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Unit 2 Language Analysis

Persuasive Language Techniques Worksheet

Name: _____________________________ (No.__________)

Class: 11___ Date: _________________
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Part 1: Read the definitions and identify the persuasive language technique below. The first one has been
done for you.
alliteration analogy generalisation rhetorical question repetition
evidence/statistics connotation exaggeration anecdote ad hominem attack
inclusive language metaphor/simile emotive language cliché pun
appeal to hip- appeal to family appeal to tradition appeal to fear and appeal to loyalty
pocket nerve values and custom insecurity and patriotism

Persuasive Language Techniques Definitions

1. cliché a common and overused phrase quickly understood by a
wide audience
2. alliteration repetition of consonant, especially at the start of the words

3. rhetorical question a question with an implied but unstated answer

4. repetition using a word or phrase several times

5. emotive language language that has a strong emotional impact; uses the
positive and negative connotations of words to influence the
reader’s response
6. connotation associations or implied meanings of words

7. appeal to fear and insecurity arouses fear and anxiety by suggesting harmful or unpleasant
effects
8. exaggeration exaggerates the true situation for dramatic effect

9. metaphor/simile figures of speech that identify a similarity between two

different things
10. pun a play on a word that suggests a double meaning

11. ad hominem attack attacking or insulting a person rather than their opinion or
the facts
12. appeal to hip-pocket nerve suggests that people should pay the least amount possible,
either individually or as a society
13. appeal to loyalty and patriotism suggests that readers should be loyal to their group and love
their country
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14. evidence/statistics the use of facts and figures to suggest a rational or scientific
basis for a point of view
15. anecdote a story about someone or something that the writer has
experienced or heard about
16. inclusive language uses ‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’, etc. to include the readers in the same
group as the writer
17. analogy a comparison between two things that helps the reader to
draw conclusions about their similarities
18. appeal to tradition and custom suggests that traditional customs are valuable and should be
preserved
19. generalisation a sweeping statement that suggests what is true for some is
true for most or all
20. appeal to family values suggests that families are good, especially traditional nuclear
families
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Part 2: Read the examples and identify the persuasive language technique used.
Persuasive Language Technique Example
1. sensationalism “Aspirin May Kill You”

2. connotation “Kill” vs “slaughter”

“Health issue” vs “health crisis”
“Terrorist” vs “freedom fighter”
3. metaphor “He was on roller coaster of emotions.”

4. simile “She was as snug as a bug in a rug.”

5. formal language / jargon “The Norwegian real estate market is currently the main
benefactor in causing much distress in the inhabitants of
Norway's lives.”
6. expert evidence “Teenagers are becoming more rebellious as they enter
childhood, says child psychologist Jean Marie.”
7. ad hominem attack / ridicule "We have an enemy before us called Tony Abbott, and
the Liberal Coalition government nationally, that is taking
away reforms that we fought so hard for.”
8. cliché “It’s not the destination that matters most, but the journey
along the way.”
“Houston, we have a problem.”
9. repetition Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley
of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is
the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
10. logic and reasoning Research has shown that children growing up in places
with high pollution are slower to establish basic motor
skills.
11. inclusive language “We might not like it, but our kids’ right to confidential
medical advice should take precedence.”
12. alliteration “Wide-eyed and wondering while we wait for others to
waken.”
13. anecdotal evidence / anecdote “Jason said that that was all cool and everything, because
his grandfather smoked 30 cigarettes a day and lived until
he was 97.”
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14. rhetorical question “If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we
not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you
wrong us, shall we not revenge?”
15. hypothetical evidence / imaginary “What if the world ends tomorrow?”
situation
16. hyperbole “Her brain is the size of a pea.”
“I’ve told you a million times.”
“It was so cold, I saw polar bears wearing jackets.”
17. generalisation "I know two men who had meat pies for lunch, they are
both builders. That must mean all builders eat meat pies
for lunch."
18. exclusive language “It’s all their fault because they are the ones who made
the decision.”
19. emotive language “The disappearance of the airplane is disturbing and
distressing.”
20. colloquial language “She’s a top Sheila that Jessica Rowe. Channel Nine are
stark raving to give her the boot.”
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Part 3: Complete the following table of persuasive language techniques.

