Digital Media Literacy - Recognizing Persuasive Language

Question 1

can make any type of media more engaging and convincing. However, its ultimate purpose is to win your trust and influence how you think.

Answer 1

Persuasive language

Question 2

Whether it’s a feature-length film or a 30-second commercial, ____ _____through media makes it easier for you to agree with a particular message.

Answer 2

Telling stories

Question 3

can have a tremendous influence on how you perceive a message. However, just because the media includes evidence doesn’t mean it’s being completely honest.

Answer 3

Presenting evidence

Question 3

has long been a reliable persuasion method, particularly if the media wants you to feel good about a specific product or idea.

Answer 3

Flattery

Question 4

can point out the faults of the competition, and they often provoke an audience’s fears or anger, especially in political media.

Answer 4

Attacks

Question 5

frames a message in terms of us and we and our, giving the impression that the creator of the media and the audience are on the same side. However, this can come off as false and hollow, especially if it appears that the creator doesn’t actually have anything in common with you

Answer 5

Inclusive language

Question 6

When writing, it is very important to use language that fits your audience and matches purpose. _____ ______ uses can damage your credibility, undermine your argument, or alienate your audience.

Answer 6

Inappropriate language

Question 7

major issues with appropriate language use

Answer 7

levels of language formality
deceitful language and euphemisms
slang and idiomatic expressions
using group-specific jargon
biased/stereotypical language

Question 8

different aspects of using appropriate language

Answer 8

Levels of formality
In-Group jargon
Slang and idiomatic expressions
Deceitful language and euphemisms
Biased language

Question 9

Writing in a style that your audience expects and that fits your purpose is key to successful writing.

Answer 9

Levels of formality

Question 10

jargon refers to specialized language used by groups of like-minded individuals. Only use ___ ___ ___ when you are writing for members of that group. You should never use jargon for a general audience without first explaining it.

Answer 10

In-Group jargon

Question 10

Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic writing.

Answer 10

Slang and idiomatic expressions

Question 11

Avoid using ____ (words that veil the truth, such as “collateral damage” for the unintended destruction of civilians and their property) and other deceitful language.

Answer 11

Deceitful language and euphemisms

Question 12

Avoid using ___ ____ including language with a racial, ethnic, group, or gender bias or language that is stereotypical.

Answer 12

Biased language

Question 13

should be determined by the expectations of your audience and your purpose

Answer 13

Levels of Formality

Question 14

I am applying for the receptionist position advertised in the local paper. I am an excellent candidate for the job because of my significant secretarial experience, good language skills, and sense of organization.

Answer 14

Formal (Written to an unknown audience)

Question 15

I am applying for the receptionist position that is currently open in the company. As you are aware, I have worked as a temporary employee with your company in this position before. As such, I not only have experience and knowledge of this position, but also already understand the company’s needs and requirements for this job.

Answer 15

Semi-formal (Written to a well-known individual)

Question 16

Hi! I read in the paper that ya’ll were looking for a receptionist. I think that I am good for that job because I’ve done stuff like it in the past, am good with words, and am incredibly well organized.

Answer 16

Informal (Incorrect)

Question 17

refers to any in-group or specialized language used by small groups of like-minded individuals

Answer 17

jargon

Question 18

are terms that attempt to cover up that which is wrong, unethical, taboo, or harsh

Answer 18

Euphemisms

Question 19

The act of forcefully exerting outside government over a previously autonomous people

Answer 19

Pacification

Question 20

Being shot at (unintentionally) by your own allies

Answer 20

Friendly Fire

Question 21

Destruction of property and killing of innocent civilians during war efforts

Answer 21

Collateral Damage

Question 22

A term for a power plant that is leaking radiation into the surrounding areas

Answer 22

Sunshine Units

Question 23

Writing without gender bias is sound and effective. You should always consult your professional or disciplinary community standards or imagine what is appropriate to your rhetorical audience or genre. Writing without ____-____ ____ is necessary for most audiences. How you approach your audience, what assumptions you make or expectations you assume about it are choices you make as a writer.

Question 24

Using the masculine pronouns to refer to an indefinite pronoun (everybody, everyone, anybody, anyone) also has the effect of excluding women. In all but strictly formal uses, plural pronouns have become acceptable substitutes for the masculine singular.

Answer 24

INDEFINITE PRONOUNS