Sentence forms, Punctuation, Structural and Language Techniques Flashcards
What is Pathetic Fallacy?
Why is it used?
What is the affect of it?
A type of personification where emotions are given to nature.
Example #1: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare)
Shakespeare uses pathetic fallacy in his play Macbeth to describe the dark murder of the character Duncan. In Act 2, Scene 3, Lennox says:
> “The Night has been unruly. Where we lay,
Our chimneys were blown down and, as they say,
Lamentings heard i’ th’ air, strange screams of death,
And prophesying with accents terrible
Of dire combustion and confused events
New hatched to the woeful time. The obscure bird
Clamored the livelong night. Some say the Earth
Was feverous and did shake.”
The pathetic fallacy examples in the above lines describe the ominous atmosphere on the night of Duncan’s murder. The unruly night, the screams of death in the air, and the feverous earth depict the evil act of murder that happened a night before.
Function of Pathetic Fallacy
By employing pathetic fallacy, writers try to bring inanimate objects to life, so that the nature of emotions they want to convey is understood in a better way. This is because it is easier for readers to relate to abstract emotions when they observe it in their natural surroundings. In addition, the use of pathetic fallacy encourages readers to develop a perspective that is new as well as creative.
What is Personification?
Why is it used?
What is the affect of it?
Definition of Personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea or thing is given human attributes and/or feelings or is spoken of as if it were human. Personification is a common form of metaphor in that human characteristics are attributed to nonhuman things. This allows writers to create life and motion within inanimate objects, animals, and even abstract ideas by assigning them recognizable human behaviors and emotions.
Example #1: The House on Mango Street (Sandra Cisneros)
> But the house on Mango Street is not the way they told it at all. It’s small and red with tight steps in front and windows so small you’d think they were holding their breath.
In the first chapter of Cisneros’s book, the narrator Esperanza is describing the house into which she and her family are moving. Her parents have promised her that they would find a spacious and welcoming home for their family, similar to what Esperanza has seen on television. However, their economic insecurity has prevented them from getting a home that represents the American dream.
Cisneros uses personification to emphasize the restrictive circumstances of Esperanza’s family. To Esperanza, the windows of the house appear to be “holding their breath” due to their small size, creating an image of suffocation. This personification not only enhances the description of the house on Mango Street for the reader, but it also reflects Esperanza’s feelings about the house, her family, and her life. Like the windows, Esperanza is holding her breath as well, with the hope of a better future and the fear of her dreams not becoming reality.
What are simile?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of it?
A simile describes something by comparing it to something else, using like or as. A simile is a useful way to describe something without using a long list of adjectives. It can create a vivid image in the reader’s mind, helping to engage and absorb them. ‘Their food was tough as old boots.
The function of a simile is:
Overall, as a literary device, simile functions as a means of creating an equivalent comparison or establishing similarity between two seemingly different things. This is an effective figure of speech for readers in that simile can create an association between two dissimilar entities or ideas that illuminate each other and enhance the meaning of both. Simile is an essential literary device for writers of both poetry and prose.
It’s important that writers construct proper similes so that the comparative meaning is not lost for the reader. In fact, like metaphors, similes are dependent on the understandable combination of a principal term and a secondary term. The principal term conveys the literal entity to be described, and the secondary term is used figuratively to add meaning. For example, in the simile “the cat’s fur felt smooth as silk,” the principal term is “cat’s fur” and the secondary term is “silk.” By comparing the smooth feel of the cat’s fur to the feel of silk, the reader’s understanding of the texture of both things is enhanced through figurative language.
Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating simile into their work:
Create Imagery
Similes allow writers to create imagery for readers through figurative language that might otherwise be limited by just descriptive language. In other words, an effective simile eliminates the need for excessive explanation or description on the part of the writer. Instead, by creating similarity through comparing two different things, an image is created for the reader to allow for greater meaning and understanding. This imagery is a powerful result of using simile as a literary device.
