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Language & Structure Guide for Students

The document provides a guide for identifying language and structure devices in literary extracts, emphasizing the importance of descriptive words, figurative language, sound effects, and sentence structure. It offers strategies for analyzing the effects of these techniques on the reader's emotions and engagement. Additionally, it suggests simple methods for recognizing key features when struggling with analysis.

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38 views3 pages

Language & Structure Guide for Students

The document provides a guide for identifying language and structure devices in literary extracts, emphasizing the importance of descriptive words, figurative language, sound effects, and sentence structure. It offers strategies for analyzing the effects of these techniques on the reader's emotions and engagement. Additionally, it suggests simple methods for recognizing key features when struggling with analysis.

Uploaded by

hawarshihab2
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Language and Structure Analysis

How to Easily Identify Language and Structure Devices in


an Extract
1. Language Devices:
Look for Descriptive Words: Adjectives, adverbs, verbs (e.g.,
“shimmering,” “thundered”).
Figurative Language: Check for comparisons (similes and
metaphors), exaggeration (hyperbole), or giving human traits
to non-human things (personification).
Sound Effects: Identify words that create a sound effect
(alliteration, onomatopoeia).
Tone and Mood: Words that create a particular atmosphere
(e.g., harsh, soft, mysterious).

2. Structure Devices:
Sentence Length: Are sentences short for tension or long for
description?
Paragraphing: Does the focus shift between settings,
characters, or emotions?
Repetition: Are any words or phrases repeated for emphasis?
Punctuation: Look at colons, ellipses, dashes—do they create
suspense, clarification, or abrupt stops?
Juxtaposition: Are contrasting ideas placed side by side?

How to Identify the Effect of a Technique


Ask Yourself:
Why did the writer use this technique here?
Does it create emotion (fear, excitement, sadness)?
Does it help the reader visualize, hear, or feel something?
Does it control the pace of the text (fast/slow, tense/relaxed)?
Examples:
Alliteration (e.g., "The wind whipped wildly") → Creates a harsh,
dramatic, or rhythmic effect.
Short sentence ("Then silence.") → Adds suspense, makes the
moment more dramatic.
Shift in focus (from peaceful to chaotic scene) → Surprises the
reader, builds tension.

Words to Describe the Effect on the Reader


Creates Mood/Emotion
Tense, suspenseful, mysterious, eerie, dramatic, melancholic,
uplifting, chaotic, peaceful.

Engages the Reader


Captivates, intrigues, shocks, surprises, immerses, unsettles,
excites.

Influences the Reader’s Perspective


Encourages sympathy, builds empathy, evokes curiosity, makes
the reader question.

Words to Show Understanding & Engagement


The writer effectively…
This highlights/emphasizes…
This creates a sense of…
This engages the reader by…
The use of [device] reinforces…
The shift in focus allows the reader to…
The sentence structure mirrors the…

What to Do if You Struggle to Identify Techniques


1. Easiest Language Features to Spot:
Verbs and adjectives (action and description)
Repetition (if a word or phrase is used more than once)
Similes and metaphors (if something is being compared)

2. Easiest Structure Features to Spot:


Short vs. long sentences
Shift in focus (different topics/scenes)
Punctuation (ellipses for suspense, dashes for abrupt
thoughts)

3. Make a Simple Statement


If unsure, focus on sentence length or tone:

“The short sentence creates tension by making the action feel


abrupt.”
“The use of adjectives makes the setting feel vivid and
immersive.”

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