If you are asked to comment on the EFFECTS of language,

Analytical Vocabulary you need to use a range of analytical vocabulary. You will
What to say about the EFFECTS of language present ideas more clearly if you use precise terminology
to describe exactly what the effects of language are.
To show how a text can be
To show how language creates
compared to another, or linked What might the EFFECT be?
an image or idea:
to a theme or idea:
Creates Evokes Illustrates Creating a powerful idea/image

Compares Reflects
Implies Gives the impression that…
Mirrors Alludes to Causing a change in tone/mood
Portrays Suggests Highlights
Echoes Symbolises

Presents Introduces
Presenting or developing a character

What techniques might the Questions to ask yourself: Putting it all together:
writer be using?
Imagery Emotive Language Is the writer trying to make a point? The writer uses this image to highlight
the idea of…
Dialogue Structure Is the writer trying to change your ideas?
This idea is echoed in the story later on
Narrative Voice Is the writer talking about his/her own when…
experiences?
The writer clearly feels strongly about…
 Glossary e.g. If we compare these two poems we see that…
Create: To make an image (picture in the reader’s mind) or idea.
e.g. the writer creates an image of peace when he describes Reflect/Mirror: To say that the same idea is shown somewhere else.
this family. e.g. this image is reflected later in the novel.

Evoke: You EVOKE a mood or emotion by using powerful language. Alludes to: To say that something refers to another idea.
e.g. the writer evokes a feeling of joy by describing the e.g. here the writer clearly alludes to the idea of conflict.
sunrise.
Echo: To say that the same or a similar idea is shown somewhere
Illustrate: To illustrate is to show something or paint a picture with else.
words. e.g. this idea is echoed throughout the poem.
e.g. the idea of hate is illustrated by the violent images.
Symbolise: To say that an image or character represents a larger idea.
Imply: To imply is to say that something MIGHT be the case. e.g. this character is a symbol of all women in London at
e.g. perhaps the writer is implying that the character is that time.
unhappy.
Example Paragraph
Gives the impression: Makes us think… Here is the quotation I am analysing. It is from a war poem
e.g. the writer gives the impression that something by Wilfred Owen.
dangerous is coming.
Portray: To present an idea or image. “…watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
e.g. the writer portrays this character as a villain. His hanging face like a devil’s sick of sin…
the blood come gargling from the froth corrupted
Suggest: To offer an idea which MIGHT be true. lungs.”
e.g. this description suggests that the character is jealous.
In this poem the writer creates a horrific image of war. The
Highlight: To point out an important idea or piece of information. description of the “hanging” face suggests that the man’s
e.g. this image highlights the importance of their head is drooping from injury, but it could also evoke scenes
relationship. of an execution by hanging, introducing the theme of
violent death to the poem. This image is echoed shortly
Introduce: To present a new idea or character. afterwards in the “froth corrupted lungs”; it is clear that the
e.g. the writer introduces the theme of revenge. man whose lungs are full of blood is going to die. Owen
wants to convince the reader that war is not glorious and
that it just leads to the unnecessary death of young men.
Compare: To say something is similar or different to something else