Great verbs for analytical writing

LO: Can I use appropriate powerful verbs when I write about texts?

Which do you use when writing about texts (novels, plays, poems, adverts, films etc.) in English?

AdvisesAffects

Alludes toArguesBuilds

ClarifiesConfirmsConnotes

ConstructsCriticisesConveys

DemonstratesDenotes

DepictsDescribes

DeterminesDisplays

EncouragesEmphasisesEstablishesExamines

ExemplifiesExpandsExplainsExploresExposes

ForeshadowsForetells Highlights

HintsIllustratesImpactsImplies

IndicatesInforms

IntroducesManifestsNarrates

Persuades

PortraysPresentsRefersRelates

RemarksRepresents

RevealsShows

SignifiesSymbolisesSuggestsSupportsTypifies

Powerful verbs for analytical essays

Some verbs are helpful for showing how details (like events, words or symbols) in texts support an idea or interpretation…

“The act of hurling the pearl into the sea

suggests that the beauty of the soul cannot be bought.”

“Her constant use of first-person pronouns like ‘I’

and ‘My’ exposes her self-centred nature.”

Example + Verb + Explanation

Your turn…

“The use of statistics __________ the reader that the writer’s argument is logical.”

“The verb ‘clawed’ __________ a great struggle.”

“The intense disagreement between these characters __________ tension throughout the play.”

“The open road in the image __________ freedom and adventure.”

suggests persuades builds represents

Plural verb?

“The open road and the mountain range __________ freedom and adventure.”

Can you turn the verb into a noun?

“The open road is perhaps a __________ of freedom and adventure. ”

“The open road in the image represents freedom and adventure.”

Powerful verbs for analytical essays

These verbs can also be helpful for showing how writers convey ideas, messages or intentions…

They can help you talk about the context of a text…

“The lighthouse is an important symbol in the poem.

It represents hope and truth.”

“In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee highlights racial and social injustice in 1930s America.”

Example + Verb + Explanation

Your turn…

“Purple Hibiscus __________ growing up and the search for identity.”

“Iago __________ Othello using animal imagery.”

“The movie ‘Fight Club’ __________ American society and __________ it to be breaking down completely.”

“The snake __________ evil, so the author may be suggesting that the setting is sinful and dangerous”

explores portrays criticises describes symbolises

Plural verb?

“The novels Purple Hibiscus and Jane Eyre both __________ growing up and the search for identity.”

Can you turn the verb into a noun?

“Purple Hibiscus can be read as an __________ of growing up.

“Purple Hibiscus explores growing up and the search for

identity.”

Advises

Affects

Alludes to

Argues

Builds

Clarifies

Confirms

Connotes

Constructs

Criticises

Conveys

Denotes

Depicts

Describes

Determines

Demonstrates

Displays

Encourages

Emphasises

Establishes

Examines

Exemplifies

Expands

Explains

Explores

Exposes

Foreshadows

Foretells

HighlightsHints

IllustratesImpactsImplies

IndicatesInforms

IntroducesManifestsNarrates

Persuades

PortraysPresentsRefersRelates

RemarksRepresents

RevealsShows

SignifiesSymbolisesSuggestsSupportsTypifies

Note of Caution: Only use the verbs you’re familiar with unless you take the time to examine the definition in the dictionary. This is not a list of synonyms.

Each word has specific uses that are unique to its meaning.

Active verbs for writing about texts...