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Analysing fiction

Analysing language and structure in fiction

Analysing language and structure in fiction

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Analysing non fiction

Types of non-fiction texts

Analysing the purpose and audience of non-fiction

Analysing language in non-fiction

Analysing structure in non-fiction

Annotating a non-fiction text

Responding to a non-fiction text

Analysing fiction

Drama, poetry and prose

Analysing settings in fiction

Analysing themes in fiction

Analysing characters in fiction

Analysing language and structure in fiction

Annotating a fiction text

Responding to a fiction text

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Language of poetry: Poetic techniques

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An Inspector Calls

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Blood Brothers

Lord of the Flies

The History Boys

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Language and structure of the 19th century novel

Jane Eyre

Great Expectations

A Christmas Carol

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

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About Shakespeare: biography, plays, legacy

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Language and structure of Shakespeare's plays

Much Ado About Nothing

Macbeth

Romeo and Juliet

Explainer Video

Tutor: Kat

Summary

Analysing language and structure in fiction

​​In a nutshell

Specific language is used by writers to create different effects for the reader. Authors may use many varied language features and structure their texts in different ways. In this summary, you will learn various features of language and structural elements to help you analyse fiction.



Language features 

When reading and analysing a fiction text you should be on the lookout for the following features of language.


Terminology

Definition

Example

​Emotive language​

Affective words that are used to evoke an emotional response from the reader.
Justice, pride, freedom
Rhetorical question
Questions that have an obvious answer and are asked for effect without requiring or expecting an actual answer.​
Does money grow on trees?
Repetition
Words or phrases that are repeated for effect.
Fair is foul and foul is fair.
Hyperbole
Exaggerating something to an extreme extent.
I've told you a million times.
Rule of three
Words that are grouped in a three are memorable and they emphasise a particular idea.
Blood, sweat and tears.
Alliteration
Repetition of the same sound usually at the beginning of words.
Tasty tacos, buzzing bees
Pathetic fallacy
A character's emotion is reflected by the weather.
The flower danced in the breeze.
Personification
When a non-human object, animal or idea is given human characteristics.
The sun smiled down on us.
Onomatopoeia
Words that create sound to express sensory, usually sonic, meaning.
Bash, boom, crash
Metaphor
Making a comparison and equating two things without using 'like' or 'as'.
His words cut deeper than a knife.
Simile
Comparing two things using 'like' or 'as'.
As quiet as a mouse.



Analysing language

It is important to be able to pick out different language features from a text so you can properly understand the intentions of an author. When writing about language features, remember to link it back to how it effects the reader.



Structure

Structure is important as it allows writers to develop the plot, or flow of their writing in an organised way. Structure is key as it allows writers to present their ideas in a clear way and keeps it from becoming too messy. Just like authors, at GCSE level, you need to be able to structure your writing properly so that your ideas are organised on the page. Not only should you know how to structure a text well, but also how to pick out structural features in a text. 



Structural features


​​Feature

Purpose

Opening 
The opening of a text must draw the attention of the reader. That way, they want to keep reading.
Contrast
Contrast tells you the difference between two things.
Repetition/pattern
This feature is used to emphasise a key idea or theme.
Pace
How slow or fast the narrative feels.
Ending
The ending of a text may complete the narrative or it may leave the reader with many questions. 


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Learn with Basics

Learn the basics with theory units and practise what you learned with exercise sets!
Length:
Types of fiction: Prose and poetry

Unit 1

Types of fiction: Prose and poetry

Structure of fiction texts

Unit 2

Structure of fiction texts

Language techniques in fiction texts

Unit 3

Language techniques in fiction texts

Jump Ahead

Score 80% to jump directly to the final unit.

Optional

Analysing language and structure in fiction

Unit 4

Analysing language and structure in fiction

Final Test

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the structure of a text important?

Structure is important as it allows writers to develop the plot, or flow of their writing in an organised way.

What are rhetorical questions?

Questions that have an obvious answer and are asked for effect without requiring or expecting an actual answer.

What is personification?

Personification is when a non-human object, animal or idea is given human characteristics.

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