This question tests your ability to discuss how an author has structured a text in order to try and interest the reader (the reader in this case is you).
This question can be a lot simpler than it seems, but to get top marks there's a lot to consider. This guide will attempt to explain the question in a simpler way in order to ensure you get enough marks for a grade 4 (a grade C). Once you are confident using the method in this guide, start looking at structure techniques.
At a simple level, the examiners just want you to talk about how the extract starts, where the focus goes to next, and how the extract ends. Remember, there are lots of ways to tell a story and so there must be a reason why the author chose this way to tell their story. It is up to you to try and explain why the author chose this way and discuss how this way may interest the reader.
Generally, authors will focus on one of three things in a paragraph - the setting, characters, or action/plot. Identify what this focus is e.g. "The author focuses on introducing the setting in the beginning..." and then tell us what you learn about this focus e.g. "we learn that the setting is a dangerous abandoned building." Finally, tell us why you think the author chose to do this (but avoid being vague/generic e.g. "This engages my interest as this kind of setting makes me think that something horrible might happen in the story due to the danger present. It also makes me worry that someone may be injured as a result."
Key points to consider:
Look over the text again and write some bullet points to remind you of the structure and how the story flows.
Use planning tables to help you practice structure skills, until you're comfortable enough to answer these questions without one.
Make sure you include quotes where appropriate. This will help prevent you being too vague.
You may want to discuss any questions that the text raises. Does the text make you wonder what's going to happen to one of the characters for example? This might be done to build tension.
Make sure your paragraphs link back to the question i.e. refer to how the structure interests the reader.
For each point you raise, write one full paragraph. If you list lots of points together, you won't have the space to fully explain each one.
Don't use vague or simple explanations such as, "it makes me read on." These aren't specific to the text you've been given.
You need to aim to write at least 2-3 paragraphs for this question.