1. Language Arts 7

2.  Use a variety of persuasive techniques to convince your
audience to agree with you.

3.  This technique argues that because everyone else is
doing something, it must be a good idea and you
should do it too.
 Example: More and more teenagers have cell
phones. That is why I need one too.

4.  This technique gives an example of a person who
agrees. The message is that if this person endorses the
product or idea, then it must be good. In
advertisements, celebrities are often used.

5.  This technique uses quotes or statements from a
person who is considered an expert on the topic.
Example: Local
family pediatrician,
Dr. J Payne, stated,
“Proper hand
washing technique is
the best way to
stop the spread of
illness.”

6.  This technique uses research to support the writer’s
view.
Example: A
Snickers bar has
280 calories and 30
grams of sugar.
That’s not very
healthy.

7.  This technique encourages the reader to do something
about the issue being addressed.
Example: Your
donation might just
get this puppy off
the street and into a
good home. The
SPCA needs your
financial support.

8.  This technique uses carefully selected vocabulary to
create an emotional response from the reader. The
author may want you to feel pity, disgust, fear, or anger.
Example: Everyday,
thousands of
starving children
live in wretched
conditions.

9.  A rhetorical question is one where a question is posed
for effect, but no answer is expected. The purpose of
the question is to gain the reader’s attention.
 Example: Do you want to live in a world where
people turn a blind eye to the plight of
others?

10.  This technique involves intentionally repeating a word
or phrase throughout the writing. This draws
attention to the word/phrase and accentuates your
point.

11.  In this technique, the author acknowledges arguments
for the other side but then dismisses those points.
Example: Some
people claim it’s
their right to
smoke. What about
the rights of others
though? Second
hand smoke takes
away the right of all
of us to clean air.

12.  Try to incorporate some of these persuasive techniques
in your writing. They will go a long way in helping you
convince your audience!