TECHNIQUE

Adjectives/
Adverbs
Alliteration/
Assonance
Anecdote
Association
Attacks
Bias
Cliches
Emotive language
Evidence/Facts
Exaggeration/
Hyperbole
Generalisation
Hypophora
Inclusive Language
Loaded Language
Metaphor
Oronym
Prolepsis
Pun
Reason/Logic
Repetition
Rhetorical
Questions
Sarcasm/ Irony
Sensationalism
Simile

DESCRIPTION/EFFECT
Dont neglect the basic grammatical functions,
these can be a primary means of emphasis
Can be used to emphasise/ make point
memorable, but not overly persuasive
Personifies/ humanises issues, usually to
exploit sympathy
a.k.a connotations, consider what the author is
communicating through subtext/ tone
Used to denigrate/ humiliate/ discredit/ dismiss
opposing arguments
One-sided partiality, subjectively influences by
intentionally presenting a limited view
Rely on familiarity, often colloquial as a
shortcut to convey meaning
Strong words to exoke emotion; be sure to
mention which emotions eg. fear, anger, joy
Frames argument as indisputable, adds weight
to contention
Overstates and sometimes oversimplifies,
stronger language stronger reaction
Simplification through broad commentary,
used often for social groups/ demographics
When author answers his own question
Involves the reader, directly or by implication,
Words are loaded with associations,
connotations or inferences
Comparison describing one thing as another,
also works through association
Sequence of words that sound like another
Pre-emptive rebuttal
Play on words to suggest alternate meanings
Develops argument with step-by-step rationale,
can also be leading logic if setting up a chain
of events through cause-and-effect
Gives emphasis and prominence to a point
Questions with answer imbedded in their
phrasing, usually ironic, manipulates reader to
agree since answer is so obvious
Contrasting meanings to mock, ridicule, or
draw attention to the issue
Over-dramatising a point to heighten the
importance of an issue
Likening/ equating two ideas

EXAMPLE
complicated, essential,
atrocious/ crudely, willingly
what a tale of terror, now,
their turbulency tells!
When 19 year old Daniel lost
his life to this condition
the epithet bikie calls to mind
the violence of gangland wars
How dare these bureaucrats
corrupt our children?
Usually evident in authors
vested interest
diamond in the rough what
goes around comes around
tragic circumstances
unforgivable mistakes
74% of students concur
Dr. __s research suggests
Theyve been warned a
million times
The me generation is taking
over the nation.
So why should we care?
Because this issue affects...
It is our responsibility
Have you stopped beating
your wife?
This is a band-aid fix, not a
solution
Ice cream and I scream
Some might say __, but this is
erroneous. To them I say__.
Lord of the Lies
If a law is unjust, it must be
amended by our judicial
system.
We will never, never, never
surrender!
Do we really just want to sit
back and watch while our
homes are destroyed?
Of course, our politicians
always know best
Any story with the suffix gate

This internal debate is as

harmful as and external threat
Note: there are also various kinds of appeals made in persuasive pieces: to emotions, to authority, to
family/moral values, to patriotism, to tradition/custom, to justice etc. Whilst these are important to
mention, your analysis must go beyond simply acknowledging them (as with the techniques). How are
these appeals achieved through language? How do we view the issue as a result?
Also, the connotations of words are worth exploring, particularly for loaded or emotive language.
However, to say a word has negative connotations is insufficient. Instead try to delve deeper: this
word with its connotations of __ and __ creates a sense of