Vocabulary
Persuasive Language
rhetorical questions · rule of three · anecdote · call to action
a question asked for effect, not for an answer
/rɪˌtɒrɪkl ˈkwestʃən/"Who doesn't want cleaner air?" is a rhetorical question.
listing three things for rhythm and impact
/ˌruːl əv ˈθriː/"Faster, cheaper, greener" uses the rule of three.
a short personal story used to make a point
/ˈænɪkdəʊt/She opened her speech with an anecdote about her first day at school.
words chosen to make people feel strongly
/ɪˈməʊtɪv ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/Words like "heartbreaking" and "desperate" are emotive language.
a number used as evidence
/stəˈtɪstɪk/"Nine out of ten dentists agree" is a statistic used to persuade.
an opposing view that you mention and then answer
/ˈkaʊntər ˌɑːɡjumənt/A strong essay addresses the main counter-argument before rejecting it.
a direct request telling the audience what to do
/ˌkɔːl tʊ ˈækʃn/"Sign the petition today!" is a call to action.
speaking to the audience as "you"
/dəˌrekt əˈdres/"You can make a difference" uses direct address.
repeating a word or phrase for emphasis
/ˌrepəˈtɪʃn/"We will not give up. We will not give in." uses repetition.
the quality of being believed and trusted
/ˌkredəˈbɪləti/Quoting an expert adds credibility to your argument.
1
Persuade your teacher to cancel homework for a week. Use the rule of three.
2
Analyse an advert you saw: what techniques did it use?
3
Open a speech with an anecdote.
4
Respond to a counter-argument to your favourite opinion.
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