english - persuasive techniques Flashcards
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Alliteration
Repetition of a consonant, especially at the start of words.
Gains attention and adds emphasis. Draws attention to keywords. Not persuasive on its own but can be effective when used with other techniques.
analogy
a comparison between two things that are very similar. they make a logical argument with the intention of persuading their audience
Anecdote
A short account or story that gives a human angle and engages the reader, can convey information.
Positions reader to respond emotionally.
Appeal to Authority
Uses the opinion of an expert or authority figure to impress audiences or prove a point.
Reassures the reader that the writer’s viewpoint is shared by someone with expert knowledge. Influences readers to respond positively and agree.
Appeal to common sense
Common sense is practical, everyday knowledge that is accepted as obvious and therefore ‘true.’
Pressures the reader to agree by implying that anyone who disagrees lacks practical intelligence and cannot see what is evident.
Appeal to family values
Suggests that traditional family life provides the essential values for a healthy, stable society. Usually takes the nuclear family for granted.
Leads the reader to view traditional nuclear family as the most desirable kind of family. Can position the reader to blame destructive or antisocial behaviour on separated or single-parent families
assonance
the repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close to each other in one sentence. used to reinforce the meaning and set the mood.
Attacks
Attacks belittle or denigrate an individual or group.
Positions us to think badly of the person and therefore to dismiss their ideas or viewpoint.
bias
one-sidedness in the presentation of a view or opinion. Aims to influence the reader subjectively by intentionally only presenting one side of an argument
colloquial language
informal, everyday language that usually includes slang. Intending to have the reader respond to a point of view that is plainly stated. gives text a more casual tone, allowing the audience to feel comfortable and relaxed
Cliches
Overused phrases that a wide range of readers can quickly grasp and understand.
Reassure the reader through a familiar expression that can position the reader to accept an idea because they are lulled into an uncritical mindset. Often have a comic effect. This can produce a light-hearted, amusing tone, or a sarcastic, critical tone.
colourful language
Creates a strong image through unusual and striking words especially adjectives.
Creates a memorable image and catches the reader’s interest. Positions the reader to take a strongly positive or negative view of the subject.
Connotations and loaded words
Connotations are meaning associated with or implied by words, as opposed to their literal or ‘dictionary’ meanings.
Associated meanings of words arouse feelings and attitudes that position the reader to like/dislike, accept/reject an idea, person, proposal and so on.
Inclusive language
Uses ‘we,’ ‘our,’ ‘us’ etc to include the readers in the same group as the writer. Assumes that everyone in the group shares the writer’s viewpoint.
The reader is positioned to agree with the writer because it appeals to their desire to belong to a group or plays on their fears of being ‘left out’ or regarded as an outsider.
emotional appeals
when the author plays on people’s emotions such as fears, insecurities, hopes, desires, and things that are valued. It aims to manipulate the reader by triggering an emotional response and by bypassing logic
