Persuasive Devices 1
This device repeats the same starting sound in words.
What is alliteration?
This device speaks directly to the audience using the word “you.”
What is direct address?
This device uses “we,” “us,” or “our” to include the audience.
What is inclusive language?
Nominalise the verb: fail
failure
This tense is commonly used in informative texts to present information as factual and ongoing.
What is present tense?
This device makes something seem much better or worse than it really is.
What is exaggeration (hyperbole)?
This device repeats a word or phrase to emphasise an idea.
What is repetition?
This device asks a question to make the audience think, not to get an answer.
What is a rhetorical question?
Nominalise the verb: ignore
ignorance
This tone avoids slang, emotive language, and personal opinion to maintain objectivity.
What is a formal tone?
This device represents big ideas using objects or images, like a “chain” symbolising oppression.
What is symbolism?
This device groups ideas in threes to make them more memorable.
What is the rule of three?
This device uses words like suffer, injustice, or hope to affect how the audience feels.
What is emotive language?
Nominalise the verb: pronounce
pronunciation
This technique uses subject-specific vocabulary to ensure precision and clarity.
What is technical language?
This device shows two very different ideas side by side to highlight differences.
What is contrast / juxtaposition?
This device uses a short personal story or real-life example to make an argument more relatable and convincing.
What is an anecdote?
This device encourages the audience to do something, such as “Sign the petition today!”
What is a call to action?
Nominalise the verb: dismiss
dismissal
This concept refers to how accurate, relevant, and appropriate information is in relation to the research question.
What is validity?
This device uses facts, statistics, or logical reasons to support an argument.
What is appeal to logic (logos)?
This device uses experts or trusted people to make an argument seem believable.
What is appeal to authority (ethos)?
This device uses strong feelings like anger, sadness, or hope to influence the audience.
What is appeal to emotion (pathos)?
Nominalise the verb: comply
compliance
This concept refers to how consistent, trustworthy, and repeatable information or data is over time.
What is reliability?