Using Language To Persuade

Question 1

What to do when linking two or more texts:

Answer 1

1. Read the texts carefully. Annotate. Try to identify at least 4-6 language strategies from each text.
2. Answer the 10 critical questions for each text.
3. Plan the piece. The paragraphs should likely be in chronological order.
4. Write an introduction that identifies the issues and then briefly outlines each text one at a time. Include each text’s text type, author, point of view, overall tone and any other significant features.
5. Write body paragraphs. Discuss how language strategies support view. Incorporate visual language if applicable. Don’t signpost.
6. Write a conclusion. Identify subgroups that may be in the audience that are more effected. Explain why. Compare the texts.

Question 2

Words for neutral tone.

Answer 2

Calm, controlled, diplomatic, moderate, open-minded, reasonable.
Authoritative, educated, expert, formal.
Cautious, conservative, guarded.
Bland, dull, insipid.
Apathetic, detached.

Question 3

Words for excited tone.

Answer 3

Amused, humorous, ironic, ridiculing, sarcastic, satirical.
Animated, elated, enthusiastic, fervent, passionate, zealous.
Forthright, frank, matter of fact, unequivocal.

Question 4

Words for apologetic tone.

Answer 4

Admiring, amicable, appreciative, approving, benevolent, conciliatory, friendly, supportive, sympathetic, understanding.
Earnest, humble, modest.
Apologetic, remorseful, nostalgic, sentimental, soppy.

Question 5

Words for smug tone.

Answer 5

Arrogant, boastful, condescending, patronising, self-righteous, snide, self-important.
Heavy-handed, moralising, pedantic, punctilious.
Cynical, negative, pessimistic, scathing, venomous, vindictive.

Question 6

Words for surprised tone.

Answer 6

Alarmed, astonished, bewildered, confounded, outraged, shocked.
Disappointed, dismayed, regretful.
Abusive, aggressive, attacking, confrontational, forceful, hostile.
Complaining, critical.

Question 7

List persuasive language techniques.

Answer 7

. Alliteration and assonance
. Appeals
. Attack
. Bias
. Cliche
. Colourful language
. Connotation
. Evidence
. Formal/informal language
. Generalisation
. Humour
. Hyperbole
. Imagery/figurative language
. Inclusive/exclusive language
. Irony
. Repetition
. Rhetorical question
. Sarcasm
. Satire
. Sensationalism
. Vocabulary choice

Question 8

Questions to answer before writing an analysis essay.

Answer 8

1. What is the issue and what are its implications?
2. Who are the stakeholders and parties involved? What do they have to gain or lose?
3. What type of text is it and why has this text type been chosen?
4. When was the text created? Is any background knowledge required?
5. What is the author’s overall main purpose? What point of view is put forth? What are the ideas/arguments put forth in support of this view?
6. Who is the author? Do they have a vested interest? Is their identity impacting on the viewpoint?
7. Who are the target audiences? How is ts made apparent?
8. How does the author want to position the audience on the issue?
9. What persuasive language strategies are predominant? Why have these strategies been chosen?
10. How do the persuasive strategies reflect the author’s intentions?