Persuasive Writing methods and explanations with examples

Persuasive Writing Techniques and examples Rhetorical questions A rhetorical question is a question that does not require an answer. It is used to encourage the audience to think or to imply a correct answer. Some sentence starters: How could you (we) possibly believe …? Do you really think…? Do you want to be part of…? Could your conscience cope with…? Is it really worth…? Repetition Repetition is when a writer or speaker repeats words or phrases so that they stick in the minds of their audience. One of the most famous examples of this technique being used is the ‘I have a dream’ speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. King gave this speech at the March on Washington on August 23, 1963. Emotive language Emotive language is when words are used that encourage people to feel a strong emotion, such as: sad, angry, delighted, sympathetic or guilty. It is a deliberate choice of words to elicit emotion in the reader. Example: Non-emotive version- Mr Smith was attacked by Mr Jones for two minutes. Emotive version- For what seemed a lifetime, Mr Smith was subjected to a vicious, cowardly assault by the unemployed, steroid-pumped monster. Exaggeration When information is given that is ‘over the top’. This is intended to make the situation sound better or worse than it actually is. This should be avoided in your own writing as it is rarely a convincing strategy. Example: *That was the easiest question ever asked. *Doctors are working 160 hours every week. *Chloe has two million pairs of shoes in her closet. Facts and statistics When truthful evidence and detail is given to support a point. Facts and statistics will help to make an argument seem more credible and valid. Note:You must always give your source when quoting facts or statistics. Example: A survey of year 10 students at McKinnon Secondary College on March 15, 2022 found that 88% of students believed that English was the best subject. Groups of three When three adjectives, or phrases, are used to emphasise a point. Examples: *The lockers were smelly, dirty and crowded. *The situation was dangerous, illegal and violent. *It is ridiculous, ill-informed and irresponsible to proceed. Personal pronouns Using words such as ‘we’, ‘you’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ to encourage your audience to think you are talking specifically to them. This encourages people to feel involved in what you are arguing. Examples: * You know that this is a problem that we must fix. * It is our responsibility to create a better future for our children. alliteration Repeating the consonant sounds at the beginning of words to make them stand out. Example: *A caustic, culture caused by consumers. *Health, happiness and hope for the New Year!