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Eng_Y07_U2_SH_LanguageFeaturesOfPersuasiveTexts
Language features of persuasive texts
Language
feature
Defnition Effects Example
Rhetorical
question
A question asked for
effect with no answer
expected
Involves the audience in
thoughtful consideration of
the question
Have you got what it takes to
face this challenge?
Alliteration The recurrence of the
same consonant sounds
at the beginning of words
in close succession
Draws audience attention to a
section of a text, emphasising
that section. Also creates
rhythm.
We will fght for our families
future and freedom.
Emotive
language
(Language of
affect)
Different words convey
distinct emotions:
Happinessunhappiness
Securityinsecurity
Satisfaction
dissatisfaction
Happiness: relieved
Unhappiness: despair
Security: together
Insecurity: anxious
Satisfaction: glad
Dissatisfaction: angry
We are relieved to have
come this far together. We
are glad to stand united.
Parallel
construction
Placing two words,
phrases or clauses that
are similar in length and
grammatical form next to
each other
Used to emphasise, create
contrast, build imagery and/or
achieve rhythm
The rich are getting richer,
and the poor are getting
poorer.
Tricolon A series of three parallel
words, phrases or
clauses placed close
together.
Used to emphasise ideas and
articulate points in a pleasing
manner. Used to stack on
evidence and ideas.
I see pride, I see power, I see
people ready to stand up for
their rights.
Metaphor An imaginative
description that describes
one thing as another
Used to create images for
the audience. The images
can often be associated with
feelings or they may contain a
message.
Hope is the bright silver
star that guides us through
diffcult times.
Contrast A mode of description
that emphasises the
differences between two
things
Highlights differences to
create an emphasis on
one of a pair of things. This
emphasis may be positive or
negative.
My story is one of rags to
riches.
Repetition Intentional repeating of
key phrases or words
Draws attention to the word or
phrase connected to the idea
I have a dream.
Anaphora Repetition of the same
word or phrase at the
beginning of a sentence
This device confrms a key
idea or makes a theme clear
for the audience. Used when
the speaker wants to highlight
the importance of an idea.
We shall fght on the
beaches. We shall fght on
the landing grounds.
Winston Churchill
Epistrophe Repetition of the same
word or phrase at the end
of a sentence
This device may emphasise
a key theme or idea. It
may also emphasise a
logical conclusion or set
of consequences that are
related to a topic.
Not acting now will cause
us to fail. Standing still will
cause us to fail. Losing hope
will cause us to fail.
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Eng_Y07_U2_SH_LanguageFeaturesOfPersuasiveTexts
Text structures
Organising
principle
Defnition Effects Example
Emotive
language
(Language of
affect)
Different words convey
separate emotions:
Happiness
unhappiness
Securityinsecurity
Satisfaction
Dissatisfaction
Happiness: relieved
Unhappiness: despair
Security: together
Insecurity: anxious
Satisfaction: glad
Dissatisfaction: angry
Consistent choices
can control the overall
emotional mood of a text.
We are relieved to have come
this far together, glad that we
stand united
This section of speech makes
use of positive emotions.
Power line Memorable
catchphrases that stick
with the audience
Advances the theme
of a text. Can create a
catchphrase that the
audience can take away.
Obamas Yes we can
catchphrase is a power line.
Modality Words (usually verbs
and adverbs) that
indicate possibility,
probability and
obligation)
Higher modality increases
the authority of a speaker.
Should = high obligation
Certainly = high possibility
Likely = high probability
Inclusivity Use of language that
makes direct links to
specifc social and
cultural groups
Creates a bond or
connection between the
group and the speaker.
Makes speaker seem
respectful of others.
Men, women, boys and girls, I
implore you to listen.
Structure
What was (past)
What is (present)
What can be
(future)
Commonly used
structure that organises
the arguments of a
persuasive speech
Allows the audience
to acknowledge past
problems, current
conditions and
challenges, and, fnally, to
consider how the speaker
offers a hopeful future.
We have come a long way and
endured many struggles. Today,
however, we still face many
challenges. By joining hands and
acting together, we can create a
better future.
Speaking
techniques
Defnition Effects Example
Pause An intentional pause
intended for effect
Isolates a key word or
phrase. Creates anticipation,
encourages the audience to
await coming information.
Unity this is what makes
us strong.
Intonation and
emphasis
The sound patterns of
speaking the rise and
fall of voice pitch. The
melody of speaking.
Changes in voice tone can be
associated with subject matter or
certain words.
A low, even pitch may
indicate seriousness.