What is structure?
The structure of a text is how its parts are arranged. An argument text often has: an opening that catches attention, a claim, evidence, another view (and a reply to it), and an ending that leaves a final push.
A story has a different structure: a start, a problem, a high point and an ending. A news report puts the main fact first. The structure depends on what the writer wants to do.
Intention: what does the writer want?
Intention (aim, purpose) is what the writer wants from the reader. Three common aims:
- Inform: help you know something.
- Persuade: make you agree or act.
- Move feelings: make you feel joy, anger, pity or hope.
A text can have more than one aim. Ask: who is the reader, and what should the reader do after reading?
How structure serves intention
Putting the strongest point first grabs attention. Putting a small other view before your claim, and then answering it, shows fairness. Putting a call to act at the end tells the reader what to do. The order is a choice.
Rhetorical choices
Rhetoric is the art of using words well to reach an aim. A rhetorical choice is one thing the writer picks on purpose.
- Question: makes the reader stop and think.
- Example: makes an idea real and easy to picture.
- Repetition: makes a point stick in the memory.
- Strong or emotional word: makes the reader feel, but can also hide a weak argument.
- Comparison and the order of points: show what matters most.
How to evaluate
Evaluate means to judge how well something works. Use four questions:
- What is the aim?
- What order and tools did the writer choose?
- Does each choice help the aim, or hurt it?
- Is the writer fair (no tricks, no hidden facts) and clear?
Always give a reason: "The question at the start works because it makes the reader think about their own back pain."
Try it
Take a short advert or a short opinion piece. Write its aim, the order of its parts, and two rhetorical tools. Then write one sentence saying if it is fair, with a reason.
Key formulas and definitions
- Structure = the order of the parts of a text
- Intention = what the writer wants the reader to think, feel or do
- Rhetorical choice = a tool picked on purpose (question, example, repetition, strong word, order)
- Evaluate = aim, then choices, then help or hurt, then fair and clear
- Always add a reason to your judgement
Worked examples
1. A text opens with "Did you know 8 of 10 students sleep too little?" What is the choice and its effect?
It is a question joined with a number. The question makes the reader think about themselves, and the number gives quick evidence. It helps an aim to persuade or to inform.
2. A speech repeats "We can do it" five times. What is the effect and is it always good?
Repetition makes the idea easy to remember and builds feeling. It helps a motivating aim. But if the speech gives no reasons, the repetition cannot replace evidence, so it may be weak for a persuading text.
3. A writer puts the other side's view first and then answers it. What intention might this serve?
It shows fairness and builds trust. Readers who disagree feel heard, so they are more willing to listen to the claim. It serves persuasion.
Common mistakes
- Only naming the tool ("it uses a question") without saying what effect it has and why.
- Thinking the writer's aim is always to inform. Many texts try to persuade or move feelings.
- Judging that every strong word is good writing. Strong words with no evidence can mislead.
- Forgetting the reader. A choice is good or bad only for a certain reader and aim.