Using strong verbs in your Module A essays

Positive Negative
• espouses • satirises
• advocates • challenges
• supports • condemns
• validates • rejects
• champions • criticises
• embraces • opposes
• defends • dismisses
• adopts • spurns
• favours • discounts
• promulgates • discredits
• upholds • disdains
• recommends • lampoons
• applauds • ridicules
• promotes • mocks
• encourages • derides
• subscribes • censures
• urges • expresses (e.g contempt/ disdain for)
• accepts • scorns
• endorses • disparages
• respects • despises
• regards • detests
• expresses (e.g. regard/ affection for) • disregards
• praises • reproaches
• admires • admonishes
• approves • rebukes
• commends • reviles
• appreciates • chastises
• esteems • chides
• tolerates • berates
• vindicates • condemns
• acclaims • opposes
• extols • contradicts
• lauds
• compliments

Other more neutral verbs include explores, conveys, examines, critiques, highlights,
underscores, reinforces, emphasises, communicates, articulates, implies, suggests etc.