Introduction to Persuasive Writing

Propaganda

• Authors sometimes use techniques to persuade you to act a certain way based on emotions.

Bandwagon Effect

• A technique that suggests that most people support or oppose an issue.

Peer Pressure

• When an author tries to convince you that “everybody” is thinking or doing what the author says, and if the reader does not agree he will lose respect.

Repetition

• When an author tries to make an idea memorable even if it is not supported by clear reasoning.

Transfer

• When an author stirs the reader’s feelings about one thing and transfers those feelings to something else.

Loaded Words

• Writers use these words with highly emotional or controversial topics to “press our buttons”.

Name-calling

• When a writer makes accusations that are not supported by facts.

Stereotyping

• When a writer uses an unfair image of a group to make a point that isn’t true.

Snobbery

• A technique used by a writer to make people think they are better than others by acting a certain way.

“Ordinary Folks”

• A technique used by writers to connect itself with simple values and down-to-earth people.

Glittering Generalities

• When a writer uses patriotic, attractive, or catchy words that don’t really say anything.

Scientific Claim

• When the writer attempts to convince the reader that a product or idea is accurate or approved.

Testimonial

• A technique used by a writer that tells you to base your decision on what someone else thinks.

Scare Tactics

• A technique that communicates possible negative effects with strong and unsupported images that make people act out of fear.

Guilt by Association

• A technique that implies that if your friend did something bad, then you are probably guilty, too.

Appeal to Patriotism

• A technique that implies that a person may or may not be a truly dedicated citizen.

Word Bank for Crossword Puzzle

Propaganda SnobberyBandwagon Effect “Ordinary Folks”Peer Pressure Glittering GeneralitiesRepetition Scientific ClaimTransfer TestimonialLoaded Words Scare TacticsName-calling Guilt by AssociationStereotyping Appeal to Patriotism