Reader Positioning

Move to the corner that represents your opinion:

​- Strongly agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree

Four Corners

Zoos should be banned.

The school shouldn't have a uniform.

Social media does more harm than good.

Reality TV has a negative impact on society.

Cell phones should be allowed in the classrooms.

Let's go back to our seats now.

Reader positioning

Open Ended

What do you think is to position a reader in an article or argumentative text?

Reader positioning is a writing technique that influences how readers interpret a text and relate to its characters and themes. Writers use this technique to encourage readers to agree with their ideas and values. 

How to position the reader? 

​4 techniques to position the reader

Words choices (strong verbs and adjectives) specifically designed to evoke an emotional response in the reader.

​Emotive Language:

1. Using Emotive Language

Multiple Choice

Select the emotive language example

• joyful
• heartbreaking
• pleasant
• exciting

Making something seem larger, better, or worse than it really is.

Exaggeration:

2. Use Exaggeration

Multiple Select

Select the example of exaggerated language:

• Millions of people stuck in the metro as trains got cancelled.

• Australia suburbs now worth double

• Worst news possible for flood-ravaged towns

• The virus has spread rapidly.

Criticize or oppose fiercely.

Attack

3. Attack and Praise

Praise

Express approval or admiration.

Multiple Choice

What is an example of praising language in headlines?

• New Study Reveals Average Results in Renewable Energy
• Latest Trends in Renewable Energy Markets
• Innovative Approaches to Energy Efficiency
• "Incredible Breakthrough in Renewable Energy Technology"

A questions asked to create a dramatic effect rather than to get an answer.

Rhetorical Questions:

4. Use Rhetorical Questions:

Multiple Choice

What is an example of rhetorical question in headlines?

• What is the best type of exercise?

• How does exercise improve mood?
• Is Your Diet Sabotaging Your Health?
• Why is water healthy?

Analyse the news

Find an article in an online newspaper to identify reader positioning language. Write in your workbook ​4 examples of positioning the reader:

- Using emotive language.
- Exaggerating.
- Attacking or praising.
- Using rhetorical questions.