English Unit 3A | Language and Identity | Generational differences | Language techniques | Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

Nam
e

Date

Writers of feature articles use a range of language techniques to encourage us to agree or be persuaded to believe their argument
and opinion.

Name of technique
Anecdote

Emotional appeal

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Explanation

Why the technique is

effective

a short account or story;

usually a personal story
relayed by the writer;
sometimes entertaining;
gives a human angle

this includes appeals to

common sense; love; family
bonds; fear of crime,
violence, rejection; patriotism
and morals

There are a variety of

different appeals that can be
employed by the writer.

Examples from article

Specific effect on the

reader

It seems true (as if it

happened to someone)
so positions readers to
accept information.
It positions readers to
connect with the writer
and share in common
experiences or thoughts.

Persuades the reader to

agree by inferring

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English Unit 3A | Language and Identity | Generational differences | Language techniques | Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

Name of technique

Explanation

Why the technique is

effective

Examples from article

Specific effect on the

reader

shared experiences,
values, attitudes and
beliefs.
Generalisation

Rhetorical question

a broad and sweeping

statement that lacks specific
evidence; asserts that
something is true in all or
most occasions or for many
or all people

a question with an implied

but unstated answer; usually
only one answer is
appropriate

Evidence

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use of facts and figures

(statistics) to provide rational,
scientific proof as the basis

The generalisations are

often presented as truths
and facts.
Generalisations often
appeal to the readers
pre-existing prejudices
about certain people or
groups.
The answer appears
obvious and logical
therefore the reader
must agree with it or risk
feeling alienated.
Some rhetorical
questions also invite the
reader to question their
own thoughts and
feelings towards the
topic or issue.
It positions the reader to
view the writers
argument as more

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English Unit 3A | Language and Identity | Generational differences | Language techniques | Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

Name of technique

Explanation

Why the technique is

effective

for a point of view; can also

take the form of expert
advice or an expert opinion

Inclusive language

use of pronouns and other

words that place the writer
and the reader within the
same group

Figurative language

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words that have meaning

beyond the literal meaning,
for example similes,
metaphors, personification

Examples from article

Specific effect on the

reader

convincing because it
appears to be supported
by objective and reliable
sources.
Culturally we are
conditioned to not
question people in
authority and therefore
are likely to accept the
point of view of someone
who is an authority on
the topic.
The reader feels
included within the
article; their beliefs,
values, ideas etc are
being recognised by the
writer.
It appeals to the readers
herd mentality, ie the
desire to be part of a
group.
It adds interest to an
article as it creates
images for the reader.
Figurative language is a

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English Unit 3A | Language and Identity | Generational differences | Language techniques | Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

Name of technique

Explanation

Why the technique is

effective

Tricolon

dividing or presenting an idea

or argument in three equal
parts

The repetition reinforces

the general point being
made.

Hyperbole
(exaggeration)

deliberate exaggeration to
reinforce a point or idea; can
be used for serious or comic
effect

It makes the statement

seem more powerful or
important than it might
actually be.
Hyperbole can be
engaging when its used
in a humorous way.

reveals the writers attitudes;

similar to using different
tones when speaking to
reveal feelings and attitudes

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Specific effect on the

reader

useful tool when

constructing
representations of
people, places and
events.

and metonyms

Tone

Examples from article

The tone guides how the

reader should respond
to a particular point, idea
or topic. For example, if
the writer uses a
sarcastic tone when
describing an event, the
reader is being
positioned to reject or
question that event.

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English Unit 3A | Language and Identity | Generational differences | Language techniques | Feature articles: Persuasive language techniques

WestOne Services 2010

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