GCSE English/English Literature: Analyses and explanations need a wider-ranging vocabulary to keep your ideas lively!
Here’s the favourite verb used by students: SHOWS
But obviously the verb ‘shows’ can become repetitive and does imply certainty or consequence which may not suit your argument.
When you vary your analytical language, your arguments deepen. And you avoid boring the examiner !
So here are a few alternatives:
Evokes
Reveals
Conceals
Veils
Uncovers
Appears
Masks the truth that
Underlines the message/idea that
Signifies
Implies
Communicates
Problematises
Remains ambiguous
Undermines
Creates the expectation that
Suggests
Gives representation to
Represents
Directs the attention of the reader
Explores
Examines
Emphasises
Explains
Generates the idea that
Encourages the reader to react/reflect/revise
Creates the impression that
Consolidates
Adds weight to
Exposes
Repeats the idea that
Convinces the reader that
Reminds the audience/reader that
Contradicts
Contrasts
Maintains the idea that
Manipulates the reader/audience
Makes the reader consider/reconsider
Evaluates
Re-evaluates
Makes noticeable
Contains
Directs the reader’s attention
Directs us into thinking
This is thought provoking
Reflects upon
Provokes the reader into
Gives voice to
Gives credence to the idea that
Delivers the impression that
Now think of the effects of language too.
The reader feels…
Uneasy/Ambivalent about
Uncomfortable
Alarmed
Surprised/Amazed by
Alienated/Estranged by
Shocked/Startled by
Exonerated/Vindicated by
Compassionate/Sympathetic towards
Thrilled/Excited/Stimulated/ Passionate about
Transformed by
Undermined/Destabilised by
Eager anticipation about
Flattered by
Convinced/Converted by
Complicit with/Conspires with
In collusion with
Seduced by
Charmed by/Feels connected with/ Feels an intimacy with
Affectionate towards
Hypnotised/Enchanted by
Friendly towards
