Skip to content
    English Literature A-Level

    Syntactic tension

    What Syntactic tension means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for OCR.

    Definition of Syntactic tension

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Syntactic tension in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    A micro-level stylistic choice, alongside sensory imagery and narrative unreliability, to evaluate when analysing an unseen passage.
    OCR · Comparative and contextual study (Component 02) - Topics: Close reading

    Topics that use Syntactic tension

    Related terms

    Using Syntactic tension in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise English Literature questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All English Literature A-Level terms