TRAPPERS Tuesday, 27 November 2018

Writing non fiction Examiners want to see a wide range of writing and a rich and imaginative vocabulary. They want to see a range of punctuation – appropriate and inventive.

Analysing Unseen non fiction Use TRAPPERS in reverse. If you can spot key features, you can discuss them. Remember to concentrate on the effect on the reader of any devise you choose to write about. (Think: why would you have used it in the same piece of writing?)

T Triplets Groups of 3 linked words or phrases used for effect. Extension: ANAPHORA A rhetorical term for the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. By building toward a climax, anaphora can create a strong emotional effect. 

R Rhetorical Questions Don’t over do it, but particularly useful in persuasive speeches.

A Adjectives and Adverbs carefully chosen for maximum effect. Try to avoid weak writing – eliminate “very” from your vocabulary and use the appropriate word – “very big” becomes “enormous”

P Polls and Statistics Not in all writing but vital in more formal analytical types such as reports. Inform and Explain but probably not Describe!

P Personal anecdotes or reflection Either your own or those of other people conveyed by direct speech – quotation. YIPPEE! Plenty of variety in the writing and punctuation.

E Emotive Language In formal analysis – explain in a report for example, this might come in the form of quotation. In Description or narrative it is a vital part of the interest. Persuasion demands Emotive language.

R Repetition Of key words or phrases to create effect. If in doubt, look at Martin Luther King!

S Sentence construction: showing a range of long or short sentences for effect. You might find direct speech the most effective place to work this into your writing.