Mrs. Ruland's Advanced Placement World History Course
Power Words for Writing and Anaysis
When writing for a history course you will often be constructing arguments to answer a question or relay information. Creating and justifying a strong argument is part of analysis (see What is Analysis?). To illustrate your mastery of writing and analysis, there are some words you can use to help the reader understand your points. To jog your memory, here are some words that you can use to create analysis:
| why? | causes? | comparisons? |
| how? | effects? | differences? |
| when? | changes? | process/steps |
| where? | continuities? | point of view? |
More detail can be given if action or descriptive words are used to present evidence given in an analysis.
Descriptive Verbs |
Compare |
Contrast |
asserts |
agree |
conversely |
compliments |
also |
differently |
demonstrates |
as well (as) |
disagree |
embraces |
both/all |
however |
exemplifies |
in addition |
in contrast |
illustrates |
in common |
none |
indicates |
shares the view |
on the other hand |
portrays |
similarly |
unlike |
reflects |
neither |
either |
reveals |
too |
|
signifies |
|
|
strengthens |
|
|
symbolizes |
|
|
undermines |
|
|
change |
|
|
continue |
|
|
transform |
|
|
evolved |
|
|
emerge |
|
|
revolutionize |
|
|
connect |
|
|
Are there other words that could be added to this table?
The use of transitional phrases also helps to guide the reader point by through the essay. Additionally, transitional phrases provide organization. Some teachers discourage the use of transitional phrases, but in the class, you are encouraged to use them in order to demonstrate analysis.
To clarify a sequence of events: first, second, third, next, finally, last. (However, NEVER start each body paragraph with one of these words. The sequencing of paragraphs does not indicate analysis, but rather a simplistic style.)
To show a similar relationship: similarly, in like manner, likewise
To point out dissimilarity: in opposition to, in contrast to, on the other hand
To emphasize a point: indeed, in fact, surely, certainly
To show or point out a result: consequently, as a result, therefore, hence
To summarize a position: in summation, finally, in conclusion, in short
To illustrate a point: for example, by way of illustration, for instance
To contrast a position: on the other hand, however, but, yet, despite, although
To record time: now, gradually, later, eventually, immediately, at once, at this point, next, afterword, soon, then
Instead of constantly using the word “said,” try using one of the words below. These words have much stronger connotations than “said.”
Synonym |
Meaning |
added |
to embellish or enhance an argument |
continued |
to further an earlier point |
stated |
to say, usually confined to quotes or paraphrases from documents |
announced |
to declared publicly or formally |
asserted |
to state positively, with great confidence but no objective proof |
commented |
to make a remark to explain, interpret, or criticize |
declared |
to make known clearly and openly |
observed |
to mention casually |
remarked |
to make a brief, casual statement of opinion |
reported |
to give an account of |
There are, of course, many more words that can lend strength to your argument. Think about those now, and add them to this handout. Share with me and other students. Try to use these words when you write in other classes. You won’t be disappointed.
Adapted from Jenny Schinleber, Cypress Creek High School, Orlando, FL 32824
Last updated August 14, 2006
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2009, All rights reserved