Generate Thought and Emotion
When writers utilize simile as a literary device, it generates thought on the part of the reader regarding the “logic” or truth in such a comparison. These thoughts, in turn, can evoke emotion in the reader through the realization that the comparison is valid and reflects a level of truth they may not have understood before. Similes are especially effective in poetry as a means of portraying truths in a lyrical yet concise manner.
What is a Metaphor?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of a metaphor?
Here are some well-known uses of this figure of speech:
- Laughter is the best medicine.
- She is just a late bloomer.
Function of a Metaphor
Overall, as a literary device, metaphor functions as a means of creating a direct comparison between two seemingly different things. This is effective for readers in that metaphor can create an association between two dissimilar entities or ideas that, as a result of the metaphor, illuminate each other and deepen the meaning of both. Metaphor is an essential figure of speech for writers of both poetry and prose.
It’s important that writers construct proper metaphors so that the comparative meaning is not lost for the reader. In fact, metaphors are dependent on the understandable combination of a principal term and a secondary term. The principal term conveys the concrete or literal entity, and the secondary term is used figuratively to add meaning. For example, in the metaphor “the car was a lemon,” the principal term is “car” and the secondary term is “lemon.” The use of lemon adds figurative meaning for the car.
Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating metaphor into their work:
Create Imagery
Metaphors allow writers to create imagery for readers that is limited by description alone. In other words, an effective metaphor eliminates the need for excessive explanation or description on the part of the writer. Instead, by implicitly comparing two different things, an image is created for the reader to allow for greater meaning and understanding. This imagery is a powerful result of using metaphor as a literary device.
Evoke Thought and Emotion
When writers utilize metaphor as a literary device, it often causes the reader to think about the “logic” or truth in such a comparison. These thoughts, in turn, may evoke emotion in the reader with a successful metaphor through the realization that the comparison is valid. This is especially effective in poetry as a means of portraying truths in a lyrical yet concise manner.
What is a Extended Metaphor?
Why is used?
What is the effect of it?
The term “extended metaphor” refers to a comparison between two unlike things that continues throughout a series of sentences in a paragraph, or lines in a poem. It is often comprised of more than one sentence, and sometimes consists of a full paragraph.
Example #1: Seize the Night (By Dean Koontz)
> “Bobby Holloway says my imagination is a three-hundred-ring circus. Currently I was in ring two hundred and ninety-nine, with elephants dancing and clowns cart wheeling and tigers leaping through rings of fire. The time had come to step back, leave the main tent, go buy some popcorn and a Coke, bliss out, cool down.”(Dean Koontz, Seize the Night. Bantam, 1999)
Here, it can be seen that the “circus” has been compared to the author’s “imagination.”
Functions of Extended Metaphor
Extended metaphor provides the writer with an opportunity to make a larger comparison between two things or notions. The device of extended metaphor is usually employed in prose and poetry to project a specific impression regarding things or notions in the reader’s mind. Further, the tool serves to project the comparison intensely in the reader’s mind, than is the case when simple metaphors or similes are used.
What is Oxymoron?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of Oxymoron?
Definition of Oxymoron
Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader
Here are some examples of oxymoron that may be found in everyday expression:
- Only choice
- Same difference
- Friendly fire
Here are instances in which it’s effective to use oxymoron in writing:
Demonstrate Linguistic Skill
Since most people don’t use oxymoron very often when speaking, it does take linguistic skill to create one that is successful. For example, just pairing any two words that are contradictory won’t make for an effective oxymoron. The phrase daily night certainly features contrary wording. However, if there is no figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase, it shouldn’t be used as a proper oxymoron. Instead, it takes linguistic skill in knowing which words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader.
One example of a skillful oxymoron is real fake. This figure of speech is clever in that utilizing the word “real” to describe something that is “fake” actually lends a sense of truth and authenticity to something that is, by nature, untrue and inauthentic. Therefore, the linguistic skill demonstrated in this oxymoron is a layered. Real fake is a combination of contradictory terms. However, the terms are also complementary as a pair.
Enhance Drama
Oxymoron can enhance drama in writing. This is especially achieved if the word pairing reveals intensity or a great difference in quality. For example, if a character receives a painful smile, this creates a significant dramatic effect. Smiles are rarely associated with pain. Therefore, the reader is left in some suspense to wonder what events or feelings would result in such a response received by the character.
However, it’s important that writers don’t overuse oxymoron as a literary device. Too many uses of oxymoron can be either distracting or tedious for the reader. Their dramatic effect is much more powerful with sparing use.
Create Humor
Oxymoron can be an excellent tool in creating humor for a reader. For example, if a character is described as a man child, this oxymoron calls up a humorous image of a child that looks like a man or vice-versa. It is also comedic in terms of behavior, both in terms of a man acting like a child or a child behaving like a man.
Indicate Irony
Oxymoron can also serve as a means of elevated language when used to express a sense of irony. For example, oxymoron phrases such as marital bliss, military intelligence, and business ethics, depending on how they are used as figures of speech, can be effective literary devices to indicate irony. These word pairings are not inherently opposite, but their individual concepts can seem contradictory when combined.
What is Juxtaposition?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of Juxtaposition?
Function:
Writers can achieve a great deal when they juxtapose two elements. By putting two entities side by side, writers invite the reader to compare and contrast, considering the relationship between the elements with closer scrutiny. Juxtaposition can have the effect of absurdity or humor, or create a link between elements and images that appear unrelated until they are paired.
Writers can also reveal truths about a character through contrasting their traits with another, to achieve a foil. Juxtaposition can demonstrate that one idea or element is better when compared to another, and often readers gain a greater understanding of nuances of traits or concepts through juxtaposition.
It’s important for writers to understand that there must be a sense of logic and intention in juxtaposing two entities within a narrative or poem. As a literary technique, juxtaposition is more than simply putting one entity beside another and inviting the reader to make a comparison between them. There must be meaning in the juxtaposition so that some aspect of the literary work becomes more significant to a reader.
What is Symbolism?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of Symbolism?
Definition of Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device that refers to the use of symbols in a literary work. A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else; it represents something beyond literal meaning. In literature, a symbol can be a word, object, action, character, or concept that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance.
Types of Symbolism:
Here are some examples of types of symbolism and their effects:
- emotion: symbols often evoke emotional responses in readers, allowing them to invest in the plot and characters. This emotional effect of symbolism also creates a lasting impression for the reader of the literary work.
- Imagery: symbols can create imagery and provide visual elements that allow readers to understand complex literary themes. This also has a beneficial effect for writers so that they don’t feel an overreliance on language to explain their intended meaning.
- thematic connection: symbols can connect themes for readers within a single literary work and across literature itself. This allows for greater understanding of literature as an art form.
- Character attributes: symbols can represent different attributes of characters, both in a literal and figurative sense. This has an effect for readers in that they can identify character traits and understand their actions based on symbolism in the literary work.
- deeper meaning: symbolism also allows writers to convey deeper meaning in their work for the reader. This creates a layered effect of understanding so that different readers can find their own individual significance in a literary work, and individual readers can find different levels of significance with each exposure to the literary work.
Symbolism is a literary device that refers to the use of symbols in a literary work. A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else; it represents something beyond literal meaning. In literature, a symbol can be a word, object, action, character, or concept that embodies and evokes a range of additional meaning and significance.
Why is semantic field used?
What is the effect of it?
What is a semantic field?
Semantic (or sometimes called lexical) fields are a technique often used by writers to keep a certain image persistent in their readers’ mind. They are a collection of words which are related to one another be it through their similar meanings, or through a more abstract relation.
For example, if a writer is writing a poem or a novel about a ship, they will surely use words such as ocean, waves, sea, tide, blue, storm, wind, sails, etc… Again, it is a collection of words which relate to each other in a semantic (which means meaning) or abstract way.
What is Irony?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of it?
Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device in which contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true. There are many forms of irony featured in literature. The effectiveness of irony as a literary device depends on the reader’s expectations and understanding of the disparity between what “should” happen and what “actually” happens in a literary work. This can be in the form of an unforeseen outcome of an event, a character’s unanticipated behavior, or something incongruous that is said.
Writing Irony
Overall, as a literary device, irony functions as a means of portraying a contrast or discrepancy between appearance and reality. This is effective for readers in that irony can create humor and suspense, as well as showcase character flaws or highlight central themes in a literary work.
