Structure analysis checklist (what to say beyond “it builds tension”)

Key steps (method)

• Use a timeline: start → shift → end.
• Pick 2–3 structure ideas from:
  • shift in focus/setting
  • zoom in/out
  • pace changes (sentence length)
  • contrasts
  • withholding/revealing information
  • cyclical ending
• For each, write: what changes → where → why → effect on reader.

Common mistakes

• Analysing language instead of structure.
• Listing features with no purpose.
• Only writing about the first few lines.

Support videos

• AQA structure analysis search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=aqa+language+paper+1+structure+question

Notes