Persuasive Techniques
Which persuasive technique exaggerates or overstates something to make it seem more important or dramatic than it really is?
Hyperbole
A charity advertisement shows images of sad, hungry children and asks viewers to donate. Which persuasive appeal is being used, and what emotion is it targeting?
Pathos
True or False - Pink is a round character
TRUE
What is foreshadowing, and how does it create suspense in a story?
Foreshadowing is a hint or clue about what will happen later in the story. It creates suspense by making readers curious and anxious about future events.
Define the term staging in theatre.
The arrangement and presentation of scenery, props, actors, and lighting on stage to create the visual world of the play
Identify the persuasive technique in this sentence: "Nine out of ten dentists recommend this toothpaste."
Logos - statistics
A political speech repeatedly uses the phrase "We can do this together." What is the purpose of this repetition, and who is the intended audience?
Purpose: to create unity, build confidence, and inspire action. Audience: the general public/voters/citizens who need to feel motivated and included.
What is the name of Suraya's bully?
K
Complete the definition: A _____ is a comparison between two things using the words "like" or "as."
Simile
What is comic relief in drama, and why is it used in plays?
Comic relief is a humorous character or scene used to lighten tension and provide a break from serious or dramatic moments, making the overall play more engaging and balanced
Which persuasive technique suggests that "everyone is doing it" or "everyone agrees," so you should too?
Bandwagon
A social media post says, "Don't miss out – everyone's already using this app!" What techniques are used, and what is the effect on the target audience (teenagers)?
Techniques: bandwagon and fear of missing out (FOMO). Effect: creates urgency and social pressure, making teenagers feel they need to join to fit in and not be left behind.
How does the girl's relationship with the ghost change throughout The Girl and the Ghost?
The relationship evolves from fear/confusion to understanding/compassion (or varies based on the text). The girl learns to see the ghost not just as a threat but as something more complex, leading to growth or resolution.
What is symbolism?
Symbolism uses an object, image, or idea to represent something beyond its literal meaning. The caged bird symbolizes the character's lack of freedom or oppression. This deepens the theme by making an abstract idea (feeling trapped) concrete and emotionally resonant for the reader.
How do set design, props, and costumes contribute to the storytelling in The Amazing Maurice (or a similar play)?
Set design establishes the location and time period; props support the action and reveal details about the world; costumes reveal character identity, social status, and personality. Together, they create the visual world and help the audience understand the story immediately.
Which persuasive technique uses a trusted authority figure or expert to endorse a message? Provide an example.
Ethos (or appeal to authority). Examples might include a doctor recommending a health product or a celebrity endorsing a brand.
What is the difference between persuading someone to believe something and persuading them to take action? Provide an example of each.
Believing: convincing someone that something is true (e.g., "Climate change is real" – using facts and evidence). Taking action: motivating them to do something (e.g., "Reduce your carbon footprint by recycling" – using urgency, emotion, and clear steps). Action requires stronger persuasion techniques.
Which of these is NOT a central theme in the Girl and the Ghost: Friendship, Self Destruction, Addiction, Grief, Growth?
Addiction
"The wind screamed through the trees" What technique is being used here?
Personification
True or False: In The Amazing Maurice, the use of animal characters is purely for entertainment and has no deeper meaning. Explain.
False (likely). Animal characters in The Amazing Maurice may represent human traits, provide social commentary, or allow the playwright to explore themes in a fantastical, accessible way. The choice of animals is meaningful to the story's message.
Distinguish between personification and metaphor. Provide an example of each.
Personification gives human qualities to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered through the trees"). Metaphor compares two different things directly (e.g., "Life is a journey"). Personification is a specific type of comparison, while metaphor is a broader technique.
Analyse a multi-technique persuasive passage: "Imagine a world without hunger. Thousands of children go to bed hungry every night. You can change this. Join our mission today." Identify all techniques, target audience, and overall persuasive strategy.
Techniques: imagery/visualization (imagine a world), statistics (thousands), emotive language (hungry children), call to action (join our mission), appeal to values (making a difference).
Target audience: compassionate adults/people with disposable income. Strategy: combines emotional appeal (pathos) with a clear action step, making the audience feel both moved and empowered to help.
How does the author use the girl's perspective to explore the theme of coming of age or growing up in The Girl and the Ghost? What does she learn that represents maturity?
The girl's encounter with the ghost forces her to confront difficult truths, face her fears, and develop empathy or understanding. Maturity comes through: accepting loss, showing courage, understanding complexity, or recognizing that life isn't simple. Her growth represents the transition from innocence to wisdom.
Give me an example of a metaphor using light/dark imagery.
Answers vary.
Explain how The Amazing Maurice uses satire and parody to comment on the traditional Pied Piper story and fairy tale conventions. What is the playwright trying to say?
By parodying the Pied Piper tale with absurd characters (a intelligent rat, a con-artist Maurice), the playwright satirizes blind obedience to authority and unquestioned tradition. The play suggests that fairy tales aren't always what they seem and that questioning authority is necessary. It comments on how stories shape our understanding and can be manipulated.