Punctuation and Sentence Stucture (Analysis questions)

Basic Punctuation 38-43 of the BrightRED N5 English Study Guide - Be prepared to discuss the effect of basic punctuation marks on a sentence. Full stop (.) - Its position indicates the completion of a sentence. The position of the full stop in a paragraph determines whether we are dealing with long or short sentences. Comma (,) - Usually used to separate brief items in a list. Used before and after a phrase, commas are said to be used as parenthesis markers. See also pairs of dashes and brackets below.

Basic punctuation Semi-colon (;) Colon (:) separates larger items in a list Can indicate a turning point in a balanced sentence Joins two linked sentences (like ‘and’) Colon (:) indicates that an explanation is to follow. Introduces quotation or list.

Parenthesis Pairs of Dashes and brackets (--) commas Used on either side of a phrase - 'her mother's cousin' An individual dash - to add emphasis or importance to a word or phrase following it. Dash can introduce a list or idea (like a colon)

Ellipsis… ... used mid-sentence to suggest an interruption, hesitation or indecision at the end of the sentence - can suggest anticipation or suspense.

Basic Punctuation Exclamation mark (!) - Usually used to indicate strong emotion on the part of the writer: often surprise, excitement or anger. Question mark (?) - indicates a question May be a structuring device for a section of an article - i.e. the writer asks a question and then answers it in the following paragraph. A series of questions may indicate writer's confusion or bewilderment. May indicate a rhetorical question (invites readers to share the writer's views)

Common aspects of sentence structure you should try to spot: Long sentences Short sentences Lists Minor sentences (without verbs) Inverted (backwards) word order Repetition Balanced sentences Rhetorical question Parallel structures

Sentence structure – common types Long sentences: to suggest sheer length of something, a route of a river or road, for example, or the complexity of a process, or the boredom of something dragging on and on. Short sentences: to intensify impact/drama of what is being said. A brief remark in a sentence of its own gains greatly in dramatic effect. A list: to underline/emphasise/highlight sheer number of items, actions or people being described.

Sentence structure – common types Sentences without verbs - minor sentences: Sometimes they create a chatty, informal effect or they can add dramatic impact. Inverted word order: places important words first to emphasise/highlight/underline a certain element in sentence. Repetition: repeated words/phrases to underline/intensify the idea the writer is seeking to emphasise

Sentence structure – common types Balanced sentences: emphasise a contrast They are recognisable by the semi-colon (;) that acts as a pivot, or balancing point, in the middle of the sentence. Rhetorical question: questions that require no direct answer. Enlists reader's support for writer's views. Parallel structures: These are patterns of either phrases or words which give a pleasing predictability and rhythm to the sentence. The effect is to add emphasis to what is being said.

Punctuation and Sentence Stucture Combined It is difficult to draw a hard line between sentence structure and punctuation. the fact that mention of a feature of one might lead you into a discussion of the other. There is a limited number of possibilities in answers of this type – so revise them!

‘Comment on the writer's language’ Can mean: Imagery Sentence structure /punctuation Tone Word choice

Read comment / opinion articles TASK: Find and read an article from the ‘comment’ or ‘opinion’ section of a newspaper: Herald Scotsman Times Telegraph Independent Guardian BBC News Analyse the punctuation and sentence structure used throughout the piece. Highlight the relevant features as you go

Recap – sentence structure / punctuation Know the function of the various punctuation marks Know the main types of sentence structure. Be able to comment on feature’s effect on the reader.