Core Analytical Verbs & Reasoning Words
The author never says the storm symbolizes freedom, but the way it’s described as ‘breaking the still air and washing everything clean’ allows readers to do this
What is infer meaning from imagery.
In ‘She stared at the empty chair, tracing memories in silence,’ which tone best fits the passage
What is pensive?
When a story begins and ends with the same image of the ocean, this structure is being used to shape meaning
What is circular structure (supports theme)?
In the line ‘She’s a diamond in the dust,’ the word diamond carries this kind of meaning beyond its literal sense
What is a positive connotation?
When the narrator writes ‘some truths are best left unsaid,’ the writer choosing to do this with information
What is conceal it (keep it hidden from the reader)?
When the speaker says, ‘I will not apologize for the truth you fear,’ this tone is conveyed
What is indignant?
The repeated image of the bird throughout the story serves as this literary element
What is motif symbolizing freedom?
Two critics read the same poem — one calls it hopeful, the other mournful. This difference shows this subtle quality in tone
What is nuance?
In the sentence ‘The cracks in the walls whispered the town’s secrets,’ the author’s word choice works to do this for the reader
What is reveal hidden truth through figurative language.
In the line ‘He fell, stood, and walked again,’ what quality of tone or character is emphasized?
What is resilient?
The long, winding sentences mirror the character’s racing thoughts. This effect is created through this element.
What is syntax?
When the author writes ‘the mask cracked,’ this literary device suggests a deeper truth being exposed.
What is symbolism?
The repetition of the word ‘again’ in the final paragraph most likely serves to do this
What is to emphasize the character’s longing or cycle of behavior.
The narrator describes events with no emotion, as in ‘The fire spread; I noted the time,’ creating this tone
What is detached?
The shift from first-person to third-person narration changes this of the reader’s
What is perspective?
The phrase ‘We rise, we fight, we rise again’ repeats structure for rhythm and emphasis. Name this device.
What is parallelism?
By shifting from the teacher’s calm tone to the student’s defensive one, the writer uses contrast to do this
What is develop tension and highlight differing perspectives.
The author’s tone in ‘I write because silence feels dishonest’ is best described as this
What is earnest?
By describing the city as ‘a jewel beside a junkyard,’ the author uses this technique to emphasize contrast.
What is juxtaposition?
The final line ‘They were both right and wrong’ leaves readers uncertain of meaning. The writer is creating this.
What is ambiguity?