Persuassive Techniques (Definitions)

Question 1

Pathos

Answer 1

Elicits emotions (fear, pity, anger, joy etc).

Question 2

Ethos

Answer 2

Establishes credibility and trustworthiness.

Question 3

Logos

Answer 3

Logical reasoning and evidence to support your argument.

Question 4

Appeal to Tradition

Answer 4

Arguing that something should be done a certain way because it has always been done that way.

Question 5

Appeal to Patriotism

Answer 5

Encouraging loyalty and support for one’s country or group.

Question 6

Appeal to Authority

Answer 6

Citing famous people or respected figures who support your viewpoint.

Question 7

Bandwagon Appeal

Answer 7

Suggesting that everyone is doing or believing something, so the audience should too.

Question 8

Hip-pocket Appeal

Answer 8

Encourages the audience to consider the practical, financial point of their argument.

Question 9

Anecdote

Answer 9

Sharing personal stories or examples to make your argument more relatable.

Question 10

Statistics and Data

Answer 10

Using facts and figures to support your argument and make it more credible.

Question 11

Reason and Logic

Answer 11

A clearly stated main contention and an argument that is supported by evidence or deduction; that is, by concluding something generally known to be true.

Question 12

Repetition

Answer 12

Repeating key points or phrases.

Question 13

Metaphors and Similes

Answer 13

Comparisons that describe one thing in terms of another.

Question 14

Hyperbole

Answer 14

Using forceful, dramatic language to exaggerate a situation.

Question 15

Alliteration

Answer 15

Using the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Question 16

Call to Action

Answer 16

Encouraging the audience to take a specific action or make a decision.

Question 17

Testimonial

Answer 17

Sharing personal endorsements or stories from people who have benefited from your argument.

Question 18

Contrast and Comparison

Answer 18

Compare focuses on similarities.
Contrast focuses on differences.

Question 19

Sarcasm/Irony

Answer 19

Using humour and wit to criticise or persuade.

Question 20

Rhetorical Question

Answer 20

A question that requires no answer, answer is usually implied.

Question 21

Inclusive Language

Answer 21

Involves the reader directly in the issue by using words such as “we” and “us”.

Question 22

Emotive Language

Answer 22

Deliberately strong words to provoke emotion.

Question 23

Generalisation

Answer 23

The idea that if something is true of some people, it is true for all members of the group to which they belong.

Question 24

Analogy

Answer 24

Compares one thing to another.