Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093) STRUCTURE
GUIDE: WRITING & TEXT ANALYSIS
SECTION A: Structure in Writing (Component 1)
1. Overall Text Structure - Introduction – Clear purpose, hook or context.
- Body Paragraphs – Each paragraph develops a separate point or idea. -
Conclusion – Provides closure, reflects, summarises or creates final impact.
2. Paragraph Structure - One idea per paragraph. - Use a topic sentence
to introduce each paragraph. - Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs. -
Use connectives (e.g. however, furthermore, in addition, in contrast).
3. Sentence Structure - Use a variety of sentence types: - Simple: The
day was hot. - Compound: The day was hot, and the air was still. - Complex:
Although the day was hot, the wind made it bearable. - Include short
sentences for impact. - Use varied openings (avoid repetition).
4. Cohesion and Coherence - Maintain consistent tense and point of
view. - Link ideas using referencing (he, it, this, such). - Avoid disjointed
ideas — ensure a smooth progression.
5. Punctuation for Effect - Use a range of punctuation: - Commas (for
pauses or lists) - Colons/semi-colons (for linking ideas) - Dashes, brackets
(for additional information) - Ellipses (for suspense) - Use sentence-ending
punctuation to reflect tone and style.
SECTION B: Structure in Text Analysis
(Component 1 Question 2 & Component 2)
1. Text Organisation - Identify the opening and ending – how do they
engage or conclude? - Look at how ideas are sequenced – is there a
pattern? - Is the structure chronological, logical, circular, or contrast-
based?
2. Paragraphing - Are the original paragraphs long or short? - Short
paragraphs may show emphasis or urgency. - Long paragraphs may build
description or argument.
3. Sentence-Level Features - Analyse sentence length and type: - Lists
and repetition - Parallel structures - Rhetorical questions - Look at syntax
(word order) – fronting, inversion, etc.
4. Cohesion Devices - Reference words: he, she, it, this, these -
Conjunctions: because, although, while - Repetition of key words or ideas -
Transitions: in conclusion, on the other hand, therefore
Paragraphing in Your Commentary/Essay - Start with an introduction:
brief summary + line of argument. - Use P.E.E. or P.E.A.L. structure: -
Point – State the feature - Evidence – Quote or describe -
Explanation/Analysis – Explain effect and purpose - Link – Connect back to
the question/focus - Finish with a brief conclusion: sum up key
observations.
Summary Table
Analysis (Component 1 Q2 /
Feature Writing (Component 1) Paper 2)
Paragraphs Topic sentences, linked ideas Grouped by feature (e.g.,
structure, lexis)
Sentence Simple, compound, complex Analysed for rhythm,
Variety emphasis, structure
Cohesion Connectives, pronouns, logical Identifying cohesive
flow devices
Structure Beginning–Middle–End Organisation of ideas,
structure openings and endings
Punctuation Used for clarity, tone, and style Commented on for effect
Tip: In both writing and analysis, structure supports meaning. Show how
structure influences tone, clarity, and reader impact.