This introduction covers 📕 The Writer “Says” Problem within Introducing the Quote (Verb Choice) for GCSE English Language. Revise Introducing the Quote (Verb Choice) in Quote Handling for GCSE English Language with 12 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

📕 The Writer “Says” Problem

Imagine a GCSE examiner who has read 847 essays by Thursday afternoon. The phrase “the writer says…” appears in approximately 846 of them.

This is not a problem with hard-working students. It is a problem with “says”. The verb is doing no work. It names the action of putting words on a page, which all writers do. It tells the examiner nothing about what kind of move the writer is making with those words. And the mark scheme rewards students who notice what kind of move is being made.

Swap “says” for a precise introductory verb and the sentence immediately commits to an interpretation. That commitment is analysis.

Practice questions for Introducing the Quote (Verb Choice)

Why is 'the writer says' a weak way to introduce a quotation?

A. Because 'says' only confirms that words were written — it names no craft move and commits to no interpretation.
B. Because 'says' is informal language that should not appear in an essay.
C. Because you should always use 'writes' instead of 'says' for non-dialogue quotations.
D. Because the AQA mark scheme prohibits the word 'says' in analytical responses.

1 markfoundation

When should you use 'depicts' rather than 'frames'?

A. When the writer is presenting something from a specific angle or perspective.
B. When the writer is building a vivid image or scene through language.
C. When analysing Paper 1 rather than Paper 2.
D. When the quotation contains a simile.

1 markfoundation

Quick recall flashcards

What is the DF-JPI-CS mnemonic for introductory verbs?

D — Depicts (builds a scene) F — Frames (presents from an angle) J — Juxtaposes (places contrasts together) P — Positions (places reader or character) I — Invites (prompts reader to feel/consider) C — Conveys (communicates through indirect means) S — Shifts (moves tone, register, or focus) Memory hook: DF-JPI-CS — think of it as “Different From Just Pointing In. Commit Specifically.” Every verb commits to naming a craft move; none of them just point.

What is an 'introductory verb' and why does precision matter?

The introductory verb sits between 'the writer' and the quotation. It names the type of craft move being made. Vague: "The writer says 'the crowd fell silent'." — 'says' only confirms that words were written. Precise: "The writer frames the silence as sudden and collective." — 'frames' names a perspective decision. Why precision earns marks: a precise introductory verb forces you to commit to an interpretation before you reach the quotation. That commitment is the beginning of analysis, not just evidence-pointing.

📖 Introductory Verbs: Precise vs Vague

&#128213; The Writer &#8220;Says&#8221; Problem

📕 The Writer “Says” Problem

Practice questions for Introducing the Quote (Verb Choice)

Quick recall flashcards

12 questions on Introducing the Quote (Verb Choice) — practise free

📕 The Writer “Says” Problem