Persuasive techniques Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is a persuasive technique?
A persuasive technique is a method used to convince someone to believe or do something.
What is the main contention in persuasive writing?
This highlights the issue and outlines the author’s point of view on that issue.
Example: ‘Warne deserves his suspension and the public deserves to know how the decision was made.’
Define tone in the context of persuasive writing.
This is the feelings or attitude of the writer.
Example: ‘Saddam Hussein is cruel and merciless indeed – he challenged poor George Bush to a debate.’
What is alliteration?
This is a repeated sound using the same consonant or syllable.
Example: ‘Sex-sells advertising is sleazy, sexist and stereotypes women.’
How do anecdotes function in persuasive writing?
These are short accounts or stories of an interesting or entertaining incident.
Example: ‘Recently my neighbour experienced these problems first-hand.’
What are attacks in persuasive writing?
These are used to denigrate an opponent – often employs undermining, insulting, or embarrassing the person, political party, or institution.
Example: ‘Ned Kelly was a terrorist who killed policemen.’
What is an appeal to family values?
This appeal argues in favour of traditional family life, often stereotyping it as trouble-free with two loving parents and well-adjusted children.
Example: ‘How are children supposed to develop emotionally and socially without the presence of a father?’
What is the purpose of an appeal to fear?
It aims to make people afraid or concerned about the action or its consequences.
Example: ‘Violent computer games are training our children to become professional killers.’
Define appeal to group loyalty.
This is an appeal to the need to stick together under any circumstances, not allowing for personal differences within a group.
Example: ‘We must all stick together.’
What does an appeal to hip-pocket nerve involve?
This persuades readers to feel concerned for their financial well-being, making them feel ‘ripped off’ or over-charged.
Example: ‘The government is going to desperately claw money out of purses and wallets.’
How does an appeal to being modern and up-to-date work?
This plays on people’s desires to be ‘part of the scene’ and gain popularity and acceptance.
Example: ‘Sometimes, when I’m listening to Federal Parliament, I feel we’re headed back to the 1950s.’
What is the purpose of an appeal to patriotism?
It exploits people’s feelings of loyalty to their country by suggesting it is under some kind of attack.
Example: ‘Our country was built on the kind of bravery demonstrated by our dedicated fire-fighters.’
What does self-interest refer to in persuasive writing?
It refers to the way we put our own needs before the needs of others, often used in relation to health, education, and financial well-being.
Example: ‘I don’t take drugs. So why is there a proposal for an injecting room on my doorstep?’
How do appeals to a sense of security function?
These appeals play on our need to feel safe and free from unexpected attack, pressuring readers to agree with urgent solutions.
Example: ‘Australia’s isolation no longer justifies a ‘no worries’ detachment from a dangerous world.’
What is an appeal to a sense of justice?
This appeal plays on our belief that we all have the right to be treated fairly.
Example: ‘The death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights.’
Define appeal to tradition and custom.
This is an appeal to retain traditions and customs, resisting change and valuing history and heritage.
Example: ‘I can’t believe that the government is seriously considering a ban on Christmas carols in schools.’
What is the appeal to the value of technology?
This plays on fears that failing to embrace new developments will result in a lack of progress or competitive edge.
Example: ‘Email is the ultimate form of communication.’
What are clichés?
These are overused expressions that bring familiarity and associations.
Examples: ‘Fit as a fiddle’, ‘Time and place for everything.’
What are connotations?
These are the implied meanings of words, which can be both positive and negative.
Example: ‘Thin – positive: svelte; negative: scrawny.’
What is emotive language?
This is the deliberate use of strong words to play on readers’ feelings.
Example: ‘It is absolutely disgusting and abhorrent that children can look up pornography.’
Define evidence in persuasive writing.
This can be presented as information, facts, or statements used to support a belief or opinion.
Example: ‘Researcher Dr Colin Bell called for widespread removal of junk food vending machines from schools.’
What is expert opinion?
This is where the writer references a higher authority to support their contention.
Example: ‘An inquiry by the Education Department found that most students do their homework conscientiously.’
Define generalisations in persuasive writing.
These are wide-sweeping statements that assert something is true for most or all people based on limited cases.
Example: ‘Today’s young royals are rich, famous and fond of partying.’
What is hyperbole or exaggeration?
This is used to dramatically reinforce a point being made, often with emotional language.
Example: ‘Every day millions of people are being completely brainwashed through media lies.’
