techniques Flashcards
alliteration/assonance
quickens the pace - could show how easy something is (+) or how difficult it is to stop it (-)
metaphor/simile (extended metaphor in an article would be called analogy)
allows the reader to visualise what is happening - makes it more relatable
personification/anthropomorphism
brings it to life - makes it real and tangible
rhetorical question
shows how obvious the solution is. makes it more logical
hypophora
gives an insight into the reasoning of the author, makes them more personable. as if you are in the midst of having a conversation with them.
anecdote (happy) / testimonial (sad)
takes it from the abstract and makes it more real and relatable
hyperlink
shows they are confident in where their evidence comes from. makes it more reliable
statistics
shows they have invested time in researching the issue. makes it more objective
onomatopoeia
transports you there - makes it more real and visceral
celebrity endorsement/image
adds a glamorous sheen. makes it seem that it is of higher quality, more exclusive. if its good enough for a celebrity then it’s surely good enough for me
direct gaze
shows confidence in the product. looking you directly in the eye makes you think they have nothing to hide, can be trusted
direct adress
makes you feel special - this is not generic, they have chose you, it is tailored to you
use of quotation
privy to first hand info, more reliable
use of scare quotes (quotations around a word to show writer is being ironic)
shows the writer’s tone - sarcastic, cynical, condescending
nature imagery
therapeutic, relaxing. makes the reader feel refreshed. eco friendly
repetition/anaphora (repetition of a word/phrase at the beginning of consecutive sentences, phrases, or clauses)
shows the writer is adamant, enforces their message
rule of 3
comprehensive - everything is covered. has everything you require
colloquialism / idioms / slang
makes the writer sound more authentic. of the people. understand the people and their problems. provides an everyday conversational tone
jargon (subject specific terminology)
gives the impression they are an expert in their subject, know what they are talking about
juxtaposition
highlights the stark difference between 2 things
oxymoron (self-contradicting word or group of words)
shows the contradictions, turmoil in the mind, the chaos present
allusions
shows how relevant they are - cultured, aware of what is going on in the world
symbolism (when one part symbolizes whole it is called ‘metonymy’)
gives the sense that there is something greater at work
imperatives
makes it seem like this is urgent no choice but to accept
short sentences
echoes how quickly this can be done. adds a punch - makes it more startling, no time to prepare
epithet (an adjective used which is meant to encompass the whole person or thing)
could show reverence (e.g Elvis known as ‘The King’) or could show intolerance (e.g. Othello being described as ‘the Moor’)
lists
assures the reader there is a conclusion, gives the sense of accomplishment of completing something. if the list is in 1 sentence, it shows how exhaustive it is - emphasizes the extent of the positives or negatives
polysyndeton (repetition of a conjunction - usually ‘and’ - between words or phrases in a list)
captures how exhaustive or extensive the list is
bullet points
clarity, sense it has been condensed to the most important points
emotive language
to provoke a reaction - signpost that you should respond in an emotional manner which overrides logical thinking
position of the ‘buy now’, ‘donate’ or ‘subscribe’ button
usually placed near something emotional to prompt an impulsive reaction
euphemism
couches language in more palatable terms. makes it easier to accept. often used by organizations to avoid revealing their true malignant motives
monochromatic color scheme
gives the sense of class/timelessness (+) or that policies/ideas are steeped in the past and have not progressed (-)
hyperbole
emphasises the positives or negatives
model featured as the main image
aspirational - desire to look like them, but also increases our insecurities, become painfully aware that we do not look like them
personal pronoun
conversational tone - gives the impression that a reader is a confidante. candid discussion
humour (a joke, pun, satire)
humour is a sign of intellect, thus it increases our trust in the author but also creates a connection - on the same wavelength if you laugh at the joke, similar mindsets so you will be more primed to agree with their viewpoint
calque terms (using foreign words)
shows cultivation and refinement - must be well traveled or well read to know these terms
elipsis
requires the reader to fill in the blanks, they become actively involved. suggests that there is something to sensational to say
large font / capiltalisation
mimics their heightened emotions, cant contain their shock/horror/joy/anger etc
connotation
like word association, it is the conclusion the reader comes to
bold font
emphasises the value or importance of what’s being highlighted
