Language analysis: Alternatives to ‘positions the reader’

When writing a language analysis essay for VCE English, it is important to consider the impact the author’s words are intended to have upon their audience. This is because authors try to position their audience to think and feel in a way that will support the author’s point of view.

For example, an author might say something along the lines of:

“If we don’t switch to renewables now, our children will inherit an earth scarred by the cruelty of climate change.”

In this sentence, the author is trying to elicit fear in their audience in the hope that this emotion will make the audience more receptive to their message.

When writing about intended effects such as these, VCE English students tend to overuse the phrase ‘positions the reader’. If you really want your language analysis essay to stand out from the crowd – whether that’s in a SAC or during the final exam – try to use some of the below phrases instead.


Alternatives to ‘positions the reader’ for VCE English language analysis

For a printable PDF of this study resource, please click here: Alternatives to positions the reader PDF.

Alternatives to ‘positions the reader’ for friendly, happy, inclusive, or warm intended effects

Invites the reader to

Encourages the reader to

Seduces the reader into

Rouse the readers

Triggers the reader’s

Stirs the reader’s

Activates feelings of

Includes the reader in

Coaxes the reader into

Entices the reader to

Praises the reader’s

Sparks the reader’s

Spurs the reader’s

Kindles the reader’s

Offers the reader

Soothes the reader’s

Compliments the reader’s

Flatters the reader’s

Charms the reader into

Empowers the reader to

Emboldens the reader to

Galvanises the reader’s sense of

Attracts the reader’s

Aims to endow the reader with

Enthrals the reader with

Entrances the reader with

Captivates the reader’s

Motivates the reader to

Fuels the reader’s

Induces the reader

Alternatives to ‘positions the reader’ for subtle effects

Prompts the reader to

Allows the reader to

Elicits the reader’s sense of

May evoke feelings of/a sense of

Aims to generate (emotion) in the reader

Aims to focus the reader’s attention upon

Permits the reader to

Gently draws forth the reader’s

Subtly appeals to the reader’s

Alternatives to ‘positions the reader’ for confrontational, challenging effects

Reminders the readers of

Confronts readers with

Provokes strong thoughts, feelings of

Compels the reader to

Undermines the reader’s

Deters the reader from

Taunts the reader’s

Scares the reader into

 

Dares the reader to

Forces the reader to

Scorns the reader’s

Pressures readers to

Challenges readers to

Incites the reader’s sense of (emotion)

Question’s the reader’s

Baits the reader’s

Discourages the reader from

Enflames the reader’s

Rouses the reader’s sense of

Goads the reader’s

Warns the reader off

Ridicules the reader’s

Mocks the reader’s

Contests the reader’s 

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