PLT Definition Effect

1. Alliteration Repetition of the first consonant  Used to provide emphasis
sound in several words  Enables the audience to remember
the key points
2. Anecdotal evidence A short account of a particular  Often much easier for people to
incident or event, especially of an believe someone's testimony as
interesting or amusing nature) to opposed to understanding complex
support a scientific claim or a data and scientific evidence
conclusion drawn from casual  Used as reinforcements to shore up
observation or personal arguments especially when they lack
experiences. It may be valid, but it scientific proof
is not proven
3. Attack/Ridicule An assertion of the writer's  Effective in placing the reader in a
viewpoint, and is used to prove the position of agreement with the
writers point by putting down writer/speaker
and/or going against the opponent  Works by forceful assertion through
or idea appropriate language and insistent
claims that are not usually supported
with evidence.
4. Clichés A term or phrase that has been  Useful for conveying a point that the
overused to the extent that they reader may be able to relate to. The
are commonly understood by reader would be able to relate to it
society. because as previously stated a cliché
is something that is commonly known
5. Colloquial language Informal language that is not rude,  Brings an inclusive tone to the text
however would not be used in a and make the reader feel more at
formal situation, but typically used home as the language being used is
in everyday speech that is easily familiar to them
understood.  Accessible to all and easy to
understand, meaning the reader can
feel like they are being treated as an
equal and being told the plain truth
from someone who appears to be just
like them
6. Connotation Refers to what is suggested or  Different words carry different
implied by language – in other associations, which makes word
words, the extra meanings beyond selection very important when trying
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a literal interpretation to evoke a specific reaction in an

audience
 To call attention to, or subvert, a
specific association
7. Emotive language Words used to deliberately create  To appeal to people’s emotions and
an emotional impact or response trigger an emotional response.
from the audience.
8. Exclusive language Language that leaves out or  To target or accuse particular groups,
alienates a particular group of as well as creating a ‘them and us’
people or things for effect. It can mentality.
be characterized by the use of  Can generate a sense of solidarity
pronouns ‘they’, ‘them’ and ‘those’. between the particular audience who
is not being excluded, and give that
target audience somewhere to blame
9. Expert evidence Refers to a person who is a  Causes the audience to have more
specialist in a subject who may faith and belief in what the expert is
present his/her expert opinion saying, as they have had prior
without having been a witness to experience in similar situations
any occurrence relating to situation therefore have a better understanding
of situations and outcomes
10. Formal language A more extensive and  Used in texts to give an assumed
sophisticated use of language and level of credibility
the development of points in a  Leaves the reader thinking the piece
'proper' method is more sophisticated due to its
authoritative and commanding tone
 Used to command the respect of the
readers
11. Generalisation Go hand in hand with stereotypes.  Audience will usually be aware of
A statement or concept obtained most generalisations at the least, if
from specific cases. not agree with them
 Frequently used in conversations
when describing things and people
12. Hyperbole An extreme exaggeration used to  A boring story can quickly become
make a point for emphasis or interesting or comical
humor and not meant to be taken  Exaggerated and ridiculous
literally
13. Hypothetical Based on claims typically based on  Used to explain a complicated topic
evidence a “what if” statement which makes most sense when it is
put into more relatable terms
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 Helps the audience to better visualise

a topic and relate to the point of view
more effectively
14. Inclusive language Language which does not belittle,  Create a sense of togetherness and
exclude, stereotype or trivialise which gives us the impression that it
people on the basis of their race, is representing a wide range of
gender or disability opinions
 Used to avoid any prejudice or
exclusion
15. Logic and Use of a valid argument developed  Helps establish the strength of one
reasoning step by step with reasoning and side, or the weakness of another
evidence (with justification) to  Reinforces reason to an argument
support each main point, to sway  Sound logic is hard to rebut and also
an audience lends more credibility then emotions
16. Metaphor A figure of speech in which a word  Allows all readers to come up with
or phrase is applied to an object or many different meanings for the
action to which it is not literally words
applicable; an indirect comparison  Gives the reader a clearer
is drawn between the two things – understanding of the situation
one becomes the other  Adds emphasis – the readers can get
17. Simile A figure of speech involving the a clearer image in their heads and it
comparison of one thing with makes the phrase more interesting
another thing of a different kind,  Creates an easier visual for the
used to make a description more reader
emphatic or vivid. The comparison
uses the words ‘as’ or ‘like’.
18. Repetition The act of saying or writing  Draws attention to the repeated
something that has already been words, phrase image or sound
said or written more than once  Audience is more likely to remember
it
19. Rhetorical question A question with an no expected  Make the audience think about and
answer; used consider the message behind the
to make a point or deliver a question
message
20. Sensationalism Presentation of stories in a way  Leads the audience to believe it is
that is intended to provoke public more important, dramatic and
interest or excitement, at the extreme than it really is
expense of accuracy  Uses fear, anger, excitement and
crude thrill undertaken to increase the
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viewership, ratings and lastly profits

