Sentence Structure- Higher

8/13/2019 Sentence Structure- Higher

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Sentence structureHigher Close Reading


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Key points to look for

Punctuation and lists

Length of sentence

Use of climax or anti-climax

Repetition

Word order


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Remember!

Identifying the features is not

enoughyou need to say what

effect that feature you have

noticed has.


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Punctuation

Full stopswhen one point has been

finished.

Exclamation marktone of the sentence. Semi-colonsprovide a balancing point in

the ideas of the sentence or list.

Brackets, commas or dashesparenthesis. Inverted commasmay cast doubt on the

truthfulness of the words they highlight.


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Punctuation

Some argue that the ultimate result of

global warming will be a paradoxical but

even more catastrophic development:global cooling.

Show how the punctuation clarifies theargument. (2A)


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Answer

Using the colon in this way saves the

really important idea global cooling

until the end, so that the contrast hasmore of a shocking effect on the

reader, as it comes as something of a

surprise after the talk of the worldwarming.


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Punctuation

Governments may stop finger pointing and

instead join hands; industries may slash

short term profit to permit long termsurvival.

Show how the punctuation clarifies theargument.(2A)


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Answer

Semi-colon serves as a balancing point inthe sentence. The first half of the sentencesays that governments might come to theirsenses. The second half says thatindustries might do the same. They areparallel statements, balanced by the semi-

colon. The effect is to put the twodevelopments together, weigh them up andfind that both of them are equally welcome.


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Lists

Identify the list

Say what effect the list has on the

reader.

The effect will often be created by the

cumulative nature, or the monotony,

or the shape of the list.


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Lists

The Scottish race has been variously andplentifully accused of being dour, mean,venal, sly, narrow, slothful, sluttish, nasty,

dirty, immoderately drunken, embarrassinglysentimental, masterfully hypocritical, and ablueprint for disaster when eleven of themare together on a football field.

Comment on the nature and effect of thissentence. (2A)


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Answer

There are a lot of commas (0 marks)

There is a list (0 marks)

This sentence consists of a long list of thefaults of the Scots. It makes their faults

seem endless, as if there were no hope of

redeeming features. (2 marks)


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Sentence length

But then, like the cavalry regrouping, theyset off once more, ground their way backup to speed, beat a path through the finalverse and ended again. Simons finalflourish sounding a little more sheepish thistime. After that, they were gone. And no

encores.Show how the sentence structureemphasises the failings of the band. (2A)


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Answer

The two short sentences at the

end act as an anti-climax,

producing a sudden flat feeling

after the excitement and panic of

the previous sentence. It puts adefinite end to the performance.


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Climax and anti-climax

Reducing greenhouse gases still wont be

enough to prevent severe changes to the

worlds weather. The scientists advice togovernments, businesses and private

citizens about this is grim: get used to it.

How does the structure of the last sentence

highlight the seriousness of the situation?

(2A)


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Answer

Colon introduces the explanation about the

advice which the scientists are giving to

everyone.

The word grim just before the colon leads you

to expect something quite harsh after ita

blunt command get used to it.

Acts as a climax to the sentence as we havebeen led to expect something nasty and what

we get is very nasty indeed.


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Repetition

Look for repetition:

- in sentence structure;- of expressions or words;

- of sounds.


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Repetition

The day that Ali refused the draft, I criedin my room. I cried for him and for myself,for my future and for his, for all our black

possibilities.

Show how the writers use of sentence

structure helps to convey the passion hefelt about Alis decision. (2A)


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Answer

Repetition of I cried increases the emotional

intensity. Also, repetition of for phrases deepens

the intensity of the emotion further as it represents

gradually the wider importance of his thoughtsabout Alis actions. (2 marks)

Builds up to a climax using repetition of for

phrases and by combining his and Alis problems

into the much more impressive idea of all our

black possibilities.


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Word order

Sentences are made more vivid and

important when certain words are put at the

beginning or the end.e.g. A sickeningamount of cake Jack ate this

morning.

With great enthusiasmthe Government isadopting this measure.

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Sentence Structure- Higher