1. Atchula Subrahmanyam HOD-GIIS East Coast Singapore- asciefl@gmail.com Page 1
Examination Vocabulary in Literature
Key Words
(used in IGCSE questions) Synonyms
1. Striking
Attractive, impressive, dynamic, noteworthy, wondrous,
dazzling, prominent, stunning, out of the ordinary.
2. Dramatic
Expressive, startling, electrifying, melodramatic, theatrical,
farcical, thespian, climactic, sensational, affecting.
3. Ironic
Contradictory, quick-witted, defiant, incongruous, exaggerated,
pungent, trenchant, paradoxical, sharp, mordant.
4. Amusing
Exciting, diverting, cheerful, engaging, gratifying, jovial,
humorous, lively, jocular
5. Comic
Absurd, merry, playful, jovial, good-humoured, hysterical,
priceless, waggish, jolly, whimsical.
6. Compelling
Compulsory, fascinating, forcefully, imperative, coercive,
constraining, intimidating, obligatory, imperious, mandatory.
7. Vivid
Active, bright, meaningful, high-spirited, shining, distinct,
colourful, brilliant, vigorous, flamboyant.
8. Significant
Important, meaningful, indicative, representative, symbolic,
weighty, momentous, valid, denoting, cogent.
9. Tense
Strained, rigid, firm, taut, stiff, stressful, unyielding, hard put,
nerve wrecking, chocked.
10. Important
Essential, foremost, primarily, ponderous, conspicuous,
relevant, paramount, determining, serious, vital.
11. Moving
Heart-felt, touching, emotional, gripping, heartrending,
heartening, stirring, poignant, impelling, awakening.
12. Intriguing
Alluring, enchanting, stimulating, riveting, bewitching,
captivating, spellbinding, hypnotic, magnetic, mesmerizing.
13. Memorable
Eventful, momentous, unforgettable, indelible, inerasable,
unforgettable, ingraining, enduring, illustrious.
14. Disturbing
Alarming, agitating, discomforting, troubling, impending,
wearisome, unpleasant, severe, perplexing, dismaying.
Note: It is a good idea to close your paragraphs with Key Word(s) from question but it will be
monotonous if you use it quite a number of times, say 6-8 times in 6-8 paragraphs in a literature
response. Thus, it is essential that candidates use a variety of words that are similar to the Key
Word given in the question. In this context, the table above is truly handy. Good luck!
