75 Words to Ace Your English Exam
In a literary analysis, the markers are looking for knowledge and understanding of the text, but also for a well crafted, academic essay in response to the question.
One study technique that will instantly improve your results, is to learn and use the specific vocabulary that applies to the text. These words will definitely make you sound like a literary academic.
But it’s not enough just to throw around some big words. Remember, big words aren’t necessarily better words. It’s important to understand the meanings of these words (and learn how to spell them) so that you are able to use them appropriately and in context.
As part of your study routine, be sure to learn some key academic words.
Here’s a list of 75 words that will instantly help you sound more sophisticated and knowledgeable.
While you don’t have time to learn them all (and your essay would sound weird if you used them all anyway), try to pick out some key words for each of the key areas of focus and use them in your essay.
Words To Describe Values, Attitudes And Beliefs
It is important to place a text in its context and consider how it reflects or challenges the values, attitudes and beliefs of the society in which it is set. For example, if it is a racist society, does the text reflect the same racist attitudes or go against them? These ideas can be easily and efficiently conveyed through the use of specific terms.
1. autocratic – ruled by one person with unchallenged power
2. bastion – an institution/place/person that strongly maintains particular principles, attitudes, or activities
3. divisive – causing disagreement or hostility between people
4. draconian – characterized by strict laws, rules and punishments
5. egalitarian – favouring social equality and equal rights
6. entrenched – characterized by something that is firmly established and difficult to change
7. lucrative – having a large reward, monetary or otherwise
8. materialistic – motivated by money
9. patriarchal – society that gives power and status to men
10. prejudiced – judging people by social acceptance rather than character
Words To Discuss Aesthetic Elements
The aesthetic elements of a story include the way in which it is crafted and the emotional impact it has on the readers. Some key words here include:
1. allegory – a second story or message that can be inferred by the main narrative (eg exposing truth about 1950s America by depicting the Salem witch trials)
2. allusion – a reference to another text with which the audience would be familiar to explain the current situation (eg it was a David and Goliath situation).
3. indicative – indicates or shows
4. irony – when what occurs is the opposite of what you would expect
5. linear narrative / stream of consciousness / reflection – styles of writing or structuring a text
6. metaphoric – if something is used to represent another (adjectival form of metaphor)
7. motif – an image or idea that runs throughout the text eg references to birds
8. symbol – using an object to imply or stand for an idea eg doves (peace) or ravens (death)
9. soliloquy – a long speech delivered by a character (internal monologue) often delivered to the audience without other characters hearing
10. synonymous – can be substituted for… (adjectival form of synonym)
Words To Discuss Literary Elements
The literary elements refer to the writing style and structure of the text. For example, a murder mystery uses fairly set literary devices, where a dystopian texts often utilises uncommon literary elements to create a sense of displacement and uncertainty.
1. anomaly – deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule
2. antecedent – a precursor, or preceding event for something
3. capricious – determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
4. catalyst – an agent that provokes or triggers change
5. conundrum – a difficult problem with no easy solution
6. defunct – no longer in existence or functioning
7. dichotomy – a division or contrast between two things that are presented as opposites or entirely different
8.disparity – a great difference between things
9. dystopian – a society that has been disturbed and overturned making it miserable and oppressive
10. equivocate – be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
11. fait accompli – an irreversible accomplishment
12.faux pas – a socially awkward or tactless act
13. fiasco – a complete failure or collapse
14. foster – to encourage the development of something
15. galvanize – to shock or excite someone into taking action
16. harbinger – something indicating the approach of something or someone
17. impetus – something that makes a process or activity happen or happen faster
18. inadvertent – accidental or unintentional
19. incessant – never ending; continuing without pause
20. polemic – a work deliberately written to challenge attitudes
Words To Describe Characters
Using specific words to describe characters is a great way to sound academic – and reduce your word count! They also help you explain the character’s purpose in the story as a literary trope.
1. antagonist – the villain or character presenting a challenge to the hero
2. brusque – rudely abrupt or blunt in speech or manner
3. duplicitous – deliberately deceitful in speech/behaviour
4. foil – a character depicted as the opposite to another
5. epitome – a perfect example
6. fastidious – giving careful attention to detail
7. Machiavellian – someone who believes the end justifies the means
8. misnomer – an incorrect or unsuitable name
9. misogynistic – disparaging towards women
10. narcissist – someone who is excessively self-centered
11. nemesis – a character’s greatest threat
. pernicious – dangerous and harmful
13. proponent – a person who advocates for something
14.protagonist – the hero or central character in the text
15. renegade – a person who betrays an organization, country, or set of principles
16. stereotypical – reflects the expected norms and attitudes
17. stoic – seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain; impassive
18.subversive – working to overthrow the existing government or social order
19.ubiquitous – being present everywhere at once
20. zealot – a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals
General Words
These words might also prove useful when discussing literary texts.
1. anomaly – deviation from the norm
2. debacle – a powerful failure; a fiasco
3. deter – to discourage someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences
4. discredit – to harm the reputation or respect for someone
5. exacerbate – to make a situation worse
6. inflame – to provoke or intensify strong feelings in someone
7. instil – to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude into a person’s mind
8. insidious – proceeding in a subtle way but with harmful effects
9. myriad – countless or extremely large in number
10. precipitate – to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
11. unrequited – not returned in kind
12. resurgence – an increase or revival after a period of limited activity
13. revitalize – to give something new life and vitality
14. ubiquitous – characterized by being everywhere; widespread
15. superfluous – unnecessary / beyond what is needed
Add a few of these words to your analysis to easily improve your vocabulary mark.
For more help for students watch our Youtube videos on a range of study tips.
