Persuasive Devices

Experts are used to add greater weight or authority to an argument.

Statistics are used to make an argument seem more scientifically based or a point of view more widely held or difficult to argue with.

Rhetorical questions do not require an answer. They invite the reader to agree with the argument being put forward.

'These young graffiti artists' (positive)'These young vandals' (negative) This type of language is designed to make a strong impact on the reader and to position them to see something in either a positive or a negative light.

'We're tired of excuses''All of us realise...' Inclusive language is used to encourage the reader to feel that they are on the same side as the writer and the majority of public opinion.

'Mr Thomas is a frail old man. He depends on his pension and limited financial help from his son but still only just manages.' Case studies are sometimes used by writer to personalize an issue in order to elicit sympathy from the reader.

'My teenage daughter has told me that this behaviour is common among her friends.' Anecdotal evidence is used to suggest that writers have some special insight in this area in order to add further weight to their argument.

'Mr Howard was wrong, Mr Beazley was wrong andany other politician who understimates the intelligence of the Australian voter is also wrong.' This technique is used to emphasize a point strongly to the reader.

'This gradual erosion of our rights could lead us into a situation like the one which allowed the Nazis to come to power.' In this case, the analogy has been used to make the reader afraid and so more receptive to the writer's argument.

Readers would not want to be seen as disloyal or unpatriotic and so may be more likely to agree with the writer.

'Are cars to blame when people have an accident? Come on! With a little common sense we can devise a better plan.' Most readers would want to see themselves as people who use common sense and logic, and might be more inclined to accept the writer's argument.

'It doesn't seem right that there is such an obvious double standard in this case.' Most people see themselves as fair and so once again would be more likely to accept the writer's argument.

'I'm pretty sick of my taxes being wasted like this.' This appeal is designed to anger the reader. Most people do not like to think of their money being wasted.

It's getting so that we'll soon be unable to walk through the city streets at night if we value our safety.' Fear is a very powerful emotion and being afraid may make readers more receptive to the writer's solution.