Cambridge International AS & A Level English Language
Writing analytically about form and structure It is important to first identify the different elements of form and structure in a text, before providing a coherent analysis. Read this sample commentary on The Flowers. Consider how the commentary moves from identifying elements of the structure to analysis. How is this achieved? [1] overall structure of text
[2] specific focus of the sentences (in order)
STUDENT RESPONSE
[3] the structural effect: we are taken back in time as readers
The extract from the story is divided into two paragraphs which roughly address the time the girl spends before midday, and where she finds herself at the moment midday arrives. The very first short, simple sentence tells us that the narrator has done this walk m ‘ any times’ previously, and the second, supporting sentence tells us more about those walks with her mother t‘ o gather nuts’. So, in fact, the opening two sentences with the use of the past perfect ‘had’ send us back in time before returning the reader to the present. The idea of familiarity is established so that the initial tone is unthreatening: as readers we follow with interest rather than unease.
12
The first paragraph then goes on to trace the girl’s steps as she creates ‘her own path’, and provides details on what she finds, such as the s‘trange blue flowers.’ This last detail, introduced at this point, alters the tone somewhat – the familiar becoming noteworthy. The second paragraph suddenly locates the reader in a specific time – ‘by twelve o’clock’, and she is no longer on the move. She is in a ‘little cove’. The sentences shorten and the final one has an ominous tone in the monosyllabic adjectives: d‘amp’, close’ and d‘eep’
[4] specific comment on where the writer takes us now
[5] the function of the second paragraph
[6] comment on the ending of the second paragraph and its effect
Reflection: Explore the effectiveness of this commentary by jotting down answers to these questions: 1 What other elements of structure are addressed in this commentary? 2 What effect does the commentary say is created?
ACTIVITY 7
Take the opening two paragraphs of any prose text (fiction or non-fiction – from books, newspapers, or online). If possible, make a copy of it and stick it onto a larger sheet of paper so that you can write annotations around it. Write down anything you find relating to form and structure in the text.