It’s essential that writers bear in mind that their audience must have an understanding of the discrepancy between appearance and reality in their work. Otherwise, the sense of irony is lost and ineffective. Therefore, it’s best to be aware of the reader or viewer’s expectations of reality in order to create an entirely different and unexpected outcome.
What is Rhetorical Question?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of it?
Definition of Rhetorical Question
A rhetorical question is asked just for effect, or to lay emphasis on some point being discussed, when no real answer is expected. A rhetorical question may have an obvious answer, but the questioner asks it to lay emphasis to the point. In literature, a rhetorical question is self-evident, and used for style as an impressive persuasive device.
Example #1: Romeo and Juliet (By William Shakespeare)
> JULIET:
” ’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”
A very good example of rhetorical question in literature is from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Here, Juliet makes a statement that a man’s name does not define him as a person. She draws attention to this issue by asking two important rhetorical questions, as noted in bold.
Function of Rhetorical Question
Writers employ rhetorical questions for rhetorical effects, and we cannot easily quantify the impact rendered by a rhetorical question. The idea becomes all the more powerful, and our interest is aroused to continue to read and enjoy the technical and aesthetic beauty that a rhetorical question generates. Moreover, it is a requirement in persuasive speeches.
What is Hyperbole?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of it?
Definition of Hyperbole
Hyperbole is a figure of speech and literary device that creates heightened effect through deliberate exaggeration. Hyperbole is often a boldly overstated or exaggerated claim or statement that adds emphasis without the intention of being literally true. In rhetoric and literature, hyperbole is often used for serious, comic, or ironic effects.
Many people use hyperbole as a figure of speech to make something seem larger or more important than it actually is. Such exaggeration or distortion can help express strong emotion, emphasize a point, or even evoke humor. Here are some common examples of hyperbole in everyday speech:
- I’m so hungry that I could eat a horse.
- That purse looks like it cost a million dollars.
What is Assonance?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of it?
Definition of Assonance
Assonance is a literary device in which the repetition of similar vowel sounds takes place in two or more words in proximity to each other within a line of poetry or prose. Assonance most often refers to the repetition of internal vowel sounds in words that do not end the same. For example, “he fell asleep under the cherry tree” is a phrase that features assonance with the repetition of the long “e” vowel, despite the fact that the words containing this vowel do not end in perfect rhymes. This allows writers the means of emphasizing important words in a phrase or line, as well as creating a sense of rhythm, enhancing mood, and offering a lyrical effect of words and sounds.
Here are some examples of common uses of assonance:
- Son of a gun
- The cat is out of the bag
- Dumb luck
Writing Assonance
Overall, as a literary device, assonance functions as a means of creating rhythm through stressing syllables with repetitious vowel sounds. In addition, assonance can regulate the pacing of a poem or line of text. For example, long vowel sounds tend to slow the pace of reading, whereas short vowel sounds tend to quicken a reader’s pace. This control of pacing is an effective device utilized by writers to create or indicate the tone and mood of a literary work.
Like any literary device, writers should avoid the overuse of assonance. Too many instances of assonance in any form of literature can be distracting and ineffective for the reader. Therefore, it’s best to make subtle and sparing use of assonance.
Here are some ways that writers benefit from incorporating assonance into their work:
Use of Rhythm
Assonance allows writers to create a sense of rhythm in their work. This is especially effective when it comes to poetry. In writing, rhythm is based on patterns of syllables and sounds that are stressed and unstressed. With the repetition of vowel sounds, writers can control which syllables are stressed in a line of poetry or prose, thereby creating rhythms that are quick, slow, or a combination. This talent for assonance allows for variety in the pacing of words which enhances the experience for the reader.
Enhance Mood
In many art forms, sound is a crucial technique in setting the tone and enhancing mood. Assonance is an example of this technique in writing. With vowel sounds, in particular, a writer can create a somber, lighthearted, playful, or even chilling mood in a poem or work of prose, just through repetition.
