / a half-formed thought … drifting off … unable to reach a conclusion … suggestion of further detail inverted commas (“……”) – like italics, inverted commas are often used to suggest ironic tone / to emphasise a particular word. Be alert! The word in inverted commas may have a metaphorical not a literal meaning parenthesis (dashes or brackets or commas) – used to add further information / or it can act as a writer’s comment on the main subject of the sentence / look out too for a change of tone (the author’s voice)
Inverted word order dramatic impact if main subject is placed at end of sentence Poverty they have everywhere! - by inverting this sentence, the author emphasises both the situation (poverty) and how universal it is (everywhere). Think about how much less effective it would be if the sentence read: They have poverty everywhere. If you don’t see a difference, give up English now! Out darted a rabbit! - here the inversion emphasises the suddenness (Out) of the rabbit's appearance.
Italics Italics are often used to suggest ironic tone / to emphasise a particular word / word in italics may have a metaphorical not a literal meaning.
“You’re looking lovely today!” to someone who obviously looks a mess!
Repetition these structures are used for emphasis, to strengthen the impact of the sentences, to reinforce the impact of the writer’s meaning … Look at the examples below. a word or phrase repeated at the start of a sequence of sentences (At first, … At first, … At first, …) a word or phrase repeated within a series of sentences ( … he had hated … he had hated … he had hated …) a word or phrase repeated at the start of paragraphs (I fought … I raced … I kissed … I sketched …)
Link questions often a new paragraph will begin with a conjunction (but, however, yet …) to indicate a change in direction or introduce a new line of thought. First comment on the conjunction and then say how the line of argument has changed from before the conjunction to after it … Try to refer to the content of the previous paragraph and the content of the new paragraph to highlight the change!
Simply identifying techniques will score no marks. Simply asserting that a technique achieves a particular effect will not score marks. You must explain HOW the effect is achieved.
For example, when discussing the effectiveness of a metaphorical image, think 3 stages
eg When Angelina Jolie walked (unexpectedly), into the classroom, all the sixth year boys were completely bowled over …
Step 1 – identify the technique Metaphor
Step 2 – define what the comparison is … the boys are being compared to skittles while Miss Jolie is being compared to … a bowling ball! (Has to be a first!)
Step 3 – discuss the connotations of the comparison – the effect that Miss Jolie has on the boys is as powerful as a great solid bowling ball smashing into them and knocking them all over. It suggests the strength of Angelina’s physical appeal for the boys, how they are left reeling from the effect of her sudden presence It also suggests the weakness of the boys in their ability to deal with the shock of her sexual appeal.
