Persuasive Language Devices

Question 1

Rhetorical question:

Answer 1

DEFINITION - question which contains the answer in itself or is not meant to be answered.
PURPOSE - Intended to make the reader feel that there is no other way to see the or respond to the question being posed.

Question 2

Alliteration:

Answer 2

DEFINITION - a repeated sound, often used at the beginning of words, which repeats the same consonant or syllable.
PURPOSE - gives emphasis and prominence to a point or idea. Helps the reader remember a point.

Question 3

Repetition:

Answer 3

DEFINITION - repeating key words and phrases.

PURPOSE - designed to add emphasis to a key idea or argument.

Question 4

Anecdote:

Answer 4

DEFINITION - short accounts or personal stories/description of entertaining incident.
PURPOSE - intended to amuse or entertain the reader or show the cleverness/intelligence of the writer. It allows the reader to connect/relate to the writer.

Question 5

Generalisation:

Answer 5

DEFINITION - a sweeping statement that claims or asserts that something is true for all or most people or cases because it is true in one or some cases.
PURPOSE - appeals to our general sense of what seems true and also taps into social stereotypes and racial prejudices which are familiar.

Question 6

Evidence:

Answer 6

DEFINITION - information, facts or statements used to support a belief, opinion or point of view.
PURPOSE - used to reinforce or support the accuracy of a major point related to the contention.

Question 7

Attacks:

Answer 7

DEFINITION - undermining, belittling, insulting, dismissing, or embarrassing a person, political party or institution (who usually holds opposing view).

Question 8

Cliches:

Answer 8

DEFINITION - an overused expression that brings with it an array of associations and connections.
PURPOSE - Helps the reader feel familiar with the material being presented and often conveys meaning in an economical way.

Question 9

Hyperbole:

Answer 9

DEFINITION - words, phrases or descriptions which exaggerate a situation or idea.
PURPOSE - aims to create an image in the readers mind that helps make the point being argued more graphic, striking and more easily understood.

Question 10

Metaphor:

Answer 10

DEFINITION - an implied comparison that plays on the double or multiple meanings of words and phrases.
PURPOSE - creates associations in the readers mind by pointing out similarities.

Question 11

Reason & logic:

Answer 11

DEFINITION - thinking or arguing in an ordered manner using evidence and reasons to support a view.
PURPOSE - designed to make the writer appear fair, moderate and reasonable.

Question 12

Pun:

Answer 12

DEFINITION - a play on the double meaning of words.

PURPOSE - alerts the reader to the multiple meanings behind key words and phrases.

Question 13

Tone:

Answer 13

DEFINITION - the underlying mood or feeling communicated through the language.
PURPOSE - communicates the writers feelings about the topic.

Question 14

Emotive appeals:

Answer 14

DEFINITION - the strategy of tapping into a persons unconscious feelings and/or prejudices.
PURPOSE - designed to create a dramatic impact, thus producing a stronger response from the reader.

Question 15

Emotive Language:

Answer 15

DEFINITION - the deliberate use of strong words used to play on the readers feelings.
PURPOSE - plays on feelings, desires, needs and prejudices of the reader.

Question 16

Inclusive language:

Answer 16

DEFINITIONS - pronouns such as ‘we’ and ‘our’ which assume that the reader agrees with the point of view being expressed.
PURPOSE - engages the reader because of its friendly tone. If often use in conjunction with an appeal to family, community or patriotism.