Language & structure · Both
How Texts Are Structured
Structure questions ask *how* a text is organised and *why*. Track what the writer focuses on from start to end.
Things to notice
• **Opening** – hooks the reader; sets mood, character or conflict
• **Shifts** – change of time, place, focus or tone
• **Zoom in / zoom out** – detail vs wide view
• **Contrast** – before/after, light/dark, calm/chaos
• **Ending** – resolution, cliffhanger, circular return to opening idea
Writing about structure
Use phrases like: “At the beginning…”, “The focus then shifts to…”, “This contrast highlights…”, “By ending with…”
Always link structure to **effect** (tension, sympathy, surprise, clarity of argument).
Practice questions
1. Name two structural features.
2. Why might a writer end by returning to the opening image?