Persuasive Writing Terms/Techniques - Vocabulary Flashcards
premise
general principle that the writer assumes his/her audience already believes to be true
-understood truth
Ex: School is important to most parents.
Bandwagon Appeal
persuasive strategy that taps into people’s desire to belong
-trying to show popularity
-peer pressure
Ex: Thousands of teens have made iPhone their phone of choice. What are you waiting for?
Loaded Terms
words that stir up people’s emotions because of strong connotations
-shake people up by emotions
-usually adjectives
Ex: The alley next to the parking lot is “dark” and “dangerous.” Vote to increase the number of street lamps in our neighborhood. Residents deserve to feel “safe” and “protected.”
Claim
your main point
Ex: Chocolate is a healthy snack.
Big names
experts and important people that support your side of the argument
Ex: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines.
Logos
using logic, numbers, facts, and data to support your argument
-using reasoning
Ex: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.
Pathos
appealing to your audience’s emotions
Ex: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.
Ethos
making yourself seem trustworthy and believable
-credibility, trust
Ex: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.
Kairos
building a sense of URGENCY for your cause
-TIME
Ex: This is one-time offer. You can’t get this price after today.
Research
using studies and information to make your argument seem more convincing; you can use words, graphs, tables, illustrations
–Broaden Research
Ex: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.
Repetition for Effect
using repetition to encourage urgency (sometimes)
Figurative Language
Describe benefits and cause with figurative language
–draws audience, dramatic, entertaining, shows different perspective, engages audience’s attentionn
