PERSUASIVE TEXT BASICS
It is a type of writing that aims to convince readers to accept an idea, belief, or action.
Persuasive writing / persuasive text
A statement that can be checked or verified using reliable information is called a ________.
Claim of fact
This propaganda technique encourages people to join or support something because many other people are already doing it.
Bandwagon
Which appeal is based mainly on the speaker's credibility or expertise?
Ethos
What term refers to the writer's choice of words?
Diction
This part of a persuasive text clearly states the writer's position or main stand on an issue.
Thesis / main claim
What type of claim judges something as good, bad, better, worse, useful, or harmful?
Claim of value
A political advertisement blames one particular group for a community's problems instead of presenting the full situation. What technique is this?
Scapegoating
A campaign says, “A recent school survey found that 78% of students prefer having a longer reading period.” Which appeal is mainly used?
Logos
What type of audience refers to ordinary people who may not have specialized knowledge about a topic?
Laypeople
Read the statement:
“Some students think that school uniforms are uncomfortable. However, uniforms can help students follow a dress code and avoid spending too much time choosing what to wear.”
What is the rebuttal in the statement?
A. Some students think uniforms are uncomfortable.
B. School uniforms are uncomfortable.
C. Uniforms can help students follow a dress code.
D. Students spend too much time choosing what to wear.
C. Uniforms can help students follow a dress code.
Identify the type of claim:
“The school should require students to bring reusable containers for lunch.”
Claim of policy
A poster says, “Choose the brighter, better, and more beautiful future!” but gives no specific information about what makes the future better. What technique is used?
Glittering generalities
This appeal tries to influence the audience by creating emotions such as sympathy, fear, happiness, or anger.
Pathos
A writer uses “Hey guys, check this out!” in a social media post. What type of diction is this?
Informal diction
Read the argument:
“Schools should create more reading spaces because students need quiet places to study. Some may argue that classrooms already provide enough space. However, classrooms can become noisy during free periods, making a separate reading space more useful.”
Which sentence presents the counterclaim?
“Some may argue that classrooms already provide enough space.”
Which evidence would best support this claim?
“The school should add more recycling bins.”
A. “I think recycling bins look nice.”
B. “My friend likes the color of the new bins.”
C. “A school waste audit found that 60% of classroom waste could have been recycled.”
D. “Recycling bins are popular in many schools.”
C. “A school waste audit found that 60% of classroom waste could have been recycled.”
An advertisement shows a famous basketball player drinking a particular sports drink. The advertisement does not provide evidence that the drink improves athletic performance.
What propaganda technique is mainly being used?
Transfer
A school nurse says:
“As a licensed health professional, I recommend that students get enough sleep every night.”
Which appeal is strongest?
Ethos
A report uses terms such as “rank-and-file employees,” “implementation,” and “administrative procedures” because it is written for school officials. What does this show about the writer's language?
Formal diction
A writer argues that students should have a longer lunch break. Another student says this would reduce learning time. The writer responds, “A carefully planned lunch break can give students enough time to rest without removing important lessons.”
What part of the argument is the writer's response?
Rebuttal
Which evidence would BEST support this claim?
“Students should have a short break between long class periods.”
A. Some students like talking to their friends.
B. Students can use the break to rest and prepare for the next lesson.
C. Breaks are fun for students.
D. Many students enjoy recess.
B. Students can use the break to rest and prepare for the next lesson.
A snack advertisement says: “Our chips are made with real potatoes and contain no artificial colors.”
However, the advertisement does not mention that the product is also very high in sodium.
Which technique is most likely being used?
C. Half-truth
Read the statements:
Statement A: “According to a school survey, 82% of students reported feeling more focused after taking short breaks.”
Statement B: “Imagine how exhausted students feel when they study for hours without resting.”
Which appeals are mainly used in A and B?
Logos, then Pathos
A writer uses words such as “reckless,” “selfish,” and “shameful” to make readers react negatively to an issue. What kind of diction is being used?
Loaded/emotional diction