structural techniques Flashcards
asyndetic listing
meaning : items listed without use of a conjunction, instead using punctuation
effect : asyndetic listing is used as a way to increase the pace of a text through the way the listed items quickly accumulate. This is used in place of syndetic listing, which maintains a steady narrative pace.
conclusion
meaning : a paragraph or section of a formal text used to wrap up an argument and present a final judgement
effect: conclusions are used to summarise the points of a persuasive text. they remind the reader of the arguments made throughout the text, and finish with a final judgement
cyclical structure
meaning : when a text begins and ends in the same idea or theme.
effect : a cyclical structure forces a reader to consider what has happened over the course of the text, and how it has changes the characters or the outcome.
dialogue
meaning : speech or conversation between characters in a text. it can also be used to display a character’s internal thoughts.
effects : dialogue is used to drive the plot of a text while helping readers become acquainted with the characters. it is often responsible for progressing the story line, while simultaneously helping readers become more emotionally invested in the characters.
focus
meaning : what the writer focuses their writing on as the text progresses. Focus can shift throughout the text and as different characters or themes gain importance. focus shifts can be done subtly, or through changing the point of view of the writer.
effect : focus makes clear the more important characters and themes in a text, and focus shifts are key for progressing the narrative of a text. shifting the narrative allows readers to become acquainted with different characters or themes, increasing their emotional engagement in the text.
endings
meaning : the conclusion of a text
effect : the effect varies based on how an ending is written. If it is written as a cliff-hanger in anticipation of another text to follow, it leaves the reader excited for more. If the ending is neat and tidy, it leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction.
narrative pace
meaning : the speed at which a text progresses and the story is told. this isn’t necessarily the same as the speed as which the story itself takes place.
effect : pacing is used to alter the tone and mood of a story, and it allows readers to more deeply understand characters and their personalities. more important scenes tend to unfold slower, allowing the writer to add more detail, and the reader becomes fully immersed in the story line.
order of events
meaning : the order in which the events of a text take place. this can be chronological, or it can include flashback or flash forwards. temporal references are particularly significant in establishing an order of events.
effect : the order of events helps to introduce and prioritise key ideas and events. For example, if a text were to open with a flash forward, the reader would plainly understand that this event is the reason why the text was written/
rhetorical questions
meaning : a question asked by the writer which does not have, and isn’t expected to have, a direct answer.
effect : rhetorical questions are used to subtly influence the reader. they help persuade them of the argument at hand. they are not intended to prompt deeper thought in the reader.
sentence structure
meaning : the way in which words and punctuation are arranged in a sentence. the length of a sentence is also an important component of sentence structure.
effect : shorter sentences make arguments explicitly clear to the reader, helping them to understand the point at hand, while longer sentences can be confusing and overwhelming. a sentence with lots of punctuation can come across frustrating, which can help a writer further develop a tone in their writing.
tricolon
meaning : the technical term for ‘rule of three’, when a writer lists three words, phrases or ideas in quick succession.
effect : a tricolon increases the impact of a writer’s statement by creating a clear rhythm to a sentence.
