VCE 3 & 4 Language Analysis
Sentence starters and vocabulary
Here are some ways to begin and phrase sentences when stating the writer’s contention or
overall point on the issue:
The writer asserts that…
Contending that…, the writer then…
The author quickly establishes the main contention that…
In a … tone, the writer declares that…
Adopting a controversial position, the writer argues that…
The point of view presented by [name] is…
The writer argues that… which influences the reader to…
The use of… positions the reader to share the writer’s
viewpoint that…
The following table gives you some alternative words for ‘argues’ – a word that you can easily find yourself
overusing in language analysis essay. What other words can you think of?
asserts
makes a case
alleges
reasons
contends
says
declares
states
affirms
emphasises