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 (Concrete Image – the picture created through imagery)

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

A method used in speaking or writing to get an audience to agree with the speaker or writer’s point of view.

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 imageryor 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 Devices/ Questions – 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– 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

Text Structures

An author’s method of organizing a text.

Organizational Patterns:

• Chronological - Sequence
• 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

Creating Purpose/ Audience

Repetition of Ideas – Starts with a single idea and builds on it

Syntax – Sentence Construction

Diction – Author 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

Credibility – The quality or state of offering reasonable grounds for being believed.

Reliability – Suitable or fit to be relied on; trustworthy

Text Features

Text features – Organizers of written material such as indexes, prefaces, appendices, definitional footnotes, sidebars, tables of content, illustrations or photographs.

Cutaway – A drawing or model of something with part of its outside removed to give a view of the inside

Overlay – A transparent sheet containing additional details, such as a chart or map, that is placed on top of another transparency on an overhead projector during a presentation.

Definitional Footnote – A reference, explanation or comment usually placed below the text on a printed page.

Sidebar – Supplementary information that is printed alongside the main text.

Fallacies of Thinking

Fallacy – A typical error in reasoning that makes an argument unsound

Validity – A truthful or factual condition , a logical argument

Propaganda – The spreading of ideas or rumor for personal purpose that can either benefit or harm

Transfer – The product is associated with something attractive or respectable

Glittering Generalities - Positive words that can vary in depth and meaning; words linked to highly valued concepts ex. Love

Broad generalization – Takes in everything and everyone at once allowing no exceptions. Ex. All and Everyone

Bait and 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

Format – the shape, size and general make-up

Consumer documents – Warranties, product information designed to help with daily tasks

Functional documents – works of non fiction such as “how to” books, technical manuals and instructions

Work place documents – Job related non-fiction materials such as memoranda, meeting minutes, and travel schedules

Informational documents – Works of nonfiction such as, transcripts, reports or journals.

Public Documents - Non fiction materials such as newspapers, editorials and speeches

Editorials – an opinionated response to an issue that is debatable

Presentation Behaviors

Cues – Hand, body or facial gestures that communicate meaning with little or no use of language

Intonation – The rise and fall of a voice pitch.

Pace – The rate a speaker uses during delivery.

Pitch –height or depth of a tone

Visual Aid