Name the technique
Words like “we” or “our” that make the audience feel part of a group.
Inclusive language
Use of “we” and “our” in a sentence
Makes the audience feel included, part of a group, or responsible.
“We must act now to improve our school.”
Urgent
We must work together to improve our school. We must work together to improve our future.
2: Inclusive Language and Repetition
Guess a number between 1 and 3
3
Persuasive tactic that plays on people's self-interest by focusing on their financial concerns, particularly how a decision will affect their wallet or finances.
Appeal to the hip pocket nerve
“75% of students said they felt unsafe”
Makes the audience see the argument as credible and factual; encourages agreement.
“This policy is clearly ridiculous and should never have been approved.”
Critical
This issue is serious. Students are struggling, and we can’t ignore it.
Guess a number between 1 and 10
6
Listing three ideas, phrases, or words in a row to make an argument more memorable and impactful.
Rule of Three / Tricolon.
“Is this really the best we can do for students?”
Provokes the audience to question the status quo; encourages reflection and alignment with the writer.
“I understand the intention behind the change, but it has caused serious problems.”
Considerate
“Is this really what we want for students? We should expect more and demand change.”
3: Call to action, rhetorical questions, inclusive language
Guess a number between 1 and 25
18
Repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses to create emphasis and rhythm.
Anaphora.
“Many students struggle silently because of the crowded classrooms”
Evokes empathy and concern; motivates the audience to support change.
“While some people celebrate this decision, many silently suffer because of it.”
Sympathetic
"According to teachers, classroom noise is rising. If nothing changes, learning will worsen. We all know students deserve better"
Guess a number between 1 and 50
19
Placing contrasting ideas or words next to each other to highlight differences and strengthen the argument.
Juxtaposition / Athithesis.
“Imagine a school where every student feels supported. Now compare that to crowded rooms and stressed teachers.”
Makes the audience visualize consequences
“I’m thrilled to hear the school thinks broken chairs and peeling paint count as ‘learning improvement’.”
Sarcastic
“Imagine a school where every student feels supported. Now compare that to crowded rooms, tired staff, and silent stress. We cannot accept this anymore. We can choose something better"
5: Imagery, Contrast, Rule of Three, Inclusive Language, Call to Action
Guess a number between 1 and 100
46