Download Informational/Persuasive Terms

Informational/Persuasive Terms
Figurative Language
Allusion—A reference to someone or something that is generally known from history, literature,
religion, politics…
Metaphor—A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without the
use of specific words of comparison (ex. Like, as, resembles, such as…)
Imagery—The use of language using the senses to create a concrete image in the
readers’/listeners’ mind
Simile—A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things with the use of
specific words of comparison (ex. Like, as, resembles, such as…)
Persuasive Techniques
Appeal to Reason—Calling on a reader’s ability to think in a logical way in order to cause a
change in his or her thoughts
Appeal to Emotion—Building an argument using imagery or other expressive devices instead of
presenting evidence
Appeal to Authority—Using experts to give validity to an argument
Anecdote—A brief personal story told to illustrate a point or serve as an example (Crisis)
Charged Words/ Loaded Words—Words that illicit emotional responses
Rhetorical Question—A question asked for an effect, not actually requiring an answer
Call to Action—What the speaker/writer wants the audience to do as a result of the speech/text
Peroration—A line of speech that is meant to be memorable, typically the line that seems to truly
embody the speech or the speaker. Ex.: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you
can do for your country” JFK
Counterarguments/Refutations—A point or statement in opposition to the argument being made
Parallelism—The repetition of words or phrases that are similar and have similar grammatical
structures.
Creating Purpose/Audience
Organizational Patterns:

Sequence—chronological order

Cause/Effect—Description of causes and then consequences

Problem/Solution—Outcomes are a result or solution of a need or problem

Compare/Contrast—Description of similarities and/or differences in two or more things
Repetition of Ideas—Starts with a single idea and builds on it
Syntax—Sentence construction
Diction—Author’s word choice
Implicit—To be assumed but not directly expressed
Explicit—Fully or clearly expressed, definite
Scope—The extent of the author’s treatment of a subject
Fallacies of Thinking
Propaganda—The spreading of ideas or rumors for personal purpose that can either benefit or harm
Transfer—The product is associated with something attractive or respectable
Glittering Generalization—Takes in everything and everyone at once allowing no exceptions. Ex.: All and
Everyone
Bait & Switch—An attraction of a low priced item, which is switched for a high priced item
Bias—A personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment
Bandwagon—Following the crowd
Stereotyping—An oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude or judgment founded without evidence
Testimonial—Using quotations, endorsements, or ideas from famous people to support a cause
Types
Consumer documents—Warranties, product information designed to help with daily tasks
Work place documents—Job related non-fiction materials such as memoranda, meeting minutes, and
travel schedules
Speeches
Editorials—An opinionated response to an issue that is debatable