Feature Purpose Effect on the reader

Openings The start of a text must Dependent on how the writer

interest the reader. introduces ideas and raises
questions.
Focus This is what the writer focuses Analyse what is implied, e.g. a
on as the text develops.(Topic gloomy landscape implies an
change?). Are they cohesive unhappy situation - what is
(smooth or jarred?) causing that unhappiness? What
will happen next?
Shifts Changes in ideas and a. how they are developed in
perspectives, e.g. outside to and through the text
inside. b. why the writer might have
chosen to take the reader
on this particular reading
‘journey’ of discovery.
Contrast The differences between two Comment on the effect a drastic
things. difference produces.
Repetition or patterns When words, phrases or ideas Repetitive features can highlight
are repeated for effect. key meanings, indicate a
development or show a lack of
change.
Pace The feeling of speed in the Ask what effect is created by
writing – are events and ideas altering the pace, e.g. a slow pace
revealed to the reader slowly builds tension or suggests
or quickly? boredom, a quicker pace may suit
a piece about things happening at
speed.
Temporal references References to time. Comment on how time is used to
speed up or slow down the pace
of the text.
Order of events This could be chronological or Comment on how the order of
writers might choose to start at events introduces and prioritises
the end, in the middle, or with key ideas – and how this engages
flashbacks / flash forwards. the reader.

Endings The conclusion of a text may Think about how the reader feels
be neat or leave us with at the end. Have their feelings
questions. changed since the opening?
Withholding information Clues and hints are given Analyse what is implied by hints –
without revealing everything at how does this build the reader’s
once. expectations?
Dialogue Conversations and speech. How does dialogue move the text
forward?
● Why a writer might change
narrative perspectives or
change between narrative
and dialogue
Headings, subheadings and Dividing the content of texts How do they guide readers
questions into topics and sub topics, can through a text?
signal the start of new points.
Bullets Bullets can summarise and Why does the writer summarise
simplify a range of ideas. certain points?
Sentence structures Varied types of sentences, Comment on how sentence
Minor structures affect the fluency of the
Simple text, e.g. a sudden short sentence
Compound could reveal shocking information.
Complex
Declarative
Imperative
Interrogative
Exclamatory
Paragraph Consider length which vary Comment on how paragraph
like sentences eg, to highlight lengths affect the development of
significant points or to provide the text, e.g. a final paragraph
a detailed account. might summarise key points in an
argument.