More formal:
* Discusses
* Explores
* Examines
* Addresses
* Focuses on
* Deals with
* Concerns itself with
* Covers
* Is about
* Relates to
* Pertains to
More informal:
* Is all about
* Is centered around
* Is all about
* Is focused on
* Is concerned with
* Gets into
* Touches on
Specific to the topic:
* Explains (if it provides information)
* Describes (if it provides a detailed account)
* Analyzes (if it breaks down the topic)
* Argues (if it presents a point of view)
* Compares (if it contrasts different ideas)
Example:
Instead of "The article talks about the history of the internet", you could say:
* "The article discusses the history of the internet."
* "The article explores the history of the internet."
* "The article is about the history of the internet."
Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.