Lyrical Effect
In addition to creating rhythm in a work of poetry or prose, assonance also creates a lyrical effect for the reader. Vowel repetition can enhance the meaning of words in literature as well as their musicality. Though assonance is more similar to internal than end rhyme, the quality of repeated sound can mimic the quality of a repeated note or chord in a phrase of music. This lyrical effect has great value for the reader of a line of poetry or prose. As a literary device, assonance can demonstrate the harmony and musical quality of word choice and language.
Why is it used?
What is the effect of alliteration?
Definition of Alliteration
Example 2: Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare)
> From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Doth with their death bury their parents’ strife.
In the prologue of his tragic work, Shakespeare utilizes alliterative wording like “fatal” and “foes” as a means of foreshadowing the events of the play. This alliteration also calls attention to certain pairings of words in the prologue to emphasize the themes of “Romeo and Juliet.” For example, “fatal” is associated with “foes,” “lovers” with “life,” and “doth” with “death.” These alliterative pairs reflect the pairing of characters in the tragedy, through love and conflict, including the feuding Capulet and Montague families, the romance between Romeo and Juliet, and even the cousins Tybalt and Benvolio.
Therefore, the use of alliteration as a literary device in the prologue helps to create a sense of balance between the opposing forces of and within the overall play. In addition, the alliterative phrasing, most notably in the first line of this excerpt, provides melody and rhythm to the verse, indicating to the reader how the words may sound if spoken aloud or performed. This enhances Shakespeare’s intended thematic effects of discord and harmony for the reader.
Alliteration can build a mood or set the scene depending on the letters that are used: The gentle ‘w’ sounds in “whispering wind” create a soft and airy mood. The harsh ‘r’ sounds in “raging river rapids” help the reader to imagine the brute force of the water.
What is Sibilance?
What is the effect of sibilance?
Why is sibilance used?
Definition of Sibilance
Sibilance is a literary device where strongly stressed consonants are created deliberately by producing air from vocal tracts through the use of lips and tongue. Such consonants produce hissing sounds. However, in poetry, it is used as a stylistic device, and sibilants are used more than twice in quick succession. Most of the times, the “s” sound is the sibilant.
Example #3: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare)
> “As whence the sun ‘gins his reflection
Shipwracking storms and direful thunders break,
So from that spring whence comfort seemed to come
Discomfort swells. Mark, King of Scotland, mark:
No sooner justice had, with valor armed…
But the Norweyan lord, surveying vantage,
With furbished arms and new supplies of men…
Till seven at night. To make society
The sweeter welcome, we will keep ourselves
Till suppertime alone. While then, God be with you!”
Here we can clearly see the softer consonants of sibilance, such as “s” sounds in the words noted in bold.
Function of Sibilance
An atmosphere can be created through sibilance, which helps in drawing the attention of readers, painting a more colorful picture of the idea or the event. With the help of sibilance, descriptive scenes can be explained more carefully by laying stress on the specific letters. In fact, the sense of repeated sounds, and then the making up of different literary devices through sibilance creates further musical effect for the readers.
What is Euphemism?
Why is Euphemism used?
What is the effect of Euphemism?
Definition of Euphemism
Euphemism is a figure of speech commonly used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept that might make others uncomfortable. Euphemism refers to figurative language designed to replace phrasing that would otherwise be considered harsh, impolite, or unpleasant. This literary device allows for someone to say what they mean indirectly, without using literal language, as a way of softening the impact of what is being said. The reason for this would be for the sake of politeness, discretion, and other means of mitigating communication. Euphemisms are used for certain abstractions such as death, sex, aging, getting fired, bodily functions, and others.
There are many common examples of euphemism used in everyday conversation and writing. Here are some well-known uses of this figure of speech:
- porcelain throne (toilet)
- friends with benefits (friends having sex)
- pre-owned (something used)
- bun in the oven (pregnancy)
- number one (urination)
- number two (defecation)
- roll in the hay (have sex)
Writing Euphemism
Euphemism is a useful literary device for writers. This figure of speech allows a writer to address potentially sensitive, offensive, or unpleasant subjects in a more delicate or less damaging manner than literal words or phrasings would be. In addition, euphemisms can add to the poetic nature of writing as a means of describing something in a more figurative manner. They can also elevate a writer’s prose.
