Analysing Structure

    OCR
    GCSE

    Candidates must analyse the writer's deliberate sequencing of events and information to guide the reader's understanding, focusing on the text as a construct rather than merely its content. This requires identification of structural features such as shifts in focus, perspective changes, and the manipulation of time (chronological, cyclical, flashbacks) to create tension or cohesion. Responses must move beyond simple identification (feature spotting) to explain the specific effect of these structural choices on the reader's engagement and interpretation of the whole text.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit analysis of whole-text structure, including narrative arcs, cyclical elements, and shifts in focus or perspective
    • Award marks for analysis of sentence-level structure (syntax) where it contributes to pacing, tension, or tone
    • Look for explanation of the effect of paragraphing choices, such as single-line paragraphs for impact or dense paragraphs for overwhelming detail
    • Reward responses that link structural choices directly to the writer's intention and the development of themes

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit analysis of whole-text structure, including narrative arcs, cyclical elements, and shifts in focus or perspective
    • Award marks for analysis of sentence-level structure (syntax) where it contributes to pacing, tension, or tone
    • Look for explanation of the effect of paragraphing choices, such as single-line paragraphs for impact or dense paragraphs for overwhelming detail
    • Reward responses that link structural choices directly to the writer's intention and the development of themes

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Always analyse the opening and ending of the extract to identify shifts, contrasts, or cyclical returns
    • 💡Use the 'What-How-Why' method: What is the structural feature? How does it work? Why did the writer use it?
    • 💡When discussing syntax, link sentence length directly to the pacing of the action or the emotional state of the narrator
    • 💡Group structural points by concept (e.g., tension, character development) rather than listing features chronologically

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Feature-spotting sentence types (e.g., 'short sentence') without explaining the specific effect in context
    • Using generic phrases like 'makes the reader want to read on' or 'creates flow' without substantiation
    • Confusing language analysis (word choice) with structural analysis (sequencing and organization)
    • Quoting excessively long sections of text to demonstrate a structural point rather than describing the shift

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Narrative Trajectory: Openings, climaxes, resolutions, and cyclical structures
    Shifts in Focus: Zooming in/out, movement from external to internal, and perspective shifts
    Structural Pacing: Manipulation of sentence length, paragraphing, and discourse markers for effect
    Cohesion: Motifs, juxtaposition, and the sequencing of arguments or events

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Explore how...
    How does the writer...
    Compare how...
    Evaluate...
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