New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Using structural features effectively in non-fiction texts

I can understand how a writer uses structural features for effect and use this understanding to consider my own use of structure in my writing.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Using structural features effectively in non-fiction texts

I can understand how a writer uses structural features for effect and use this understanding to consider my own use of structure in my writing.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Considering structural features is an important part of the writing process.
  2. Openings should be impactful and can include declarative sentences and similes.
  3. Mirroring can be used to create an effective closing.
  4. Using a motif can engage a reader and emphasise the viewpoint in your writing.

Keywords

  • Impactful - to have a strong effect on someone

  • Declarative sentence - a sentence that makes a statement, expresses an opinion or states a fact

  • Motif - in writing, a motif is an idea, image, or symbol, that repeats throughout to develop a theme or argument

  • Mirroring - you repeat and develop an idea from the start of your writing at the end

Common misconception

Choosing vocabulary and ideas is the most important part of the writing process.

Structural features can really elevate your writing, making it more cohesive and impactful so that your reader doesn't lose interest.

You may want to spend time at the start of the lesson reading or re-reading Charlie Brooker's article 'Bring Back Hanging?' and modelling how to identify and explore structural features.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of the article 'Bring Back Hanging?' by Charlie Brooker, which can be found in the additional materials.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which word beginning with 'I' describes a writer saying something but meaning the opposite, usually for exaggeration and effect?
Correct Answer: Irony, Ironic
Q2.
What is the form of this task: 'Write an opinion article which presents your point of view on school uniform.'?
Leaflet
Speech
Letter
Correct answer: Article
Q3.
Which of these are synonyms for the word 'credible'?
Correct answer: trustworthy
Correct answer: believable
exaggerated
Correct answer: reliable
unlikely
Q4.
What device has this opening sentence used: 'Like a badly swatted fly, the debate will not die.'?
Correct Answer: Simile, a simile
Q5.
Which of these sentences uses statistics?
Correct answer: 67% of students enjoy homework.
Most students complete their homework.
The majority of homework is effectively completed.
Q6.
Which of these sentences would be considered informal?
Using violence as a form of punishment is a contentious subject.
Correct answer: Using violence to discipline is not cool.
The use of physical force is never justified.

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the purpose of creating impactful openings and closings in a piece of writing?
to fill up space in the text
to confuse the reader
Correct answer: to engage a reader from the beginning and leave a lasting impression at the end
to make the text appear longer
Q2.
Which of these may not be considered a structural feature?
motif
Correct answer: simile
mirroring
opening sentence
closing sentence
Q3.
What is a declarative sentence?
a sentence that asks a question
Correct answer: a sentence that makes a statement, expresses an opinion, or states a fact
a sentence that gives a command or makes a request
a sentence that shows excitement or strong emotion
Q4.
Which of these is a declarative sentence?
Please tell me your thoughts on the internet.
How often do you use the internet?
Correct answer: The internet is rotten to its core.
Q5.
What device is being described? is where you repeat and develop an idea from the start of your writing at the end.
Correct Answer: mirroring
Q6.
Complete this sentence. A motif is where ...
a writer repeats a word or phrase three times.
a writer repeats a word or phrase at the start of successive sentences.
Correct answer: a writer uses a repeated idea, reference or symbol to convey a message.
a writer uses numbers to make the writing credible.

Additional material

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