Literary techniques - Nonfiction prose eg. newspaper articles, editorials, speeches, travel writing Flashcards
Drop cap
A large initial letter that drops below the first line of a paragraph, usually used at the beginning of a text.
Kerning
The spacing between letters in printed text that adjusts proportionally depending on the relationship between the letters.
Broadsheet
A large piece of paper printed with information on one side only. (larger newspaper)
Tabloid
A newspaper having pages half the size of those of the average broadsheet, typically popular in style and dominated by sensational stories. (smaller newspaper)
Main contention
The point that the author wants to convince you to believe, the point all their arguments lead to.
Bias
An inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group, especially in a way considered to be unfair.
Connotations
An idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
Emotional appeal
A logical fallacy, whereby a debater attempts to win an argument by trying to get an emotional reaction from the opponent and audience.
Emotive language
Specific diction is used to evoke emotion in the reader.
Evidence
Facts or information to support an argument. (anecdote, statistics)
Generalisation
A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.
Inclusive language
Language that is free from words, phrases or tones that reflect prejudiced, stereotyped or discriminatory views of particular people or groups.
Overstatement
Stating something too strongly or exaggerating a point.
Pun
A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.
Reason and logic
Using factual information to prove a point.
Rhetorical question
A question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.
Narrative structure
The structural framework that underlies the order and manner in which a narrative is presented to a reader.
Tabloid journalism
A style of journalism that emphasises sensational crime stories, gossip columns about celebrities and sports stars, extreme political views and opinions from one perspective.
Circulation
The number of copies sold or distributed
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Broadsheet article
Inform readers about things that are happening in the world or in the local area. They will be full of facts, like names, dates and places.
Pull quote
A brief, attention-catching quotation taken from the main text of an article and used as a subheading or graphic feature.
Qualitative research
People interviewed in detail.
Quantitive research
Research based on statistical data collated via surveys, polls and questionnaires.
Font
A font is the combination of typeface and other qualities, such as size, pitch, and spacing. (serif, sans-serif)
Semiotics
Meaning created through the use of signs.