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Part 4: Analyse the use of the following persuasive techniques in the examples given and explain its effects.
How is the language used to persuade the audience?
1. Persuasive language technique: Ethos
Example: A commercial about a brand of toothpaste says that 4 out of 5 dentists use it.
Effect: The claim that "4 out of 5 dentists use it" is an appeal to authority. Dentists are seen as experts in
oral health, so the implication is that if the majority of them recommend this toothpaste, it must be
effective. Effect: This appeals to the audience's trust in professionals and their expertise. It can make the
toothpaste seem more credible and trustworthy, leading consumers to consider it as a reliable choice for
their oral care.
2. Persuasive language technique: Tone
Example: “That is the ugliest, most idiotic dog I have ever seen and he smells even worse than he
looks.”
Effect: The statement contains strong negative emotions and derogatory language, such as "ugliest,"
"idiotic," and "smells even worse." This is an appeal to the audience's emotions, attempting to evoke a
negative response.
3. Persuasive language technique: Inclusive language
Example: “We might not like it, but our kids’ right to confidential medical advice should take
precedence.”
Effect: The use of "Many of us" broadens the inclusivity by addressing a collective "us" rather than
"we," and the focus on "our children" emphasizes a shared responsibility for all parents or guardians
4. Persuasive language technique: Alliteration
Example: “Air is foul and foul is fair, hover through the fog and filthy air.”
Effect: These alliterations contribute to the poetic and rhythmic quality of the quote, making it more
memorable and evocative.
5. Persuasive language technique: Hyperbole
Example: “I am so hungry I could eat a horse!”
Effect: Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis. In this case, the speaker exaggerates their
hunger to an extreme degree by suggesting they could eat a whole horse, which is clearly unrealistic and
humorous. This statement is to vividly emphasize extreme hunger, create a memorable image,
potentially add humor, and engage the audience's attention.
6. Persuasive language technique: Emphasis
Example: “He's passed on! This parrot is no more! He's expired and gone to meet his maker!”
Effect: The use of euphemisms, hyperbole, and a touch of absurdity in this statement serves to
emphasize the parrot's death in a creative and entertaining way. The emphasis on the event captures the
audience's attention, provides a sense of lightheartedness, and potentially lightens the emotional weight
of the topic. It's an example of how language can be used to approach sensitive or serious topics with
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humor and creativity.