It’s important for writers to understand that overuse of euphemism can be confusing and lose their meanings for readers. In addition, depending on the tone of a written work, euphemisms can actually be more crass, unpleasant, or offensive than direct and literal wording. Therefore, euphemism should be carefully and appropriately selected by writers in order to be effective.
Here are some benefits for incorporating euphemism into writing:
Communicate Meaning for Painful Subjects
Writers often tackle subjects that can be painful, such as death or heartbreak. Euphemism is an excellent literary device for writers, and poets, in particular, to communicate meaning when it comes to these painful subjects. Figurative language through euphemism can allow readers to feel less confronted as they might by harsh, literal wording. As a result, meaning is enhanced through the figure of speech.
Incorporate Humor for Reader
Euphemism is often inherently humorous. In attempting to replace wording or phrasing that is impolite or offensive, euphemisms can range from being unclear to nonsensical. They have no meaning as stand-alone phrases without the context of the literal abstraction. However, euphemisms can be a way for writers to incorporate the ridiculous in their writing as humor for the reader.
What is Emotive Language?
Why is emotive language used?
What is the effect of emotive language?
Emotive language - language intended to create an emotional response.
A heart-breaking aroma of death filled the air as he surveyed the devastation and destruction that had befallen them all.
What is Onomatopoeia?
Why is Onomatopoeia used?
What is the effect of Onomatopoeia?
Onomatopoeia - words sound like the noises they represent.The autumn leaves and twigs cracked and crunched underfoot.
What is the rule of three?
Why is it used?
What is the effect of rule of three?
Grouping words or ideas in threes makes them memorable and persuasive.
School uniforms are uncomfortable, itchy and worst of all, bland.
What is Repetition?
Why is it used?
What is the affect of repetition?
Repetition
Words, phrases or ideas are repeated for effect.
“Stephen tried and tried and tried to get the ball in the net.”
The repetition emphasises the effort exerted and Stephen’s desperation at his failed attempts.
What is a Motif?
Motif
Any repeated idea, theme or image that has a symbolic significance in the text.
“rotten apple”, “feverish heat”, “plague of flies”, “sickened trees”
The repeated references to illness could symbolise the moral sickness within the narrative.
What is Antithesis?
Antithesis - putting two opposite ideas together to highlight contrasts.‘
That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ (Neil Armstrong)
Give Discourse markers
Common Grammar Mistakes
How do you use ellipsis?
Ellipsis
Three dots in a row are called ellipsis and can be used to signify that part of a sentence is missing. It is mainly useful in dialogue. For example:
“I wonder…” said Harry.
The ellipsis suggests that Harry is thinking of something else.
Ellipsis can be used in the main body of your writing, where it also signifies an unfinished sentence. For example:
He wondered when the train would arrive. He had to be in Basingstoke by 4pm or else…
In this example, the ellipsis leaves the reader to imagine the consequences. Like exclamation marks, ellipses should be used sparingly. In general it is better to finish your sentences as this makes for more coherent writing.
How do we use a Dash?
The dash can be used to create a dramatic or a necessary pause.
E.g. We knew it wasn’t the wind we were hearing - it was something much more sinister.
In Creative writing use it to add detail. e.g. Red-faced
What is the effect of a semi-colon?
The semicolon forces the reader to make a pause, shorter than you would with a period, but longer than you would for a comma; however, the pause isn’t as abrupt as for a dash. The semicolon pause creates that relationship, close, but not too close, not too abrup
How do i use Brackets
These are used to add extra information:
Charles (never Charlie or Chad) was a serious young man.
Sandy’s pet dog (she detested cats) was fifteen years old.
If you are using brackets towards the end of a sentence, the full stop to complete the sentence goes outside of the brackets:
Neharika wore the blue shoes (her sister, Amrita, had already chosen the red ones).
How do i vary the paragraph lengths?
Use small sentences to create short impactful points.
Use medium length sentences to make simple statements
Use long sentences to really draw back the reader using.
