Focus on Author Actions and Reader Response
An analysis should focus on what the author does and the specific response they want from their reader.
It should include three things:
1. What? The word or phrase (technique) they have employed. You must label (metalanguage) and quote
this.
2. How? An explanation of how the language is meant to work.
3. Why? A very specific explanation of the response they want from their reader.
Example
The author attacks the reading results as “abysmal”, positioning the reader to see the system as failing and in need
of additional funding.
Note: the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ can often be combined.
Author Action Reader Response
The author
writes/thinks/says
urges, posits, puts forth, makes the case,
reasons, contends, disputes, challenges,
opposes, contests, demands, claims, calls
on, calls for action, appeals for action,
believes
●Addresses the readers’
●Activates the readers’
●Alarms the reader that…
●Allows the reader to…
●Captures the reader’s…
●Challenges the reader to
see….as…
●Clarifies for the reader…
●Confronts the reader…
●Compels the reader…
●Creates for the reader…
●Directs the reader to…
●Elicits from the reader…
●Encourages the reader…
●Engages the reader ….
●Forces the reader to focus
on…
●Fosters the reader’s view
that…
●Impresses upon the
reader…
●Invites the reader to see..
●Influences the reader to
see...as…
●Leads the reader to…
●Prompts the reader to…
●Provokes the reader to…
●Positions the reader to….
●Reassures the reader…
●Results in the reader…
●Serves to…
●Simplifies for the reader…
●Shocks the reader…
●Triggers the reader….
The author is supportive praises, celebrates, champions, supports,
approves, advocates, applauds, credits
The author is negative labels, dismisses, attacks, insults, rejects,
denigrates, criticises, lambasts, demeans
The author emphasises emphasises, underscores, underlines,
repeats, reiterates, reinforces, strengthens,
exaggerates
The author connects two or
more things
links, connects, likens, associates,
equates, parallels
The author creates an
association
suggests to the reader, creates in the
reader’s mind, evokes for the reader,
draws for the reader, invites the reader to,
triggers for the reader, prompts the reader
to, implies, creates the connotation,
establishes for the reader
The author uses evidence cites, refers to, references, draws on,
quotes, provides, points out, presents,
lists, outlines
The authors uses a
technique
utilises, employs, demonstrates...by/with,
supports their case with
The author tries attempts, endeavours, aims, seeks
NB: All verbs above can be used in two ways:
