Persuasive Techniques Flashcards
What is expert opinion?
Writers often quote or refer to experts who agree with their point of view. This use of expert opinion can help to make arguments more persuasive and credible. The use of expert opinion can be a powerful way to persuade, convincing the audience that the writers’s contention must be true because notable people agree with them.
What is assonance?
The repitition of words with similar sounding vowels creates a pleasing sound, emphasising a particular phrase or idea.
e.g. It is often said time and tide waits for no man.
What is repetition?
Writers often repeat words and phrases to emphasise particular ideas. Throughout a piece of writing, writers might also repeat ideas in the hope this will persuade the audience to agree with them.
What is a simile?
A simile is a comparison between two things often using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. Similes can be used to create a vivid picture in the minds of the audience or characterise something in either a positive or negative way.
What is analogy?
An analogy draws a comparison between two things to illustrate a point.
e.g. Managing the country is much like balancing your household budget, its important that you don’t accumulate too much debt.
What is a rhetorical question?
A question that doesn’t need to be answered because the answer is made obvious. Rhetorical questions are often used to lead the audience to a particular conclusion. Because of the nature of rhetorical questions, they make the conclusion seem natural and logical.
What is evidence?
Statistics and other forms of data are often used to persuade. An argument is much more convincing if it is supported by some kind of evidence. Evidence often forms the backbone of very logical and rational arguments.
What are connotations?
Words have two types of meanings. The denotative meaning of a word is its literal meaning. It’s what your likely to find if you look up a word in the dictionary. The connotations of a word are the ideas or feelings associated with a particular word. Writers think carefully about the words and phrases they use. They consider the connotations-whether positive , negative or neutral-of words and how they might be used to persuade.
What is generalisation?
A generalisation is any statement that draws a conclusion from specific examples. Generalisation are often used to simplify an issue and make something seem like the logical course of action.
What is euphemism?
A euphemism is a mild phrase used instead of another word that might be too harsh.
e.g. used “passed away” instead of “died”
What is a metaphor?
When one thing is being described as another, help to persuade by making a comparison between two things.
What is a pun?
A pun is a joke that relies on the different meaning of a word or words that sound similar. Puns can be used to make light of an issue or ridicule a point of view. They are a witty way for writers to criticise their opponents.
What is attacks?
Writers often attack and criticise those who disagree with them. These sort of attacks often take a deeply critical tone.
What is an anecdote?
A short, personal story which is often used to illustrate a point. It gives the writer an authentic connection to the issue and can be used to engage the reader emotionally.
What are appeals?
Writers will often appeal to different emotions to convince you of a particular point of view. When your reading a piece of persuasive writing, think carefully about how the writer is trying to make you feel. Some common emotions and beliefs that writers can appeal is compassion, common sense, fairness, family values, fear, hip-pocket nerve, patriotism, and tradition.
What is alliteration?
Alliteration, the use of words beginning with the same letter or sound, create emphasis and draws attention to the ideas. Often used in advertising to create memorable slogans.
What is logic/reason?
Persuades the reader with a well argued case that makes sense. Often used in a calm tone to sound rational.
What is colloquial/everyday language?
Everyday language is used by writers to make them seem down-to-earth, practical and realistic. In Australia, writers often use colloquial language in this way. We’re constantly told to give people a “fair go” or that taking the easy way out is a “cop out”. If you see an example of everyday, colloquial language, think carefully about why the writer has used that particular phrase.
What is emotive language?
Emotive language is a phrase used to describe any words that have an emotional effect on an audience. Always consider how language makes you feel. Does it provoke a sense of sympathy or fear? What emotions does it play on?
What is sarcasm?
Sarcasm is the use of a mocking tone to convey contempt.
What is a cliche`?
A cliche is a trite, overused phrase. writers are often discouraged from using cliche`’s but they can be effective and a simple way to convey ideas to an audience.
e.g. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
What is jargon?
Complex or technical language, often used to make the writer sound knowledgeable.
What is exaggeration/hyperbole?
Hyperbole is an exaggeration. Writers use exageration to heighten the implications of an issue, making the situation appear far worse and mobilising the reader to agree with their point of view.
What is inclusive language?
Inclusive language is use of the words such as ‘we’ or ‘our’ to create the impression that the writer and the reader are on the same side of the issue.
What is imagery?
Descriptive writing can be used to create an image in the mind of a reader. Providing the audience with a vivid image can help them to think about an issue in a particular way.
