Shape It Like You Mean It: Structural Techniques for AQA Paper 2, Question 5”
If you're tackling Question 5 on AQA Language Paper 2, you've probably been told to use persuasive language — but don't forget how you structure your writing matters just as much.
Examiners aren't just looking for fancy phrases or emotive words — they're checking if your writing has a clear flow, a logical order, and a sense of control. That's where structural techniques come in. Think of them as the bones of your writing: they hold everything together.
In this guide, we’ll break down what structural techniques really mean in your own writing — and how to use them to boost your marks.
✅ Structural Techniques in Student Writing (Q5)
✅ Structural Techniques in Student Writing (Q5)
These help shape the flow, impact, and readability of the argument or narrative.
Technique
What It Looks Like in Practice
1: Paragraphing Clear topic-based paragraphs with single ideas — not huge blocks or random breaks.
2:@ Opening/Introduction An engaging hook or clear statement of opinion to grab the reader.
3: Conclusion A final persuasive message, summary, or call to action.
4: Discourse markers Linking phrases like “However,” “On the other hand,” “Furthermore,” to guide the reader.
Contrast Setting up opposing views: “Some believe X… but I argue Y.”
5: Repetition/Refrains Repeating a phrase or idea for emphasis and structure: “We see it every day. We ignore it every day.”
6: Shifts in tone Moving from sarcastic to serious, or hopeful to angry, for rhetorical effect.
6: Lists/Rule of three “Fast. Cheap. Wrong.” — gives rhythm and structure.
7: Rhetorical sequence Building an argument step by step: Point → Evidence → Challenge → Call to action.
8: Cyclical structure Ending by referring back to the opening idea.