Language features of persuasive texts
Language
feature
Rhetorical
question
Alliteration
Emotive
language
(Language of
Affect)
Parallel
construction
Tricolon
Definition
Effects
Example
A question asked for effect
with no answer expected
Involves the audience in
thoughtful consideration of
the question
Draws audience attention
to a section of a text,
emphasising that section.
Also creates rhythm.
Happiness: relieved
Unhappiness: despair
Security: together
Insecurity: anxious
Satisfaction: glad
Dissatisfaction: angry
Used to emphasise, create
contrast, build imagery
and/or achieve rhythm
Have you got what it takes
to face this challenge?
Used to emphasise ideas
and articulate points in a
pleasing manner. Used to
‘stack on’ evidence and
ideas.
Used to create images for
the audience. The images
can often be associated
with feelings or they may
contain a message.
Highlights differences to
create an emphasis on one
of a pair of things. This
emphasis may be positive
or negative.
Draws attention to the word
or phrase connected to the
idea
This device confirms a key
idea or makes a theme
clear for the audience.
Used when the speaker
wants to highlight the
importance of an idea.
This device may
emphasise a key theme or
idea. It may also
emphasise a logical
conclusion or set of
consequences that are
related to a topic.
I see pride, I see power, I
see people ready to stand
up for their rights.
The recurrence of the
same consonant sounds at
the beginning of words in
close succession
Happiness–unhappiness
Security–insecurity
Satisfaction–dissatisfaction
Placing two words, phrases
or clauses that are similar
in length and grammatical
form next to each other
A series of three parallel
words, phrases or clauses
placed close together.
Metaphor
An imaginative description
that describes one thing as
another
Contrast
A mode of description that
emphasises the differences
between two things
Repetition
Intentional repeating of key
phrases or words
Anaphora
Repetition of the same
word or phrase at the
beginning of a sentence
Epistrophe
Repetition of the same
word or phrase at the end
of a sentence
1 of 2
LanguageFeaturesOf
PersuasiveTexts
We will fight for our
families’ future and
freedom.
We are relieved to have
come this far together. We
are glad to stand united.
The rich are getting richer,
and the poor are getting
poorer.
Hope is the bright silver
star that guides us through
difficult times.
My story is one of rags to
riches.
I have a dream.
We shall fight on the
beaches. We shall fight on
the landing grounds.
Winston Churchill
Not acting now will cause
us to fail. Standing still will
cause us to fail. Losing
hope will cause us to fail.
Text structures
Organising
principle
Emotive
language
(Language of
Affect)
Definition
Different words convey
separate emotions:
Happiness–unhappiness
Security–insecurity
Satisfaction–Dissatisfaction
Power line
Memorable catchphrases
that stick with the audience
Modality
Words (usually verbs and
adverbs) that indicate
possibility, probability and
obligation)
Use of language that
makes direct links to
specific social and cultural
groups
Inclusivity
Structure
What was
(past)
What is
(present)
What can be
(future)
Commonly used structure
that organises the
arguments of a persuasive
speech
Speaking
techniques
Pause
Definition
Intonation
and
emphasis
2 of 2
LanguageFeaturesOf
PersuasiveTexts
An intentional pause
intended for effect
The sound patterns of
speaking — the rise and
fall of voice pitch. The
melody of speaking.
Effects
Example
Happiness: relieved
Unhappiness: despair
Security: together
Insecurity: anxious
Satisfaction: glad
Dissatisfaction: angry
Consistent choices can
control the overall
emotional mood of a text.
Advances the theme of a
text. Can create a
catchphrase that the
audience can take away.
Higher modality increases
the authority of a speaker.
We are relieved to have
come this far together, glad
that we stand united
This section of speech
makes use of positive
emotions.
Creates a bond or
connection between the
group and the speaker.
Makes speaker seem
respectful of others.
Allows the audience to
acknowledge past
problems, current
conditions and challenges,
and, finally, to consider
how the speaker offers a
hopeful future.
Men, women, boys and
girls, I implore you to listen.
Effects
Example
Isolates a key word or
phrase. Creates
anticipation,
encourages the audience
to await coming
information.
Changes in voice tone can
be associated with subject
matter or certain words.
Unity… this is what makes
us strong.
Obama’s ‘Yes we can’
catchphrase is a power
line.
Should = high obligation
Certainly = high possibility
Likely = high probability
We have come a long way
and endured many
struggles. Today, however,
we still face many
challenges. By joining
hands and acting together,
we can create a better
future.
A low, even pitch may
indicate seriousness.