TEXT ANALYSIS
Three aspects of text analysis for
AS Level English
LANGUAGE
the words the author uses to
convey his ideas, including
various figures of speech
and language devices
FORM
text type, how the text is
presented on the page
STRUCTURE
how information is organized in
the text; how parts of the text
fit together to make a whole
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LANGUAGE
the words the author uses to convey his ideas,
including various figures of speech and
language devices
LEXIS – WORD CHOICE/DICTION
individual words and phrases, especially
those with strong connotations
FIGURES OF SPEECH
e.g. simile, metaphor, personification...
PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES
language devices used for convincing the
reader to accept the author's point of view
GRAMMAR, SYNTAX AND
PUNCTUATION
FORM
text type, how the text is presented on the
page
FORM AS A REFLECTION OF GENRE
form reflects the conventions of a genre
(e.g. letters include visual elements which
are characteristic of that text type)
FORM AS WHAT THE TEXT LOOKS
LIKE ON THE PAGE
anaphora, single-line sentences, short
sentences and paragraphs, ellipsis,
dialogue, subheadings, bullet points...
FORM AS HOW THE TEXT APPEALS TO
THE AUDIENCE AND HOW PURPOSE
AFFECTS THE STYLE OF A TEXT
tone and register
STRUCTURE
how information is organized in the text;
how parts of the text fit together to make
a whole
INTRODUCTION AND THE ENDING
how the introduction gets the reader
interested in the text and what effect does
the ending have; cyclical structure
DEVELOPMENT
gradual development of tone or theme
CONTRAST
juxtaposition between different elements
of the text
SHIFTS
shifts in focus or topic and theme
PACE
how quickly the text progresses