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What is syntax?
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All Flashcards in Topic 1.3
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1.3.110 cards
What is syntax?
The way words and sentences are arranged.
What does a short sentence do?
Hits hard and slows the reader — good for emphasis.
What does a long sentence do?
Builds up detail or momentum — calm or breathless.
What is a sentence fragment?
A deliberately incomplete sentence used for punch (‘Nothing.’).
What does the passive voice do?
Hides who acted — ‘it was decided’.
What does present tense add?
Immediacy — it feels like it's happening now.
Why analyse a list?
A pile-up of items can feel overwhelming, endless or relentless.
How do you analyse structure?
Name the choice + its effect on pace or emphasis.
A dash or colon — is it a choice?
Yes — punctuation controls pause and emphasis, so it's analysable.
Commonest structure mistake?
Labelling ‘short sentence’ with no effect.
1.3.210 cards
What is repetition?
The same word or phrase used again on purpose for emphasis.
What is parallelism?
Repeating the same sentence shape to build a rhythm.
What does repetition do?
Hammers an idea home and makes a line stick.
What does parallelism add?
A steady, powerful rhythm the reader can feel.
‘of the people, by the people, for the people’ — what is it?
Parallelism — the same shape repeated for rhythm.
Why does breaking a pattern matter?
The line that breaks the run stands out and lands hard.
How do you analyse repetition?
Name the repeat + what its beat does to the reader.
Repetition vs parallelism?
Repetition repeats a WORD; parallelism repeats a PATTERN.
Where does a chant get its power?
The repeat lodges the words in your head.
Commonest repetition mistake?
Spotting the repeat but not saying what it does.
1.3.310 cards
What is contrast?
Opposite ideas or words set against each other.
What is juxtaposition?
Placing two things side by side so each sharpens the other.
What does contrast do?
Makes each side look sharper and points to a difference.
Where does the effect of a contrast live?
In the gap between the two sides.
‘best year and the worst’ — what is it?
Contrast — opposite ideas set against each other.
Why place two things side by side?
The nearness makes the gap between them hit harder.
How do you analyse a contrast?
Name both sides + what the gap makes the reader feel.
Contrast vs juxtaposition?
Contrast = opposite ideas; juxtaposition = placing things side by side.
Why does a wedding next to an empty chair work?
The joy sharpens the sense of loss.
Commonest contrast mistake?
Spotting a contrast but not explaining the gap.
1.3.410 cards
What is a rhetorical question?
A question asked for effect, not a real answer.
What is the imperative?
A command — the writer giving the reader an order.
What is direct address?
Speaking straight to ‘you’, the reader.
What is inclusive language?
‘We’, ‘us’, ‘together’ — folding the reader into one group.
What does a rhetorical question do?
Nudges the reader toward an obvious answer, so they agree.
What does an imperative do?
Speaks straight to the reader and stirs them to act.
What does ‘we’ do?
Folds the reader onto the writer's side, sharing a stake.
How do you analyse these devices?
Name the device + how it positions the reader.
Where do you often see all three?
Speeches and adverts — stacked to persuade.
Commonest mistake with these?
Naming the device but not saying what it does to the reader.
Topic 1.3 study notes
Full notes & explanations for Sentences & rhetoric
English A Lang & Lit exam skills
Paper structures, command terms & tips
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