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      Using inverted sentence structures and chiasmus for effect

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use sophisticated sentence structures to create specific effects.

      Key learning points

      1. Inverted sentence structures add variety to your writing.
      2. Inverted sentence structures also draw attention to moments or ideas.
      3. Chiasmus is an X-shaped sentence structure.
      4. Chiasmus takes the clause from the first half of a sentence and repeats and reverses it in the second one.
      5. Chiasmus creates a sense of completion and is often euphonious.

      Keywords

      • To navigate - to plan, plot or direct a path

      • Abundance - a very large quantity of something

      • Intentional - in a planned or deliberate way

      • Clause - the basic unit of grammar, typically made up of a subject, a noun phrase and a verb phrase

      • Euphony - the quality of having a pleasant sound

      Common misconception

      Students often consider that sophisticated writing always involves using complex and challenging vocabulary.

      Draw attention to the way very simple words are used to create complex effects.

      Teacher tip

      Spend time asking students to read their sentences aloud. Write them on the board. Let them discuss and vote for the best one.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is the best definition of sentence structure?

      Correct answer: the arrangement of words and phrases into varied and correct sentences
      the study of sentence length and complexity
      the process of using punctuation to mark out sentences
      the analysis sentence meanings and interpretations

      Q2.
      Which of the following is the best synonym for 'to emphasise'?

      to analyse
      to demolish
      to distribute
      Correct answer: to reinforce

      Q3.
      If you invert something you ...

      paint it.
      Correct answer: reverse it.
      shrink it.
      drop it.

      Q4.
      What is the best antonym (opposite) for simple writing?

      sensory writing
      Correct answer: sophsticated writing
      beautiful writing
      effective writing

      Q5.
      When we discuss the effect of a literary device what are we doing?

      Correct answer: evaluating its influence
      identifying its author
      describing its historial context
      analysing the syntax

      Q6.
      Which word beginning with C refers to a group of words including a subject, noun and a verb?

      Correct Answer: clause

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words on the left with their synonyms on the right.

      Correct Answer:to navigate,to steer a path

      to steer a path

      Correct Answer:abundance,plenty

      plenty

      Correct Answer:intentional,deliberate

      deliberate

      Correct Answer:euphony,harmony

      harmony

      Q2.
      What word describes a X shaped sentence structure?

      Correct answer: chiasmus
      inverted
      clause

      Q3.
      'Not only ... but ...' is a useful sentence structure for ...

      saying what things are not.
      stressing the negative qualities of a situation
      Correct answer: showing that more than one thing is happening
      contradicting an earlier thought.

      Q4.
      If I wanted to show my surprise or delight about something which of the following might I use?

      Little did ...
      Only then ...
      Correct answer: Never have ...
      Not only ... but ...

      Q5.
      Which of the following sentences uses chiasmus?

      His time had come and come it did, swiftly and without warning.
      The cat chased the mouse and the mouse ran away swiftly.
      The mountain tall, stood the mountain.
      Correct answer: She sings not because she is happy; she is happy because she sings.

      Q6.
      Slogans often employ chiasmus because it ...

      makes the slogan easy to say.
      Correct answer: makes the slogan easy to remember.
      carefully undermines the competitor.
      they are short.

      To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Using inverted sentence structures and chiasmus for effect, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...