Persuasive Language Techniques
Year 9 Persuasive Language Devices used in Opinion Pieces, Editorials and Letters to the Editor
Persuasive Device Example The intended effect on the reader
Emotive language & connotations ‘These young offenders...’ (positive)
‘These thugs...’ (negative) This type of language is intended to have a strong impact on readers as it is more appealing to their emotions than their intellects. It is designed to position the reader to see something in a positive or negative light.
Anecdotal evidence My daughter has told me that this type of behaviour is common among her friends This type of evidence suggests that the writer has some special insight and therefore adds weight to their argument
Use of experts or authority Professor Jones, a psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital says... Experts add greater weight to an argument and are persuasive because they are more likely to be trusted by the reader
Rhetorical question Should we allow such violent behaviour on the football field? The answer to a rhetorical question is embedded in the argument of the text. The reader is therefore invited to agree with it.
Inclusive language ‘Let us stand united on this issue.’
‘We’re tired of excuses.’ Inclusive language is used to encourage the reader to feel that they are on the same side as the writer and therefore the majority of the public
Evidence or case studies Mrs Smith is old and frail. She relies on her state pension and the support of her family to survive. Evidence and case studies sometimes personalise an issue, add weight to the argument and arouse sympathy.
Statistics Ninety per cent of those surveyed agreed. Statistics make an argument seem more scientific and therefore difficult to argue against.
Appeals to Justice or fairness It is unfair to think that people are treated unequally in this matter. Most people would see themselves as fair and just, so are more likely to accept the argument.
Appeals to Patriotism It is un-Australian to behave like this. Readers
Persuasive Device Example The intended effect on the reader
Emotive language & connotations ‘These young offenders...’ (positive)
‘These thugs...’ (negative) This type of language is intended to have a strong impact on readers as it is more appealing to their emotions than their intellects. It is designed to position the reader to see something in a positive or negative light.
Anecdotal evidence My daughter has told me that this type of behaviour is common among her friends This type of evidence suggests that the writer has some special insight and therefore adds weight to their argument
Use of experts or authority Professor Jones, a psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital says... Experts add greater weight to an argument and are persuasive because they are more likely to be trusted by the reader
Rhetorical question Should we allow such violent behaviour on the football field? The answer to a rhetorical question is embedded in the argument of the text. The reader is therefore invited to agree with it.
Inclusive language ‘Let us stand united on this issue.’
‘We’re tired of excuses.’ Inclusive language is used to encourage the reader to feel that they are on the same side as the writer and therefore the majority of the public
Evidence or case studies Mrs Smith is old and frail. She relies on her state pension and the support of her family to survive. Evidence and case studies sometimes personalise an issue, add weight to the argument and arouse sympathy.
Statistics Ninety per cent of those surveyed agreed. Statistics make an argument seem more scientific and therefore difficult to argue against.
Appeals to Justice or fairness It is unfair to think that people are treated unequally in this matter. Most people would see themselves as fair and just, so are more likely to accept the argument.
Appeals to Patriotism It is un-Australian to behave like this. Readers