1. Punctuation and Sentence Stucture
(Analysis questions)

2. Basic Punctuation 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.

3. 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.

4. 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)

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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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!

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

13. 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

14. 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.