Persuasive Techniques

Argumentative versus Persuasive Writing:

In argumentative writing, facts and logic are used to defeat the opposite ideas.

In persuasive writing, strong opinions are used to appeal to the audience's emotions.

Which form of writing do you find easier, and why?

A persuasive text ...

• informs readers.

• encourages readers to read more.

• is always political or religious.

• attempts to convince readers to agree with a particular viewpoint

Why do people write persuasive texts?

• To convince someone of what they believe or need

• To make people laugh

• To inform people about the world

• To write an interesting story

Q. 

Which of the following uses persuasive skills? Choose all that are correct.

• A set of rules

• The trailer of a movie

• A birthday card

• An advertisement

• A political speech

Which of the following is most likely a rhetorical question in persuasive writing?

• Who would like to eat an ice cream now?

• What gift would you like for your birthday?

• Would you like to have a luxury holiday in a game reserve?

• Who is your favourite celebrity?

Check all the examples of hyperbole in the following sentences.

• The teachers carried millions of boxes of sports equipment onto the sports field.

• The sun is extremely hot and can reach temperatures around 15 million degrees C.

• They walked a very long way and were incredibly tired.

• A Mars Bar a day helps you work, rest and play.

• BMW - the ultimate driving machine.

Emotive words make most readers feel strong emotions.

For example, in an appeal for donations to an animal rescue society, this sentence is used: The ponies suffer unimaginable pain as they are left to starve.

Which emotive phrase has been used to make the reader feel guilt or sadness?

Which of these abstract nouns are positive emotive words?

Choose all possible answers.

• Freedom

• Pride

• Terror

• Love

• Starvation

Which of these adjectives are negative emotive words?

Choose all possible answers.

• interesting

• tragic

• magical

• wonderful

• appalling

Which of these verbs are emotive words?

Choose all possible answers.

• saved

• fished

• betrayed

• thought

• adored