Language and Structural Techniques
Language Structure
Noun: a person, place, thing, idea Simple sentence: contains one clause with a subject and verb
Verb: an action or state Compound sentence: contains two independent clauses that
are related and joined with a conjunction
Modal Verb: expresses necessity or possibility Complex sentence: contains one or more subordinate clause
Imperative: gives an order or command Impact sentence or Fragment: contains three or less words
Adverb: modifies a verb, adjective, adverb or phrase Repetition: a word or phrase that is used more than once
Adjective: describes a noun Triple: three adjectives or phrases used to describe something
Pronoun: used in place of a noun Juxtaposition: two things placed together to highlight the
contrast between them
Superlative: an adjective showing the highest quality or degree Anaphora: the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning
of successive clauses
Symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities Listing: a number of connected items written one after the
other to emphasise a particular quality
Alliteration: the same letter or sound at the start of adjacent Links between paragraphs: a recurring idea, character or
words object in two or more paragraphs to foreground the
importance
Metaphor: direct comparison of two things without using ‘like’ Shifts in focus: the change of focus in or between paragraphs
or ‘as’
Simile: comparing two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ Zooming in and out: the narrowing or widening of the
narrative focus.
Personification: the giving of human characteristics to a Chronological structure: arranged in the order of time
non-human object
Semantic field: the use of a group of words that all link to the Flashback / Flashforward: set earlier or later than the main
same topic narrative
Hyperbole: exaggeration that should not be taken literally Links between the beginning and ending: a narrative link
between the start and end of a text
Imagery: vivid description of a particular scene Exposition: introduction of background information on
characters, events or settings to help anchor the reader
Auditory imagery: vivid description of sounds Climax: the most intense point in the development of the
narrative
Tactile imagery: vivid description of physical sensation Narrative voice: 1st / 2nd / 3rd person
Olfactory imagery: vivid description of smell Direct speech: the speech of a character in “”
Gustatory imagery: vivid description of taste / flavour Tense: past, present, future
Kinesthetic imagery: vivid description of movement or body Foreshadow: an advance hint of what is to come later
position
Language Structure
Noun: a person, place, thing, idea Simple sentence: contains one clause with a subject and verb
Verb: an action or state Compound sentence: contains two independent clauses that
are related and joined with a conjunction
Modal Verb: expresses necessity or possibility Complex sentence: contains one or more subordinate clause
Imperative: gives an order or command Impact sentence or Fragment: contains three or less words
Adverb: modifies a verb, adjective, adverb or phrase Repetition: a word or phrase that is used more than once
Adjective: describes a noun Triple: three adjectives or phrases used to describe something
Pronoun: used in place of a noun Juxtaposition: two things placed together to highlight the
contrast between them
Superlative: an adjective showing the highest quality or degree Anaphora: the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning
of successive clauses
Symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities Listing: a number of connected items written one after the
other to emphasise a particular quality
Alliteration: the same letter or sound at the start of adjacent Links between paragraphs: a recurring idea, character or
words object in two or more paragraphs to foreground the
importance
Metaphor: direct comparison of two things without using ‘like’ Shifts in focus: the change of focus in or between paragraphs
or ‘as’
Simile: comparing two things using ‘like’ or ‘as’ Zooming in and out: the narrowing or widening of the
narrative focus.
Personification: the giving of human characteristics to a Chronological structure: arranged in the order of time
non-human object
Semantic field: the use of a group of words that all link to the Flashback / Flashforward: set earlier or later than the main
same topic narrative
Hyperbole: exaggeration that should not be taken literally Links between the beginning and ending: a narrative link
between the start and end of a text
Imagery: vivid description of a particular scene Exposition: introduction of background information on
characters, events or settings to help anchor the reader
Auditory imagery: vivid description of sounds Climax: the most intense point in the development of the
narrative
Tactile imagery: vivid description of physical sensation Narrative voice: 1st / 2nd / 3rd person
Olfactory imagery: vivid description of smell Direct speech: the speech of a character in “”
Gustatory imagery: vivid description of taste / flavour Tense: past, present, future
Kinesthetic imagery: vivid description of movement or body Foreshadow: an advance hint of what is to come later
position
