GCSE English Language Structure Terminology

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What is the meaning of ‘asyndetic listing’?

Items listed without use of a conjunction, instead using punctuation

What is the effect of ‘asyndetic listing’?

Asyndetic listing is used 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

What is the meaning of ‘conclusion’?

A paragraph or section of a formal text used to wrap up an argument and present a final judgement

What is the effect of ‘conclusion’?

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. They are key to a successful persuasive text

What is the meaning ‘cyclical structure’?

When a text begins and ends in the same place with the same idea or theme

What is the effect of ‘cyclical structure’?

A cyclical structure forces a reader to consider what has happened over the course of the text, and how it has changed the characters or the outcome

What is the meaning of ‘dialogue’?

Speech or conversation between characters in a text. It can also be used to display a character’s internal thoughts

What is the effect of ‘dialogue’?

Dialogue is used to drive the plot of the text, while helping readers become acquainted to the characters. It is often responsible for progressing the storyline, whilst helping readers become more emotionally invested in the characters

What is the meaning of ‘focus’?

What the writer focuses their writing on as the text progresses, focus can shift through the text and as different characters or themes gain importance. Focus shifts can be done subtly, or though changing the point of view of the writer

What is the effect of ‘focus’?

Focus makes it clear who the important characters and themes are in the text, and focus shifts are key for progressing the narrative of a text. Shifting the narrative allows the reader to become more acquainted to different characters or themes which increase emotional investment

What is the meaning of ‘endings’?

The conclusion of a text

What is the effect of ‘endings’?

Effect varies depending on the ending, e.g. cliffhanger leaves the reader excited for more whereas a neat and tidy ending leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction

What is the meaning of ‘headings and subheadings’?

Titles used to create sections in a piece of text

What is the effect of ‘headings and subheadings’?

Headings and subheadings are used to break up longer pieces of text and to give it some direction, splitting the text into more manageable pieces so it’s easier for the reader to understand

What is the meaning of ‘introduction’?

The beginning section of a formal text which explains the purpose of the text as well as introducing the arguments that will be made

What is the effect of ‘introduction’?

Introductions are useful for the way they inform the audience about the text you’re about to read. They often give a vague outline of the text, so the reader knows what to expect

What is the meaning of ‘narrative pace’?

The speed at which a text progresses and a story is told, this isn’t necessarily the same as the speed with which the story itself takes place

What is the effect of ‘narrative pace’?

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 be slower so the writer can add more detail and the reader is more immersed in the storyline

What is the meaning of ‘order of events’?

The order in which the events of a text take place, this can be chronological or through flashbacks

What is the effect of ‘order of events’?

The order of events helps to prioritise key ideas and events. 

What is the meaning of ‘rhetorical questions’?

A question asked by the writer which doesn’t have a direct answer

What is the effect of ‘rhetorical questions’?

Rhetorical questions are used to subtly influence the reader. They help persuade them of the argument at hand. They are intended to prompt deeper thought in the reader

What is the meaning of ‘sentence structure’?

The way in which words and punctuation are arranged in a sentence and the length of a sentence

What is the effect of sentence structure?

Shorter sentences make arguments explicitly clear helping them to understand the point at hand whereas longer sentences can be confusing and overwhelming and helps the writer develop a tone in their writing

What is the meaning of ‘tricolon’?

The technical term for ‘rule of three’, when a writer lists three words, phrases, or ideas in quick succession

What is the effect of ‘tricolon’?

A tricolon increases the impact of a writer’s statement by creating a clear rhythm to a sentence