Writing about structure Using your mini white board, mind-map the word structure. Think of as many words as you can that you associate with it.

Structure

Structure Language is asking you to analyse the parts. Structure asks you to consider their relationship with other parts.

If this is language….

… then this is structure.

How does the writer use structure to: 1) Achieve effect How does the writer use structure to: 1) Achieve effect? 2) Influence a reader? This question is asking you what happens where and why, and why it is important.

Planning an answer to your structure question Number your paragraphs. Summarise in a sentence what happens in each paragraph. Think about any noticeable changes. Get ready to write your three paragraph answer.

What the writer focuses your attention on at the beginning. The first bullet points wants you to analyse the first paragraph. What happens where? Does the paragraph establish setting, time, place or character? Is it inside or outside? Are feelings explored? Does the topic change? Does the writer create tension? What does the writer do to make you want to read on?

How the writer changes this focus as the extract develops. Look at the one-sentence summaries of each paragraph you have written. Explain how the extract develops. Does anything stand out? If so focus on that part of the extract? Does the location change? The mood? The weather? The person? The pace?

Any other structural features that interest you. This is the difference between a D and C grade, or a C and B grade or… well you get the point. What can you pick out that not everyone else has? Repetition of themes and ideas? Flashbacks and flash-forwards? Different voices? Erratic paragraph length?

Over to you…