English Language Paper 1, Question 3: Understanding The STRUCTURE Question

Summary

In this educational video, Mr. Everything English simplifies the complex structure question commonly found in exams, emphasizing its importance for securing marks. He outlines key structural devices, both essential and nuanced, guiding students to use effective techniques like zooming in and contrasting in their responses. By employing the 'pretzel' paragraph format, he illustrates how to construct detailed analyses that capture the writer's intent to engage readers. The video encourages viewers to practice with past papers and offers a clear strategy for writing concise, impactful responses, ensuring they are well-prepared for their exams.

Takeaways

• 📚 Understand that the structure question is an eight-mark question requiring about 10 minutes to complete.
• 🔍 Focus on how the writer uses structure to create interest in the reader.
• ⚡ Remember that every writer aims to engage their audience; look for ways the text generates interest.
• 📝 Familiarize yourself with two categories of structural devices: bulletproof and stretch devices.
• ✅ Bulletproof devices include long/short sentences and paragraphs, zooming in/out, and new introductions.
• 🔗 Stretch devices encompass foreshadowing, flashbacks, repetition, lists, dialogue, juxtaposition, and pathetic fallacy.
• 🥨 Use the 'pretzel' paragraph structure: Point, Reference, Technique, Effect, Zoom in, Link back.
• 🔗 Reference lines instead of quoting extensively; keep references concise (preferably around five lines).
• 🎯 The mark scheme evaluates the range of examples, subject terminology, and the depth of explanation.
• 🗒️ Practice by writing and analyzing two structured paragraphs based on past paper questions to reinforce skills.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the structure question in the exam?

The primary focus is to analyze how the writer uses structure to create interest for the reader.

How long should students spend on the structure question?

Students should spend approximately 10 minutes on the structure question.

What is the recommended paragraph format for responding to this question?

The recommended format is the 'PRETZEL' structure, which includes Point, Reference, Technique, Zoom In, and Effect.

What are 'bulletproof' structural devices that students should be aware of?

Bulletproof structural devices include long sentences, short sentences, long paragraphs, short paragraphs, zooming in/out, and introducing new elements.

What are 'stretch' structural devices, and how do they differ from bulletproof ones?

Stretch structural devices are less obvious and include techniques like foreshadowing, flashbacks, and repetition. They are common but not guaranteed to appear in every text.

What is the importance of quoting lines rather than single words in the response?

Quoting lines allows students to analyze more substantial segments of text, making it easier to identify multiple structural devices within the same reference.

What are the key components of the marking criteria for this question?

Students are marked on the range of examples provided, correct use of subject terminology, and the quality of their explanations regarding the effects of the techniques.

Why is it essential to dig deep into the explanation of effects in the analysis?

Digging deep into the explanation of effects helps to provide a detailed and perceptive analysis, which is crucial for achieving higher marks.

How can students effectively practice for the structure question?

Students can practice by writing out two detailed paragraphs for various past paper questions, focusing on incorporating different techniques effectively.

What is the significance of the term 'interest' in the context of the structure question?

The term 'interest' refers to the writer's aim to engage the reader, as every writer intends to make their work captivating and avoid boredom.