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
Create: To make an image (picture in the reader’s mind) or idea.
e.g. the writer creates an image of peace when he Compare: To say something is similar or different to something else
describes this family. e.g. If we compare these two poems we see that…

Evoke: You EVOKE a mood or emotion by using powerful Reflect/Mirror: To say that the same idea is shown somewhere
language. else.
e.g. the writer evokes a feeling of joy by describing the e.g. this image is reflected later in the novel.
sunrise.
Alludes to: To say that something refers to another idea.
Illustrate: To illustrate is to show something or paint a picture with e.g. here the writer clearly alludes to the idea of conflict.
words.
e.g. the idea of hate is illustrated by the violent images. Echo: To say that the same or a similar idea is shown
somewhere else.
Imply: To imply is to say that something MIGHT be the case. e.g. this idea is echoed throughout the poem.
e.g. perhaps the writer is implying that the character is
unhappy. Symbolise: To say that an image or character represents a larger idea.
e.g. this character is a symbol of all women in London at
Gives the impression: Makes us think… that time.
e.g. the writer gives the impression that something
dangerous is coming. Example Paragraph
Portray: To present an idea or image. Here is the quotation I am analysing. It is from a war poem
e.g. the writer portrays this character as a villain. by Wilfred Owen.

Suggest: To offer an idea which MIGHT be true.

Highlight: To point out an important idea or piece of information. His hanging face like a devil’s sick of sin…
e.g. this image highlights the importance of their
the blood come gargling from the froth corrupted
relationship.
lungs.”
Introduce: To present a new idea or character.
e.g. the writer introduces the theme of revenge.
In this poem the writer creates a horrific image of war.
The description of the “hanging” face suggests that the
man’s head is drooping from injury, but it could also evoke
scenes of an execution by hanging, introducing the theme
of violent death to the poem. This image is echoed shortly
afterwards in the “froth corrupted lungs”; it is clear that
the 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.