Language and Structure Devices

Language Device

Adjective (Describing word)

• Effect: Adds more vivid description

Verb (Doing word)

• Effect: Adds a sense of pace and urgency to the description.

Adverb (Adds more information to a verb)

• Effect: Adds a sense of pace and urgency to the description.

Similes (Comparing using like or as)

• Effect: Helps describe people, objects, places and is usually quite literal.  

Metaphors (Comparing saying it is something else)

• Effect: Helps describe people, objects, places and is usually an unrelated comparison.

Foreshadowing

• Effect: Hints and clues about the ending.

Pathetic Fallacy

• Effect: When the weather reflects mood and human emotion

Structure Device

Simple Sentences

• Effect: Used to create a dramatic effect such tension.  It also might suggest fear and fast-paced action or thoughts.

Long Complex Sentences

• Effect: Can be used to add lots of descriptive detail; or for a character it can be like a stream of consciousness in which they reveal all their thoughts.

Short Paragraphs

•  Used for impact and to draw attention from the reader.

Punctuation e.g. Ellipsis 

• Effect: All punctuation is used for effect e.g. A author’s use of an ellipsis can be used to create a cliff hanger and suspense; or to show a character’s uncertainty.