Fiction structure analysis table

A prompt table for students, to focus them on commenting on different aspects of structure when they are analysing a fiction extract. Also contains a short checklist, key vocabulary list and some banned phrases. Designed for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 question 3.

Sample content

The analysis table focuses on the following areas:

• Repetition (of ideas and themes but not words)
• Settings (What are they? How do they change? When?)
• Climax (What does the extract build up to?)
• Order (beginning/middle/end/flashback)
• Shifts/changes (in perspective, voice, focus, character).

Key vocabulary: dialogue, narrator, repetition of ideas, setting, climax, exposition, beginning, middle, end, flashback, shift, change, perspective, focus, character, move, connotation, suggests, implies, because, causing, creating, establishing, etc.

Phrases to avoid: Makes the reader read on … creates a good picture … creates a good effect …makes it flow ...  positive effect … negative effect … Avoid any vague phrase.