7. Persuasive language technique: Understatement
Example: " It's just a flesh wound."
Effect: It is primarily to generate humor, satirize cinematic clichés, and engage the audience by
presenting a humorous twist on a serious situation. It's a classic example of how understatement can be
a powerful comedic tool, especially when used in the context of absurd or exaggerated scenarios.
8. Persuasive language technique: Rhetorical question
Example: “How many times do I have to tell you not to drink the milk straight from the carton?"
Effect: The use of the rhetorical question "How many times do I have to tell you..." is a form of
repetition. It emphasizes that the speaker has already communicated this message multiple times.
Repetition through a rhetorical question implies frustration and highlights the importance of the
message. It suggests that the behavior in question should be corrected.
9. Persuasive language technique: Sarcasm
Example: “Oh, sure, snakes are ABSOLUTELY my favourite animal.”
Effect: This conveys a sense of disapproval or irony, engages the audience's attention, adds humor, and
allows the speaker to express a contrary or negative opinion indirectly. Sarcasm is a powerful tool for
conveying underlying meanings and creating a specific tone or mood in communication.
10. Persuasive language technique: Juxtaposition
Example: “You will soon be asked to do great violence in the cause of good.”
Effect: The juxtaposition is used to create a thought-provoking and powerful message. This emphasizes
the moral dilemma and ethical complexity of potentially using violence for what is perceived as a just
or noble purpose. It prompts critical thinking and encourages the audience to grapple with the
contrasting elements presented in the message.
11. Persuasive language technique: Logos
Example: “People who eat chocolate are 72% happier than those who don’t, so we should be eating
chocolate every day.”
Effect: The persuasive technique of logos, which is the use of logical reasoning and factual evidence to
persuade an audience by presenting statistical evidence and a logical argument to support the idea that
people should eat chocolate every day for increased happiness. This adds an element of credibility and
objectivity to the argument. It provides the audience with quantifiable data that suggests a strong
correlation between eating chocolate and happiness.
12. Persuasive language technique: Allusion
Example: “I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father, Jor-
el, to save the Planet Earth.”
Effect: Allusion to Krypton and Jor-el – The reference to "Krypton" and "Jor-el" is an allusion to the
Superman comic book and movie mythology. Krypton is the fictional home planet of Superman, and
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Jor-el is his father who sent him to Earth to save him from Krypton's destruction. It adds a layer of
humor, entertainment, and cultural reference to the narrative. It assumes the audience's familiarity with
the Superman story and plays with the juxtaposition of the speaker's birth story and the superhero origin
tale.
13. Persuasive language technique: Pathos
Example: “Teenager tries to convince his parents to buy him a new car, as the old one continually
breaks down, by saying if they cared about their child's safety, they'd upgrade him.”
Effect: This appeals to the audience's emotions, specifically their concern for the child's safety. The core
of the argument is based on the emotion of parental care and the desire for their child's safety. By
framing the request for a new car as a matter of safety, the teenager taps into the parents' emotional
attachment and protective instincts. The emotional appeal can evoke feelings of concern, worry, and
love that parents have for their child's well-being. This can make the argument more compelling and
resonate on a deep emotional level.
14. Persuasive language technique: Parody
Example: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want
of more brains.”
Effect: The statement is a humorous parody that uses elements of satire, cultural reference, and
unexpected humor to entertain and engage the audience. By subverting the original text's serious subject
matter with an absurd and whimsical twist, it creates a playful and entertaining effect.
15. Persuasive language technique: High modality language
Example: may, will, must, absolutely, definitely, etc.
Effect: Words and phrases that express strong certainty, obligation, or necessity - when used
appropriately, can add a sense of conviction, necessity, or strong likelihood to a statement.
16. Persuasive language technique: Metaphor
Example: “My head is a disorganised file cabinet.”
Effect: This draws a comparison between two seemingly unrelated things to create a vivid and often
symbolic expression vividly conveys the idea of mental disarray or confusion, offering a creative and
relatable way to describe the state of the writer’s mind. It helps the audience create a mental image of
the speaker's state of mind, making it more tangible and relatable.
17. Persuasive language technique: Imagery
Example: “The pond is popping with life. Midges are swarming over the center, and the edges are
clotted with the jellied egg masses of snails.”
Effect: This brings the pond to life by providing a vivid and sensory-rich portrayal of its bustling
ecosystem, making it more engaging and evocative for the reader, enhancing the vividness of the
description, making it more engaging and memorable. It helps the reader connect with and visualize the
scene.
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18. Persuasive language technique: Cliché

Example: “It's not you, it's me.” “It's just a matter of time.”
Effect: The cliche's effect is that it has become a widely recognized and somewhat formulaic way to
convey a sentiment of personal responsibility for the end of a relationship while avoiding blaming the
other party. However, because it is so frequently used, it can come across as insincere or lacking in
emotional depth, as it may not fully express the complexities of the situation.
19. Persuasive language technique: Anecdote
Example: “About seven years ago, I lost a good friend to a motorcycle accident. Now I never take one
moment for granted and always tell people that I care about them when I have the chance.”
Effect: The anecdote serves to emphasize the importance of cherishing moments and expressing care for
others. It rings a personal and emotional dimension to the message. It helps the audience understand and
connect with the speaker's change in behavior and underscores the importance of valuing and
expressing care for loved ones.
20. Persuasive language technique: Connotation
Example: “Terrorist vs freedom fighter” “Kill vs slaughter” “Health issue vs health crisis”
Effect: Strong connotations that can significantly influence how the audience perceives and interprets a
person's actions or a group's goals. These connotations are closely tied to the political, social, and
cultural contexts in which the terms are used. Example: The term "terrorist" typically carries a negative
connotation. It is used to describe individuals or groups who employ violent or unlawful tactics to instill
fear and achieve their political, ideological, or religious objectives. It is often associated with acts of
violence against civilians, non-combatants, or government institutions, and it is widely condemned in
international law and discourse. In contrast, the term "freedom fighter" carries a more positive or
sympathetic connotation. It is used to describe individuals or groups who engage in armed resistance or
rebellion against what they perceive as oppressive regimes, foreign occupation, or authoritarian
governments. The term implies a struggle for freedom, justice, or self-determination, and it is often seen
as legitimate in certain contexts. Connotations significantly affect the audience's perceptions, emotions,
alignment with the speaker's perspective, moral considerations, and support or opposition to the
individuals or groups.