Structural Devices in English Language
(4EA1)
1. Flashback
Definition: Referring to past events within the narrative.
Example: She remembered the first time she had stood in this room, years ago.
Effect: Helps the reader understand background, character development, or motivation.
2. Foreshadowing
Definition: Hinting at events to come.
Example: The storm clouds gathered on the horizon.
Effect: Builds suspense and prepares the reader for later events.
3. Juxtaposition
Definition: Placing contrasting ideas, images, or scenes next to each other.
Example: The laughter of children echoed through the ruins of war.
Effect: Highlights stark contrasts, often to shock or provoke thought.
4. Pacing
Definition: The speed of narration—fast for action, slow for reflection.
Example: Short, rapid sentences quicken the pace in an argument.
Effect: Controls tension and emotion in the text.
5. Repetition of Sentence Structures
Definition: Repeating similar phrases or sentence forms.
Example: He ran. He fell. He rose again.
Effect: Adds rhythm, emphasis, or reinforces an idea.
6. Short Sentences/Fragments
Definition: Very brief or incomplete sentences.
Example: Too late.
Effect: Creates tension, urgency, or drama.
7. Paragraph Length
Definition: Varying long and short paragraphs for effect.
Example: A one-line paragraph in the middle of a long description.
Effect: Controls pace, draws attention to key ideas.
8. Temporal References
Definition: References to time.
Example: At dawn, the soldiers marched forward.
Effect: Shows sequence of events, situates the reader in time.
9. Dialogue
Definition: Direct speech within the text.
Example: “Stop!” she cried.
Effect: Brings characters to life, reveals relationships, adds drama.
10. Listing
Definition: Using a series of items in succession.
Example: Hungry, tired, bruised, and broken.
Effect: Emphasizes abundance, chaos, or intensity.
11. Shift in Focus
Definition: Moving from one detail/idea to another.
Example: From describing the sky to focusing on one struggling bird.
Effect: Guides the reader’s attention, creates contrasts in perspective.
12. Chronological Order
Definition: Events told in the order they occurred.
Example: First he woke, then he dressed, and finally he left.
Effect: Creates clarity, natural flow of events.
13. Perspective Shift
Definition: Switching viewpoints in a narrative.
Example: The mother’s fear is followed by the child’s excitement.
Effect: Offers multiple angles, deepens understanding of events.
14. Headings/Subheadings
Definition: Titles or mini-titles within a text.
Example: Chapter 1: The Arrival.
Effect: Organises information, signals key ideas.
15. Contrasts Between Sections
Definition: Placing different moods or tones side by side.
Example: Peaceful countryside described before a sudden bombing.
Effect: Sharpens tension, surprises the reader.
16. Use of Dash or Ellipsis
Definition: Punctuation used for hesitation, interruption, or trailing thoughts.
Example: “I thought I saw—never mind…”
Effect: Conveys uncertainty, suspense, or unfinished thought.
17. Cyclical Structure
Definition: Beginning and ending with similar themes, words, or imagery.
Example: The story starts and ends with a sunrise.
Effect: Creates unity, shows repetition in life/events, makes the text memorable.
📌 Practice Extract (for Students):
The sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the town in half-light. Families locked their doors,
whispering in hushed voices. A lone figure hurried through the empty streets, pausing, listening,
then moving again. He thought of his childhood—warm kitchens, laughter, his mother’s face.
But tonight there was only silence. Silence, and the growing fear that he was being followed…
Tasks for Students:
1. Identify two structural devices in this extract and explain their effect.
2. How does the writer use pacing to create suspense?
3. Why might the writer include a flashback in this moment?
4. Pick out an example of a shift in focus and explain how it affects the reader.
