Well I can suggest some things you can use...
For visuals, you can comment on...
1) body language (a downcast head to represent sadness or disappointment for example)
2) contrasts in colour - in more detail, you can comment on symbols, such as black or dark colours representing dark concepts such as sadness and white or bright colours representing joyful ideas.
3) juxtaposition (putting one image/object/concept next to another to convey a point, show contrasts or give a different meaning. Really nice word- markers seem to love it)
4) visual metaphors (like for example, a lack of, or shortening of time could be represented by the numbers on a clock becoming closer/ the movement of two people in different directions could represent differences of opinion/ideals)
For language techniques, you can comment on...
1) Changes in register (the level of speech) eg. colloquial to formal language.
2) Metaphor (comparing one idea to another to give a greater effect)
3) Extended metaphor - it's an analogy basically. For example, throughout a piece of text, an author may keep using a breaking boat to convey the idea of break in society. If you've read Lord of the Flies, the analogy used there was the conch, which represented order in society)
4) Symbols (just like in visuals, a lion could be used to represent bravery)
5) Other imagery such as similes, personification, etc. are also common, but less powerful techniques to mention. Mention em anyway though.
6) The perspective of narrative (1st, 2nd, 3rd person- for example, 1st person gives the text a personal touch, making the words more believable)
7) The use of narrative form itself sets up orientation, complication and resolution. Such a technique allows the composer of a text to explore the development of character personality/relationships, etc.
8) The journey. This is a technique used by text composers to show the development of a character from generally INNOCENCE to EXPERIENCE, which should be mentioned when talking about the character journey)
Anyway, I hope this helps you people, especially this singhsta character over here
. I'm sure there are more, but this is all I can think of right now.
-CHUDYMASTER-