How to present POINTS:
Introduce the poem and highlight the role of Verb to show effect/function Idea/theme/
the poet message/ mood (WHAT)
In her/his poem [...], the poet emphasises [a theme]
signifies [an idea]
symbolizes [an attitude]
[a relationship]
In the poem[...], [author’s name] illustrates how …
suggests to what extent …
implies that …
In the poem [...], the poet highlights how …
demonstrates to what extent …
underlines that …
Throughout the poem, [author’s name] reinforces how …
shows to what extent …
reflects that …
How to introduce EVIDENCE for an analytical commentary:
The description of x as „...“ signifies / reflects / suggests / put the effect / impact on the reader here
hints at / symbolises / connotes
By describing … as „...“ (and „_“) , [poet’s name] highlights / implies put the effect / impact on the reader here
[Poet’s name] describes … as ‘...’ to show / to emphasise put the effect / impact on the reader here
The poet uses the word ‘...’ to suggest put the effect / impact on the reader here
How to introduce TECHNIQUES:
Poet’s role The device (HOW) Verb to show effect/function The WHAT
[author’s name]’s use of imagery conveys [a theme]
sounds shows [an idea]
reflects [an attitude]
illustrates [a relationship]
In her/his poem [...], the poet imagery to emphasise how …
includes images of to signify to what extent …
sounds of to symbolize that …
the extent to which…
In the poem[...], [author’s detailed description illustrates how …
name]’s use of repeated references to suggests to what extent …
implies that …
In the poem [...], the poet’s figurative language to highlight how …
relies on metaphors / similes / to demonstrate to what extent …
personification to underline that …
In [author’s name]’s poem contrasts in… reinforces how …
[...] the use of changes in… shows to what extent …
reflects that …
How to provide EXPLANATIONS/ANALYSIS:
The terms ‘…’ and ‘...’ emphasise the extent to which ...
The phrase ‘...’ illustrates …
The word ‘...’ signifies …
The line ‘...’ conveys …
The depiction of … as ‘...’ conveys that …
The description of x as „...“ and „—„ implies ...
Using the term „...“ the author ...
The reference to … as ‘...’ and ‘...’ emphasizes that…
The portrayal of … as ‘..’ suggests that…
Useful verbs
Verbs signalling emphasis: highlight - reinforce - underline - accentuate - foreground
Verbs signalling illustration: convey - illustrate - show - exemplify - indicate - express
Verbs signalling meaning: connote - symbolise - signify - imply - reflect - infer - evoke
Compare and Contrast
Comparison Contrast
one similarity one difference
another similarity another difference
both conversely
like in contrast
likewise unlike
similarly while
in a similar fashion While this is the case in, it is different in...
Both authors take the same approach… This is contrasted in…
This is mirrored in… ...is contrasted in both texts.
This can also be seen in… This is not the case in…
Signposting
As can be seen in the extract from the (non-)literary work....
In the rest of the (non-)literary body of work...
Another authorial choice used by X to present the global issue is...
Whereas the use of X is prevalent in the extract, in the rest of the work, Y is more commonly used to present the global issue.
We also see this global issue across the body of work,
While text A [point about the presentation of the global issue], text B instead [different way in which the global issue is presented]