Persuasive Writing Techniques

Technique

Definition

Example of the technique in use

P

Personal pronouns

Words that refer to someone or something in a sentence: I, you, he, she, it, we, us, they, them, us, our…

Surely we can do more to help.

It is our duty to act before it’s too late.

E

Emotive language

Words that make the reader feel an emotional response to the topic.

They suffered a devastating ordeal.

R

Rhetorical questions

A question asked for dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

Are you ready?

Are we really going to just stand by and let this happen?

How would you feel if it was you?

S

Statistics

Using some data to back up your opinion.

70% of people believe…

9 out of 10 citizens think that…

A recent survey shows…

A recent study revealed…

U

Using an expert

Quoting an expert to back up your opinion, e.g. scientist, doctor, teacher, university lecturer, conservationist etc.

As Dr. Smith of the Royal Institute states, “this is a worrying trend.”

Jane Johnson, a marine biologist who has studied the area, has noticed a sharp decline in recent years.

A

Anecdote / alliteration

Anecdote: A personal story to show you have insight into an experience.

Alliteration: words beginning with the same letter or sound – used for emphasis.

Anecdote: I say this because it has happened to me…

I know what it feels like to…

Alliteration: &br>These are wild and worrying times.

This cruel, callous behaviour has serious consequences.

D

Descri ption

Describe what you see to bring it to life for the reader. Use imagery to make them ‘see’ what you mean.

This lush area of rainforest is now nothing but a burnt wasteland.

He is a careless fool, casually breaking everything he touches.

E

Exaggeration

Makes something sound better or worse than it really is.

Without doubt it is the best…

The most outstanding…

Nothing could be worse.

R

Repetition / rule of 3

Repeating the same word or phrase for effect.

Rule of 3: saying three things in a row for emphasis.

It is wrong, worrying and reckless.

It is wrong that this happened it is wrong that it continues to happen it is wrong unless we end it now.