Using grammatical features

    AQA
    GCSE

    Mastery of grammatical features requires the deliberate manipulation of syntax and morphology to shape meaning, tone, and pacing. In reading assessment (AO2), candidates must deconstruct sentence structures and grammatical choices to explain specific effects on the reader, moving beyond mere feature spotting to functional analysis. In writing components (AO5/AO6), credit is awarded for the conscious variation of sentence forms and the precise control of complex punctuation to orchestrate emphasis and textual cohesion. High-level responses demonstrate an understanding of how grammatical deviation contributes to voice and idiolect.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for analysis that links sentence forms (simple, compound, complex, minor) directly to the text's pacing or tension (AO2)
    • Credit responses that identify specific syntactical patterns (e.g., anaphora, polysyndetic listing, antithesis) and their rhetorical impact
    • Reward 'sophisticated control' in writing (AO6 Level 4) where punctuation (semicolons, colons) is used accurately to manipulate cadence
    • Penalise 'comma splices' in writing sections, which cap Technical Accuracy marks at Level 2 regardless of vocabulary quality

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for analysis that links sentence forms (simple, compound, complex, minor) directly to the text's pacing or tension (AO2)
    • Credit responses that identify specific syntactical patterns (e.g., anaphora, polysyndetic listing, antithesis) and their rhetorical impact
    • Reward 'sophisticated control' in writing (AO6 Level 4) where punctuation (semicolons, colons) is used accurately to manipulate cadence
    • Penalise 'comma splices' in writing sections, which cap Technical Accuracy marks at Level 2 regardless of vocabulary quality

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In Language Analysis (Q2/Q3), select three distinct features: one word class, one figurative device, and one grammatical feature (e.g., sentence length) to show range
    • 💡When writing (Q5), consciously place a one-word sentence or a minor sentence at a moment of high tension or realisation to demonstrate craft
    • 💡Replace vague analysis like 'creates a picture' with precise verbs: 'accelerates the pace', 'fragments the narrative', or 'creates a cumulative effect'
    • 💡Proofread writing specifically for sentence demarcation; ensure every sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with appropriate punctuation

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Feature-spotting sentence types (e.g., 'The writer uses a complex sentence') without analysing the specific effect on the reader
    • Using generic phrases like 'makes it flow' or 'makes the reader want to read on' instead of specific structural effects
    • Inadvertent comma splicing (joining two independent clauses with a comma) in Question 5 writing tasks
    • Confusing grammatical terminology, such as misidentifying a compound sentence as complex, or a phrase as a clause

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    How does the writer use language...
    Write a description...
    Write a story...
    Write an article...
    Write a speech...
    Compare how writers...

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic