Language Features Flashcards
Purpose: To provide the central argument or stance.
Clear thesis statement
Example: “I believe that climate change is the most urgent issue
facing our planet today.
“
Clear thesis statement
To support the argument with facts, statistics, examples,
and expert opinions.
Reasoning and Evidence
Example: “According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, global temperatures have risen by 1.2°C since the late
19th century.
Reasoning and evidence
Purpose: To appeal to the audience’s rational thinking through logic,
reason, and facts.
Logical appeals (logos)
Example: “If we continue at this rate, the Earth’s average
temperature will increase by another 2°C by 2050.
“
Logical appeals (logos)
Purpose: To invoke emotions that can influence the audience’s
perspective or attitude.
Emotional appeals (pathos)
Example: “Imagine a world where rising sea levels have submerged
entire cities, displacing millions of people.
emotional appeals (pathos)
Purpose: To establish the speaker’s credibility,
trustworthiness, and authority on the subject.
Ethical appeals (ethos)
Example: “As a scientist with over 20 years of research in
environmental studies, I can assure you that this issue requires
immediate action.
“
ethical appeals (ethos)
Purpose: To engage the audience by prompting them to think
critically or reflect on the argument.
rhetorical questions
Example: “How many more natural disasters do we need to
witness before we take meaningful action?”
rhetorical questions
Purpose: To reinforce key points and make the argument more
memorable.
repetition
Example: “We must act now, before it’s too late. We must act now
for the future of our planet. We must act now for our children and
our grandchildren.
“
repetition
Purpose: To convey conviction and influence the audience’s
attitude.
strong persuasive language
Example: “We cannot afford to ignore this crisis. It is
imperative that we take action today.
strong persuasive language
Purpose: : To show understanding of the opposing viewpoint, which
can make the speaker appear fair and reasonable.
concessions
Example: “I understand that the transition to renewable energy
may be challenging, but the long-term benefits justify the effort.
“
Concessions
Purpose: To make complex ideas more relatable or easier to
understand.
use of analogies and metaphors
Example: “Treating climate change is like fixing a leaky roof—if you ignore
the small cracks, they will eventually destroy the entire structure.
“
use of analogies and metaphors
Purpose: To make the audience feel involved or responsible for
the issue.
inclusive language
Example: “Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for all of
us.
“
inclusive language
Purpose: To motivate the audience to take specific actions
based on the argument presented.
call to action
Example: “It’s time to act—contact your representatives today
and demand that they prioritize environmental legislation.
“
call to action
Purpose: To directly address the concerns or objections the
audience may have, making the speaker appear more
considerate and prepared.
anticipating audience concerns
Example: “While some may fear the economic impact of transitioning
to green energy, studies show that it will create thousands of new jobs
and stimulate growth in emerging industries.
“
anticipating audience concern
Purpose: To create rhythm and reinforce key points.
Parallelism and balanced sentences
Example: “We need action. We need change. We need
progress.
“
parallelism and balanced sentences
refer to the written elements and
techniques that writers use to enhance meaning style, tone
and the overall effectiveness of a speech.
language features
