Persuasive techniques
- AFOREST: anecdotes, facts, opinions, rhetorical questions, emotive language, statistics and triplets (the rule of three).
- Also: direct address ("you"), repetition, imperatives ("Act now"), hyperbole (exaggeration) and expert opinions.
- Emotive language makes the reader feel strongly: "innocent animals suffering in cruel cages".
Structuring an argument
- Introduction: state your view clearly and hook the reader.
- Paragraphs: one point each, with evidence and an explanation.
- Counter-argument: mention the other side, then rebut it (explain why it is wrong). This makes you seem fair and strengthens your case.
- Conclusion: sum up and end with a call to action.
- Link ideas with discourse markers: firstly, furthermore, however, on the other hand, therefore, in conclusion.
Forms and register
- Speeches, letters, articles, leaflets and blogs can all persuade.
- Use a formal register for a head teacher or newspaper: Standard English and no slang.
- Formal letters: "Dear Sir or Madam" ends "Yours faithfully"; "Dear Mrs Le Page" ends "Yours sincerely".
Key terms
- Persuade
- Try to make someone agree with you or do something.
- Rhetorical question
- A question asked for effect, without expecting an answer.
- Emotive language
- Words chosen to make the reader feel strong emotions.
- Rule of three
- Listing three things for emphasis.
- Counter-argument
- The opposing view, which you then argue against.
- Rebuttal
- Explaining why the opposing view is wrong.
- Imperative
- A command, such as "Sign the petition".
- Hyperbole
- Deliberate exaggeration.
- Discourse marker
- A word or phrase that links ideas, such as "however".
- Register
- How formal or informal language is.