Questions on sentence structure Flashcards
Short sentences
Short sentences are used to create a dramatic impact or to draw the reader’s attention to something of importance.
It is not enough to simply state ‘a short sentence is used here to give it a greater impact and to emphasise what is happening’
You MUST look at the specific example within the context of the piece it appears in and comment on the effect it has here…
Lists/series
A series of items or observations divided by commas or semi-colons will indicate that the writer is using a list in a sentence.
This normally emphasizes the extent, range, or scope of something.
Anticlimax
Where there is a building of momentum or tension which leads to a disappointing or unexpected conclusion.
Repetition
Writers often repeat certain words or phrases in a sentence or separate sentences to add emphasis or dramatic impact.
e.g. … We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender (Churchill)
The repetition of ‘we shall fight’ conveys the drive and willpower that Churchill has. Use of ‘we’ at the beginning of each phrase creates a feeling of unitedness and patriotism. Use of different locations followed by the beginning of each phrase suggests that regardless of location, the soldiers will continue to fight for their country.
Sentences beginning with ‘And’
This is technically grammatically incorrect, however, writers may use this to isolate or accentuate an additional point.
e.g. … he did as much as he could in order to prepare. He took copious notes, did extra research, he re-read the set texts , practiced past papers, and made sure he organized his time. And in the end, it all paid off.
The sentence starting with ‘And’ is highlighting the success and result of the bonus dedication. By separating this from the previous list, the writer creates a sense of achievement, isolating it from all the hard work mentioned, inevitably conveying a large amount of time and hard works pay off.
Antithesis
This is a balancing of opposites together to create a contrast
e.g. ‘Love is an ideal thing, marriage is a real thing’
Inversion
In most sentences, the subject comes first and is followed by words which tell us more about It. (the predicate)
e.g. The situation was so strange that I couldn’t sleep’
Inversion is when the order is reversed and the predicate is placed before the subject.
So strange was the situation that I couldn’t sleep
In this case, putting ‘so strange at the beginning of the sentence emphasises the unusual nature of the situation allowing us to appreciate more fully why this person ‘couldn’t sleep’
When asked a question on sentence structure, what are they asking for?
A question on sentence structure is asking you to comment on how the sentence is put together and what its effect is. NOT WHAT THE SENTENCE MEANS!!!!!
