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As I tried to show earlier, strong analytical writing typically follows a three-part paragraph construction:

○ First, restate what author/character is declaring in words of text;

○ Second, show what you think speaker is saying in your own words;

○ Third, suggest what you think importance is of quote within larger text and argument

Each of these pieces requires its own word choice, namely:

○ Declare(when the meaning of one thing is clear): “assert,” “avow,” “proclaim,” “profess,” “maintain,” “contend,” “pronounce,” “insist”

○ Show(you are interpreting meaning, but it is obvious): “shows,” “reveals,” “demonstrates,” “displays,” “indicates,” “points out,” “points to,” “reflects,” “evinces,” “indicates,” “implies”

○ Suggest(you are providing own interpretive claim of less obvious evidence): “insinuates,” “intimates,” “points to,” “seems to claim,” “evinces,” “emphasizes,” “underlines,” “stresses”

Just using the words above will force your sentences to show cause (the subject of the sentence) and effect (the direct object of your sentence). To put it another way, these are perfect verbs to use to show how an example from a text supports an idea of your own.

These are not the only words you can use, however, to show cause-and-effect, or rather, example-and-idea. For polished analytical writing, attempt to use the following words:

“Cause” verbs:

“initiate”

“instigate”

“prompt”

“precipitate”

“enable”

“inaugurate”

“usher”

“To do”/”to perform” verbs:

“enact”

“perform”

“implement”

“institute”

“establish”

“Cause” nouns:

“source”

“basis”

“boot”

“foundation”

“Effect” verbs:

“derive from”

“stem from”

“ensue”

“follow”

“entail”

“result”

“predicated on”

“Effect” nouns:

“product”

“result”

“consequence”

“ramifications”

“Strengthen” verbs:

“promote”

“bolster”

“facilitate”

“enable”

“boost”

“fortify”

“maintain”

“Use” verbs:

“employ”

“exploit”

“harness”

“mobilize”

“Is example of” verbs:

“exemplify”

“epitomize”

“embody”

“encapsulate”

“typify”

“represent”

“Ensure” verbs:

“guarantee”

“assure”

“enable”

“affirm”

“wield influence”

“exert power”

“To do” verbs:

“enact”

“perform”

“achieve”

Purpose verbs:

“dedicated/devoted themselves to,”

“vowed/ determined/ endeavored to”

“Mean” verbs:

“signify”

“mark”

“signal”

“denote”

“crystallize”